Festival Review: Truck Festival // July 2025
Oxfordshire’s Truck Festival proved, yet again, why it’s one of the UK’s best loved weekends of the year.
Festival season is in full swing, and the closing of July means one thing: it’s time for Truck Festival. Having built a formidable reputation over the years, Truck is undeniably one of the hottest festivals that the UK has to offer.
With a formidable line-up on the cards, the excitement levels were off the charts before a guitar was even tuned at Hill Farm. After the early-bird ticket holders had set up and enjoyed some well-deserved refreshments ahead of a big few days, it was time for Truck Festival to really swing into motion.
First up for me on Thursday was the hugely talented outfit Better Heaven. After hearing their popular release ‘24’ some time ago, Better Heaven were one group who grasped my attention after seeing them on the line up.
Their set was electric, their raw energy and passion was evident. They were clearly brimming with pride and joy to be part of the opening day of such a brilliant occasion. With only a small number of songs out on streaming platforms, their set was home to many tracks which were unfamiliar to the crowd, but they were well-loved! Better Heaven had truly kicked off Truck Festival.
This Feeling’s yearly sponsor of one of Truck’s most intimate stages continued for 2025’s instalment of the festival, and this was where Better Heaven performed their set. Immediately after this came another act who are- for good reason- highly rated, with many expecting them to go on to big things.
The North let Truck Festival know that the hype is real. The band walked out to see the This Feeling stage almost at full capacity. What was particularly impressive about The North was the way that the band members displayed their chemistry on stage. Instrumental breakdowns were truly impressive and made for a well-rounded sound.
Thursday, and Truck Festival as a whole, was off to a flying start.
After a brilliant opening two acts, many of the festival goers headed over to the iconic Truck Stage, gearing up for a headline slot from Bloc Party.
Before the main event, though, there was time for a great set from one of the best-loved indie acts around: Corella.
The Manchester outfit were made to feel part of the family at Truck Festival. The crowd lapped up their set and went wild for their seemingly endless number of great tracks. One which was particularly well received was the anthem that is ‘Bloom’. The Truck crowd bounced and belted out the words to the tune. It really feels as though Corella have become one of the most anticipated acts, especially when it comes to festival season. Their music, coupled with their buzzing live presence, makes them the ultimate act for the festival stages. Closing with a stunning rendition of ‘Barcelona Girl’, Corella waved goodbye to Truck, and left the crowd wanting more.
Then, with everyone’s voices nicely warmed up, it was time for Bloc Party to headline the Truck Stage.
When it comes to Bloc Party, it’s safe to say that they’re legends of the game. News that the band would be performing their debut album, ‘Silent Alarm’- which was celebrating its 20th birthday, was extremely well received. The crowd filled up to capacity and those in attendance were full of excitement.
Opening with ‘So Here We Are’, Bloc Party immediately had the crowd in the palm of their hand. The captivating song, with its dreamy guitars and catchy melodies, was the ultimate opener. It created such a beautiful atmosphere. It felt like a huge party, a real celebration of an album which means so much to so many.
Songs like ‘Banquet’ were particularly well received. Frontman Kele Okereke called for the crowd to give the band everything they had… and they did just that. Every word of the iconic track was belted out as the band offered a stunning rendition of the song.
The tail end of the set revealed why the album wasn’t played in its original order, as it was home to the biggest hitters from ‘Silent Alarm’. Both ‘Helicopter’ and ‘Like Eating Glass’ sent the crowd completely wild, with the energy at Hill Farm reaching climactic levels. Bloc Party had given the ultimate Thursday headline slot. After ‘Like Eating Glass’, the band concluded their set, met with thunderous applause.
Bloc Party returned for an encore, where they performed ‘Flux’ and ‘This Modern Love’. The latter of those, as you’d expect, was especially brilliant. Band and audience came together to create an unforgettable sound which displayed the unison and love in the air between the two parties.
With that came the closure of an unbelievable opening day.
