'Emotional and celebratory' festival comes to a close

The Truck Festival, held at Hill Farm in Steventon, Oxfordshire, recently concluded with a vibrant and emotional atmosphere. This year, around 25,000 festival-goers attended the four-day event, which featured a lineup of popular artists, including IDLES, Jamie T, and Wet Leg. The festival's final night was marked by an electrifying performance from The Streets, who brought the event to a spectacular close with a fireworks display. Festival manager Lily Brimble and head of marketing Sam Harris expressed their excitement, stating that they had dedicated months of hard work to create a 'bigger and better Truck Festival' for everyone to enjoy. Wet Leg surprised the audience with a cover of a song by Charli XCX during their set, adding to the festival's memorable moments. The organizers noted that the festival showcased everything that Truck represents, from the massive headline performances to the fun and engaging acts from various artists. They felt that this year's festival was a realization of their dreams and plans. The festival featured a diverse range of performances, with Jamie T captivating the crowd on Friday night. His energetic show had fans singing along and enjoying every moment. Other notable acts included Declan McKenna, The Kooks, Soft Play, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Holly Humberstone, all of whom contributed to the festival's lively atmosphere. However, some attendees reported sound issues during Soft Play's performance and at times on the Market Stage. A spokesperson for the festival welcomed feedback from attendees, emphasizing their commitment to improving the festival experience year after year. Looking ahead, the Truck Festival is set to return in 2025, scheduled for July 24 to 27, with the first wave of tickets going on sale soon. The festival was founded in 1998 by local musicians Robin and Joe Bennett, who aimed to create a space for music lovers to come together and enjoy live performances. Throughout the weekend, the weather was mostly sunny, which added to the festive spirit. On Friday, the crowd was lively as Jamie T performed, and Declan McKenna brought a burst of color to the day with his engaging set. Saturday saw performances from Sundara Karma and Willie J Healey, who delighted their fans with crowd-pleasing songs. An emotional moment occurred at the Market Stage when The Magic Gang performed one of their final sets, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Sophie Ellis-Bextor and SOFT PLAY provided a significant vibe shift during their performances, each bringing their unique energy to the main stage. There was a scheduling challenge for Lime Garden, who were limited to just three songs due to the unexpected demand for Pigeon Detectives, who were moved to the main stage for safety reasons. Wet Leg's explosive headline set capped off what was described as Truck's most chaotic day. The Amazons delivered a thrilling performance on Sunday, while Bob Vylan, who humorously referred to themselves as the nicest band in rock and roll, provided one of the most entertaining and wholesome sets of the weekend. The highlight for many attendees was undoubtedly The Streets. Mike Skinner, the lead singer, made a grand entrance, capturing the excitement of the crowd with his phone raised high. He performed a greatest hits set that showcased his unique style and spontaneity. At one point, he even jumped into the crowd, singing atop the shoulders of a lucky fan. The atmosphere was electric, and the fireworks display that followed was the perfect way to conclude the festival. The Truck Festival continues to be a beloved event for music lovers, and the organizers are already looking forward to making the next one even better.