For those unable, or perhaps unwilling to embrace the larger festivals of July, Truck Festival provides the perfect solution. Set in Steventon (just South of Oxford) it’s ideal for anyone who has youngsters, or perhaps friends with a propensity to wander off. It’s a small affair, with all of it’s stages close enough that you can (if you so desire it) run from each stage in turn, technically seeing every band on show. Suffice to say, you can’t lose anyone within its perimeter, no matter how hard you might try.
Despite its relatively small size, the music is seemingly uncompromised. Last year’s crowd favourite Bellowhead return with a headline slot on the main stage and there’s also music from the likes of Gruff Rhys, Fixers and The Go! Team. Added to this years set up you’ll also find a whole host of talent on the Clash Stage, including Saint Etienne, Graham Coxon and Cherry Ghost. Importantly though, Truck’s organisers are committed to giving an outlet for local bands, and on the Friday of this year’s festival BBC Oxford Introducing will be taking over the Last.fm stage to present a locally sourced lineup including Spring Offensive, Dive Dive and The Rock Of Travolta.
Away from the music, Truck has a strong charity ethos, burgers being flipped by the local Rotary Club and ice creams being served by the local vicar. Elsewhere you can feast on donuts and fresh fruit or perhaps indulge in some local brew, served by an eclectic array of cross dressing bar staff. The camping is just a stone’s throw from the main stage areas, meaning you can wander to and from music to tent with relative ease, or potentially stagger drunkenly and still locate your tent. Those less willing to get down and dirty, can bring campervans or hire out a Yurt complete with woven mats, bed linen and mirrors.
Truck Festival takes place between 22nd – 24th July 2011, with tickets costing £99 for adults and £79 for those aged 13 – 17. Under 12’s go free and day tickets are also available. For full line up and ticket information visit www.thisistruck.com
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