Friday began with the sun shining, and the heat rose rapidly. It was beautiful. The sun shone on Hill Farm, with not a cloud in the sky. It was all set up to be another brilliant day.
Kicking off the day was The Guest List, whose set at the rather formidable Market Stage was one of the highlights of the day.
A common theme across the board with the Truck Festival line up is the hype around all the acts. All of the acts over the weekend are exciting prospects.
The Guest List are the perfect example of this. As a band who have drummed up a great deal of interest recently, their set was massively anticipated, and the tent filled up nicely for their performance.
They exceeded all prior expectations, with a set that had the crowd moving to their array of brilliant tunes. They brought a real swagger to the Market Stage. The Guest List didn’t look phased by the occasion in the slightest, in fact they seemed to relish the opportunity to take on such a big stage and crowd. Their confidence was enjoyed by the audience, who took a real shine to them.
Like Thursday’s back to back brilliance on the This Feeling stage, the Market Stage hosted two continuous sets from terrific bands. Following The Guest List was The Clause. As a band who have plied their trade for several years and have soared in popularity, The Clause are seriously ones to watch right now. This was evidenced by how full the Market Stage was before the band took to the stage. When they did greet their audience, they were met with a hero’s welcome.
The Clause went on to deliver a set of relentless crowd-movers that had the audience bouncing and singing along to guitar riffs, which feels like a marker of a real anthem.
Of course, one song which went off in massive fashion was the now classic track: ‘In My Element’. It was incredible. The Clause are already on their way to big things, you won’t want to miss where they go from here.
As the sun finally started to let up, it was time for Blossoms. Festival goers made the short walk across the main arena to the Truck Stage, where blue skies still illuminated the day. The summer vibes were in full swing and who better to soundtrack that than one of the country’s best loved outfits. Blossoms have truly gone up a notch since the release of their most recent record, ‘Gary’.
When they arrived, Blossoms reminded Truck Festival why they are so loved. Their most recent appearance at the festival came in 2022, when they headlined the very same stage. The brilliance of their headline slot last time around was clearly fresh in the minds of the crowd, who welcomed the band as if they were headlining again.
Blossoms’ set was as you’d expect: full of enthusiasm, great songs and an 8-foot, fibre-glass gorilla named Gary. The introduction of their album-inspiring friend (as they wheeled the gorilla on stage) sent the crowd wild at the end of their set as they played the track ‘Gary’. Before that, there was a brilliant selection of their very best tracks performed. ‘Perfect Me’, ‘At Most A Kiss’ and ‘Charlemagne’ all had the audience going wild. It was brilliant. As ever, Blossoms did not disappoint.
Friday was concluded, for me, with a stellar set from Alfie Templeman on the Market Stage. The singer-songwriter has worked his way up the bill at festivals such as Truck over the years, and it was brilliant to see him, with his brilliant band, headlining such a respected stage at one of the UK’s best-loved festivals.
Opening with classic ‘3D Feelings’, Templeman had the crowd under his spell from the off. The infectious indie tunes had the crowd dancing and sharing pure elation with those around them.
His set continued to be this joyous and brilliant throughout. Songs like ‘’Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody’ and ‘Circles’ were especially well received. Templeman’s entire set felt like a massive party, a chance for Truck attendees to celebrate good times.
Templeman was full of praise for his band mates, with a huge mention going to his bass player, who has only recently joined the outfit. Every member performed incredibly.
With that, Friday came to a close.
Saturday was perhaps the most jam-packed day in terms of its number of huge acts it had to offer. From start to finish, the day was set to showcase some of the very biggest names in indie music right now. The buzz in the air was apparent as Truckers headed into the main arena early to take their spots for the day.
First up, on the This Feeling stage was Sleeping Together, an act who have been on the radar of many for a while now. Despite their set being early in the day, the crowd gathered quickly to catch a glimpse of the hot prospects.
