The UK rock festival with a forest school, playground and kids' mosh pit
Summary
A well-known rock and punk festival that has grown from 1,000 people to 15,000 over the space of 19 years, 2000Trees is out to prove that it’s not just for moshers and rockers. Located at Upcote Farm near Cheltenham, the independent festival saw die-hard fans and brand-new visitors alike battle extreme heat at its 2026 edition. But it’s not just adults who have been enjoying the live music, comedy and silent discos.
Details
Children aged from just weeks old to their late teens were spotted around the grounds having the time of their lives this summer. Isaac, 10, has been coming to 2000Trees with his family since he was just two years old and considers it part of his identity. He said: “I’ve been coming to 2000Trees since I was little with my mum.
It’s my earliest experience of live music, and I love it. I was excited about the silent disco. “I told all my friends about it at school.
I wasn’t well on Friday so I couldn’t come, but when I was better we came back.” And now, in 2026, Isaac has even been joined by his baby brother, who, at 14 months old, enjoyed his first festival. Isaac said he is happy his younger brother is coming now and looks forward to him growing up with the festival too.
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Organisers have already confirmed a comeback in 2027, from July 7-11, which will mark its 20th anniversary special.
We reflect on some of the family-friendly activities this year to reflect on why 2000Trees isn’t just a festival for rock, punk and acoustic fans: Forest school: Located in the shade of a beautiful forest, the forest school offers everything from wooden drumming and marshmallow roasting to bracelet making and fire-making with a scout master.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Forest Stage, rock bands such as ‘Pup’, who usually headline the Main Stage, perform much more intimate sets to fans. The forest school is an annual part of the festival and creates the perfect opportunity for parents to catch their breath and relax whilst their children knuckle down with nature.
Children’s play area: The children’s play area is one section of Trees that gets bigger and better every year. Once upon a time, it was just a small area with a few blocks and plastic balls, but in the 2026 version of the festival, it came with a large sand pit, a ball pit, and for the first time – an ‘Actual Reality Arcade’, a life-sized interactive game zone inspired by classic arcade games.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live