Truck Festival returns to Oxfordshire’s Hill Farm for its 29th edition next week, promising another unforgettable weekend of live music, mosh pits, and summer celebrations.
Over the years, the four-day festival has cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s best-loved independent events, renowned for its electric atmosphere and consistently exceptional line-ups that sell out year after year. Blending alternative and indie rock, indie pop, folk, and everything in between, Truck continues to strike the perfect balance between established favourites and tomorrow’s headline acts.
This year’s bill is led by CMAT, The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats, with standout performances also coming from The Vaccines, The Libertines, Kaiser Chiefs, and many more. As always, Truck remains a champion of emerging talent, giving the next generation of artists the chance to shine alongside some of the biggest names in British music; you can expect to see Keo, Arkayla, Westside Cowboy and a whole host of upcoming talent on display over the weekend this year.
We’re excited to be heading back to the Oxfordshire countryside next weekend, so here’s our pick of the standout acts we think you won’t want to miss across the festival!
CMAT
Truck Stage – Thursday @ 21:00
Few artists have enjoyed a rise quite like CMAT. Since bursting onto the scene with her witty country-pop outfit, the Irish singer-songwriter has become one of the most acclaimed voices in modern music. Fresh from releasing her third album, EURO-COUNTRY, CMAT continues to prove why she’s earned nominations for the BRIT Awards, Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello Awards, pairing rich songwriting with an enormous personality that has made her one of the UK’s most engaging live performers. Headlining Thursday night, CMAT promises a set packed with huge singalongs and the infectious charm that has won over audiences at festivals across Europe. Whether you’re already obsessed with tracks like Stay For Something and Take A Sexy Picture Of Me or discovering her for the first time, expect an unforgettable headline performance that’s the perfect way to close out Truck’s opening day.
The Slates
This Feeling – Thursday @ 22:15
One of the UK’s most exciting emerging indie bands, The Slates have been building momentum through relentless touring and a string of sharp, anthemic singles, including Try It Again, What Have You Done, and Calling Up, that have quickly earned them a loyal following. Combining jangly guitars with confident songwriting and huge choruses, they’re exactly the sort of band that has become synonymous with the This Feeling stage’s knack for uncovering future festival regulars. Their late-night Thursday slot feels perfectly placed for what they’re all about. Expect bouncing crowds, mosh pits, and the sort of infectious energy that can turn curious festivalgoers into lifelong fans. If you’re looking to discover a band before they inevitably graduate to the festival’s bigger stages, this is one set you’ll want to squeeze into your opening night.
Daisy Peacock
This Feeling – Friday @ 12:45
There’s no better way to ease yourself into Friday than with one of the brightest new voices on the UK indie scene. Daisy Peacock has steadily made a name for herself with heartfelt songwriting, shimmering indie-pop arrangements and a growing catalogue that balances vulnerability with infectious hooks. Her honest lyricism and effortless stage presence have already seen her win over audiences far beyond her hometown. Opening proceedings on the This Feeling stage, Peacock offers something refreshingly different from the louder guitar bands that dominate the weekend. Expect warm melodies, relatable storytelling and the kind of intimate performance that reminds you why catching smaller acts often becomes the highlight of a festival. Don’t be surprised if she’s playing much higher up the bill next time Truck rolls around.
Divorce
Truck Stage – Friday @ 16:15
Few bands have enjoyed a rise quite like Divorce. The Nottingham quartet have become one of the UK’s most talked-about live acts thanks to their genre-blurring sound, effortlessly weaving together indie rock, folk and country into something uniquely their own. Their acclaimed debut album, 2025’s Drive to Goldenhammer, has only cemented that reputation, showcasing thoughtful songwriting that translates beautifully to the live stage. Their music thrives on contrast, moving from intimate moments to soaring, full-band crescendos without ever feeling forced. That versatility makes them an ideal mid-afternoon booking on the Truck Stage, offering something a little different while still delivering a memorable set that lingers long after the final song. For anyone wanting to see one of Britain’s fastest-rising bands in full flow, Divorce are essential viewing.
Florence Road
Truck Stage – Saturday @ 13:45
Irish four-piece Florence Road have quickly emerged as one of indie-rock’s most exciting prospects. Built around polished songwriting and an unmistakable chemistry, the band have rapidly grown their audience through a combination of standout singles like Hanging Out to Dry, social media buzz and increasingly impressive live performances. Despite their relative newcomer status, they already perform with the confidence of a far more established act. Their Saturday afternoon slot feels perfectly timed and will be sure to draw in the masses, with huge choruses likely to soundtrack one of the weekend’s busiest days. If you’re after a set packed with plenty of cool confidence, Florence Road are well worth arriving early for.
Arkayla
Market Stage – Saturday @ 17:30
Arkayla have quietly become one of the North East’s most promising indie exports, blending swaggering guitar riffs with festival-ready bangers and an undeniable confidence onstage. After steadily building a reputation through headline shows and festival appearances over the past few years, they’re beginning to attract attention well beyond their local scene. The Market Stage has become known for producing some of Truck’s biggest discovery moments, and Arkayla feels perfectly suited to that tradition. Their energetic live performances are built for festival crowds, with plenty of singalong moments and enthusiasm that makes them impossible not to enjoy. If you like your indie confident and on full volume, make sure you’re there.
The K’s
Truck Stage – Sunday @ 17:45
The K’s have completed one of the most impressive rises in British indie over the past few years. Their 2025 sophomore album Pretty on the Internet reached number one on the UK Albums Charts, reaffirming what fans had suspected for years: the Merseyside quartet are far more than just another buzz band. Since then, relentless touring and a growing collection of anthemic tracks have only strengthened their reputation as one of the country’s best live acts. Expect mosh pits, driving guitars and a crowd ready to sing every word back at them. Their Sunday evening Truck Stage slot has all the ingredients to become one of the weekend’s most delirious moments, making The K’s a perfect soundtrack to the closing stretch of the festival.
Westside Cowboy
The Nest – Sunday @ 18:45
If there’s one band that perfectly embodies Truck Festival’s reputation for championing tomorrow’s headliners, it’s Westside Cowboy. The Manchester outfit have become one of the most talked-about names in the UK’s alternative underground, earning praise for their unpredictable blend of wiry post-punk, country influences and indie rock. Their performances are loose and completely captivating, never quite following the script. The Nest has always been the ideal home for bands that thrive on intimacy and spontaneity, making this one of the weekend’s most intriguing bookings. Whether you’re already familiar with the hype or simply fancy stumbling across your new favourite band, Westside Cowboy promise the kind of set that festival discoveries are made of.
See you down the front!