One track of theirs which stood out was ‘Money & Nicotine’ as it perfectly showcased the band. Each member played their part in creating a sound that oozed swagger. The crowd’s reaction was brilliant as they clapped along to the commanding drum beat.
After this, it was time to head to the Truck Stage, for a series of formidable acts.
First of these was Scouting For Girls, a group who really need no introduction. As bona fide legends of the game, it was clear that the crowd would embrace them as heroes.
When the band took to the stage, though, the noise was even louder than one may have expected. Everyone in attendance roared, clapped and cheered as the band set up to work their way through a set of absolute gems.
Amongst their set list were tracks like ‘Heartbeat’, ‘This Ain’t a Love Song’ and ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’. The first of those, which the band opened with, was received unbelievably well. The crowd belted out every word.
What was apparent throughout their set was just how strong they are as performers. Their years of experience made for a confident set of the highest quality, where the band perfectly worked the crowd to make their set a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Finishing with the anthem ‘She’s So Lovely’, Scouting For Girls really got the crowd up for the rest of the day.
The following acts were CMAT and Wunderhorse, perhaps two of the hottest names in all of music today.
CMAT’s set was absolutely gripping. Full of energy and enthusiasm, CMAT rocked the Truck stage.
With some of the biggest tracks of the summer under her belt, it was clear that her set would be memorable. ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’ proved its popularity as the crowd sang along to every word. It was great to see. Truck attendees will remember CMAT’s set for years to come. As an artist, CMAT’s progression in popularity has been brilliant to see. Her sheer quality and stage presence have made her rise inevitable.
Next up was Wunderhorse. Their set was completely electric. They delivered a set filled with pure rock and roll. Of course, rock and roll wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t a little rough around the edges. Repeated issues with amplifiers made their set a challenge, but the band did what they always do and persevered. They gave the crowd exactly what they came for. Unmistakable grungy riffs, raw energy and passion.
‘Purple’ saw many of the crowd up on shoulders, embracing the brilliant track.
The band closed with the furious number ‘July’, and it perfectly showcased them as a band. What you see is what you get. Pure, uncut rock and roll. Wunderhorse’s first appearance on the main stage at Truck is surely not going to be their last, and it may be expected that we see them a little higher up the bill in the future.
The final two acts of Saturday were The Last Dinner Party and Kasabian.
The first of those delivered a set that was stunning in every way. The band’s aesthetic on stage, from their set design to their unique style, was so captivating. They really are a one of a kind group.
Whilst their hit tracks were brilliant, their recent single ‘This Is The Killer Speaking’ was particularly brilliant. The song’s carefully measured tempo- in its verses- had the crowd commanded by the drum beat. It really sounded like a collection of vital cogs coming together to turn the machine that is the track. Its mystery and coolness perfectly showed off what The Last Dinner Party can do. They have gone from strength to strength in recent times and they remain on an upwards trajectory.
Headlining the Truck stage on Saturday was Leicester legends, Kasabian.
Having headlined the festival back in 2022, attendees knew they were in for a treat. And a treat was what they got.
Opening with ‘Call’, Kasabian kicked things off with exceptional levels of energy. As a raucous track in its sound, it feels like it intrinsically makes crowds bounce. Their headline slot was in full swing.
They worked their way through a set list of their very best material, and front man Serge Pizzorno was on top form throughout.
Songs like ‘Club Foot’, ‘Underdog’ and ‘Shoot The Runner’ kept up the sky-high momentum that the band mustered up on the stage. They relentlessly demonstrated why they are perfect festival headliners. There was not one dull moment. During instrumental breakdowns in songs, there was room for electronic intros of dance tracks like ‘Music Sounds Better With You’. It was breath-taking.
The band nearly took the roof off the Truck stage with their incredible set.
Perhaps their best moment on stage came in the encore, as they performed the infectious number ‘Fire’. The entire field bounced and sang along, with Pizzorno in the centre of it all on a podium. It was amazing.
Kasabian saw out the Truck stage in style.
