To some the idea of camping is very much a family affair; gooey marshmallows on sticks and songs sung by the campfire. But this is Britain, and we don't much like that sudo American dream bullshit. Give us a shit tent, a sleeping bag, and chuck us into the middle of nowhere with some loud music. Oh, and a warm larger at 10am - that'll be just fine thank you. The middle of this particular nowhere I'm talking about is Upcote Farm, where 2000 Trees Festival played host to 5,000 equally thirsty and discerning campers last weekend.

Far from my first visit, in it's ten years of existence I've attended the festival six times, and for good reason - set within the rolling hills of the picturesque Cotswolds their focus is very much new and underground music. It's become one of the best platforms for up and coming artists to showcase their material to a wider audience and for cult bands to hear a packed tent sing along to their tunes.

After a brief stop at services to collect some of M&S's finest guava and lime caipirinha sparkling fizz, we arrived on site just in time for the start of Black Peaks. So many try to nail the intermixture of melodic and heavy elements in modern music but none come close to the equally brutally beautiful noises these four guys produce. They've gone from strength to strength over the last few years and deserve every word of praise they get – if you don't believe me then get a ticket to one of their shows to be proven wrong. The subsequent hours are a haze of home made skittles rum, don't mention Brexit fireball whisky shots, catching up with old friends and generally enjoying my stint away from the tediums of adulthood.

A few words of advice; passing out head first downhill does no good for a hangover, neither does forgetting your pillows. A can of Old Speckled Hen however works wonders, and was how my Friday morning began. Venturing out to the main arena for the first time led me staggering into Dutch post punk rockers John Coffey, who clearly cared little for the time of day as they threw themselves across the stage to every onlooker's amusement. Exactly what I needed to shake off the cobwebs and prepare me for the day ahead. Unfortunately they'll be going into hiatus soon so if you want to see them you'll have to head to their home country of Holland to catch the last few shows.

Palm Reader were next on my to do list over at 'The Cave' stage. I remember the first year I came to 2000 Trees it didn't exist, and since its creation has become the stomping grounds for metal, hardcore and everything heavy. Living up to the venues expectations their aggressive energy, crushing guitars and enormous stage presence didn't disappoint, completely altering my overall perception of the band from first listen. It just goes to show if you're unsure of a band on record, see them live and you'll know.

When perusing a line up for a festival there's always one day that psychs you up the most, filling you with giddy teenage like anticipation. That day in this context was Saturday, and I had my hands full making it to every band on my agenda. Representing my home town of Brighton were Demob Happy, Black Honey and Tigercub, exemplifying exactly why I hold this city in such high regards musically. Tech metal demi-gods Animals as Leaders, led by Tosin Abasi, left every muso attending holding their hands up in the air wondering what on earth just happened whilst Sikth followed suit afterwards melting faces even further.

Feeling slightly disappointed that Jamie Lenman didn't bring his band along with him, my companions and I discovered the most entertaining way to spend an afternoon at a festival: trying to lick strangers elbows without them noticing. Punters, security guards and even Tosin Abasi himself fell victim to our wrath. No one was safe, no elbow was dry...except the guy who almost kicked my ass, which put an abrupt end to our conquest. On to the headline act it was then, with Swedish hardcore punk legends Refused drawing the festival to a close. Quashing any reservations surrounding the bands reunion after a lengthy hiatus, their energy is contagious, spreading deep into the corners of arena. A step back in time for some, and for others a chance to see the band live after being resigned to the records for so many years.

Sunday morning, tent packed up, sat in the car hoping to leave before the jaded post-festival blues sets in, I had time to think of years gone by. I have such good memories over the years from this festival, some in blazing sun, others in pouring rain and rivers of flowing mud. There is one constant which ebs and flows through time however, and that is it's ethos: The support of new and underground music. Your Readings, Downloads and T in the Parks can go and take a bath with a toaster, it's all about the underdog.

Earlybird Tickets for 2000trees 2017 are available now from as little as £69.50

Review by: Liam McMillan