The best things come in
small packages. Usually small packages with ”Harrods“ stamped on the front. This isn't necessarily a rule you'd apply to festivals, with the monstrous Glastonbury still
clinging to its throne, but when it comes to Truck Festival you know as soon as you pass the minuscule car park that
you're onto a winner.
Tucked into a pint-sized village in Oxfordshire, the family-run, charity-benefiting festival is
heavy on the charm. From the ”Welcome Disco“ run by a cheery fellow who
may not have made it home since Woodstock, to the ice cream sold by the vicar, there's not a festival incidental that doesn't warm the cockles of your heart.
Musically we were presented with an impressively eclectic line-up, with
local boys Stornoway and Indie-rock Scandinavians Mew sandwiching the
wonderful but undoubtedly uncool Bellowhead. You can have all the instruments you like and get the whole crowd jigging, but wear a suit that shiny and we'll label you
the Mika of folk music.
Unfortunately there were many great acts on the line up in the Barn. We say unfortunately because a small capacity and huge queue meant us
missing out on the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses, Darwin Deez and Ms Dynamite, but we'll live, especially since we did catch some fun things in the Village Pub instead, most notably the
even more lovely and listenable than expected Summer Camp.
Teenage Fanclub closed the festival with a solid if underwhelming performance, but the delights of their ear-worm Baby Lee stayed with us for many days to come.
Los Campesinos! were a highlight on the Sunday, cramming the modest-sized main stage with their multitudinous band and making good, old-fashioned, loud indie-pop. And making us dance.
Oh, how we danced.
While it is by no means a substitute for the Bestivals and Readings of this world, that gives you the perfect excuse to add Truck to your summer schedule as its own entity. A great way to
use the tent more than once a year, and a stress-free music-filled weekend getaway. But only if you can
be nice.
www.thisistruck.com