Sunday came around all too soon and it was time for Truckers to enjoy just one more day of brilliant music. There were, again, many great acts to look forward to though.
First of the day was a performance by Esme Emerson at The Nest, followed by She’s In Parties right after.
Both acts were brilliant, and really made the stage their own. Esme Emerson’s performance showcased the duo and their talents. With a largely acoustic sound, the pair enchanted the crowd and undeniably impressed all those in attendance.
She’s In Parties’ subsequent set was equally brilliant. Their sound was more electric-focused, and their songs were filled with jangly chorus effects which sounded top notch live. The band expressed their gratitude for all those who showed up, commenting on the large number who did so. It was great to see so many people supporting acts who performed early in the day!
She’s In Parties have certainly got a bright future ahead.
Then it was over to the Market Stage for Cassia. The group’s summery sound make them the ultimate festival act, and they delivered their very best at Truck.
The group worked their way through a feel-good set that showed off how multitalented they are. This was shown by the lead vocalist, who demonstrated his instrumental strengths as he played both keyboards and guitars throughout. Their big hitting tracks like ‘100 Times Over’ offered beautiful moments for crowd and band to come together in moments of pure musical ecstasy.
The final three acts of the weekend for me all came on the Truck Stage.
Maximo Park and Franz Ferdinand came just ahead of the headline act. Both offered brilliant sets to the crowd.
Maximo Park’s love for what they do was apparent through each second that they were on the stage. Every moment was special and they showed off their incredible levels of professionalism. Perhaps their standout song was their opener, ‘Girls Who Play Guitar’. Each band member’s unique section came together to create such a great sound that really came together in the choruses.
Their set was full of great riffs, groovy bass and drums which had the crowds bopping.
The following act, Franz Ferdinand, maintained this energy.
Amongst their set of classic tracks, the band announced the England Lionesses’ victory over Spain to win the European Football Championship. This news sent the crowd wild and made them go even crazier for the band’s music. One song that had the crowd going complete wild was ‘Hooked’. Its electronic sound sent shockwaves through the crowd who responded by bouncing, dancing and fully embracing the band.
Of course, ‘Take Me Out’ was a real highlight. The band’s front man called for the audience to leave the phones in their bags, and to just enjoy the moment. Truck listened. It was beautiful. No phones, just a great song, played to its fullest with the crowd totally infused by every inch of it. Amazing.
Then it was time for the final act of the weekend.
Courteeners, a band who have enjoyed huge successes throughout their career. It was now time for them to send the Truck attendees home with a performance they could tell their friends about.
The band did just that. They gave their all to the Oxfordshire audience. They kicked off, as ever, with ‘Are You In Love With A Notion?’ Immediately, the crowd was up for it.
They performed an extensive array of their best material, including ‘Cavorting’, ‘No You Didn’t, No You Don’t’, ‘The 17th’ and ‘Bide Your Time’. Each was loved equally by the crowd, who seemed to know every word to every song.
‘The 17th’ offered the crowd a real, beautiful moment to enjoy a slower Courteeners track. Hundreds of the crowd took to their friends’ shoulders, and the atmosphere was so pure and full of love.
Amongst their jam-packed set, the band even gave Truck a brilliant rendition of ‘It Must Be Love’, which- as you’d expect- went down a treat.
The tail end of their set was out of this world.
The final two tracks of ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘What Took You So Long?’ were indescribably brilliant, each in their own ways.
The first of those saw the crowd going completely wild, with the lead guitar riff commanding the chaos. The latter, as a slower number, gave the crowd the chance to bask in the celebration of a glorious weekend. As fireworks erupted, the band ended.
With that saw the end of Truck Festival 2025. There’s a reason it’s one of the most talked about festivals. It offers a chance to catch some of the very best acts, both big names and rising stars, at an array of brilliantly sized stages.
Truck Festival didn’t disappoint in the slightest, but when does it ever?
Words by Matthew Caslin
Photography by James Kirkland
