Words by Jean Genie
Truck Festival 2024
Easily one of the coolest things we saw happen in Oxfordshire this year was Truck Fest – a good wholesome vibe and a good mix of people from all ages give the easy going yet awesome festival the best of spirits – it was big enough and varied enough not to feel boring and intimate enough not to feel overwhelming and music wise it was a mix of genres. There was a nod and a wink to the more established artists such as The Kooks who were every bit as exhilarating as when they first broke out on the scene to pop legend Sophie Elis Bextor who was pitch perfect getting people dancing – The Streets pulled off their signature ska tinged bedroom rap to a packed out main stage and interestingly front man Mike Skinner had stipulated that it would be a female only mosh pit down the front – which is pretty progressive.
Being a massive lover of indie and rock music I naturally gravitated to the This Feeling-Hunter stage where the stage was constantly booting out some of the best grassroots guitar music without the muck. Those who came in were in line for a “rite time!”.
Major highlights were watching The Slates who turned up with thousands of stickers and plastered them all over the festival site, with their logo and set time burned into my brain from seeing it all over Truck Fest I headed down and was rewarded with the band coming on to the club tune “Freed from desire” and following that up with a high energy set bringing the indie and fusing it with fun and dance that got the packed out tent bouncing along to their britpopy dancey tunes.
It was a tender and heart warming moment after they played, a swathe of young people came up to the barriers crying out for members of The Slates for their set lists, to give them more stickers and sign their T-shirts.
The Kairos were a personal favourite having seen them at a previous This Feeling event in Brighton last year – it was clear that the lads had been sharpening and tightening their set as it felt flawless and captivating, leaving the crowd wanting more. Another band that I am going to be listening to closely.
Over the days John Kennedy of Radio X, Louise Schofield and 90’s Mike played some cracking indie bangers and the This Feeling – Hunter stage turned into the ultimate boot stomping indie disco!
Across the way on the Market Square So Young stage – former This Feeling bill toppers Lock-In played an energetic set to loyal fans bouncing beach balls along to their tunes. Lead singer Benji had a crowd surfing moment, covering the Franz Ferdinand hit “Take Me Out” to a buzzing audience.
Stacks of food stalls, where the only thing cheesy were chips by the Cheese boys who had people lining up in between sets – the deep fried brie and cheesy chip combo changed my life.
I got plans to go again, the musical chops across all of the stages were memorable who’s up for going next year? If so get your tickets here: Truck Fest 2025 tickets
