Alright, lock in everybody. Here’s what going to happen. I just got back from attending 2000trees and it was probably the best festival experience I ever had. Therefore, I wrote today’s post in a slightly different style than I usually do. I guess you could call it ‘a letter to 2000trees’ or whatever; it’s a short personal message to the festival which I love so dearly. So, that’ll be today’s post. Then: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I will focus on the music. Since I’ve seen A LOT of fantastic acts, I’m taking a different approach here, too. I will write a larger paragraph on my #1 of each day, fully giving that act all the credit it deserves, while highlighting my #2, #3, and maybe even #4 and #5 in shorter paragraphs. Regarding the other acts I’ve seen each day: I will try my best to capture their sets all in one sentence each. This way, every single act I’ve seen will get their well-deserved moment of fame on Jam of Today (and that’s really the only thing they’re after, of course) while still being able to share my personal thoughts on the absolutely incredible stuff I’ve seen during this weekend. Got it? Alright. Here goes! I hope you will enjoy my stories of 2000trees 2026, one that will go down in my own personal history books.

To 2000trees…

Ahhhh, 2000trees 2026… Have I got a lot to say about you. Man, oh man. What an amazing and unforgettable weekend you have brought me. Honestly, you have been nothing short of amazing this year. Better than any of the times I’ve attended before. In fact, I might go as far as calling it the best festival experience I have ever had. Not only because of your phenomenal line-up which I consider one of the most impressive ones I’ve ever been able to enjoy at a music festival, but also due to your immaculate people, staff, volunteers, your atmosphere, friendliness, inclusivity, and so on and so forth. I can go on for days. Being able to spend three days at your site has had such an incredibly positive impact on my year, you have no idea.

So, here’s me: a 29-year-old bloke from The Netherlands who has been going to festivals (ranging in all sizes) probably for about 15 years now. Next to that have I attended a total of 1386 live music performances (yes, I’ve been keeping a list since 2008). That’s quite a lot. And for that reason, it got me thinking. It got me thinking how it might’ve been enough for me. How festivals sometimes feel more like a hassle than an enjoyment. Not because I’m feeling “too old” to attend (sod the self-imposed age limitations!) or because my body can’t keep up anymore, but mainly because I felt like I’d seen it all. Of course, I know there’s always more to be seen, but still… You get me, right? Well, clearly you don’t, because you have showed me this weekend that I should immediately bin those thoughts.

You have reminded me that music festivals are special. Music festivals are able to change your life and leave you with valuable and beautiful memories forever. They put you in a position where you can meet the most inspiring people, fully in their element and feeling as free as can be. They let you discover some of the most amazing new acts – I’ve got such a massive list of acts I’ve discovered at Trees over the last few years, you have no idea – while also putting on some of your all-time favourite acts. Never in a million years would I have believed you two years ago if you would’ve told me I would be at the front gates to see both Arcane Roots and Marmozets play this weekend. What a blessing.

Music festivals are special. And within all those festivals being organised all around our beautiful globe, you stand out. You are one of a kind, and I’m feeling overjoyed I find myself in a position where I’m able to attend 2000trees year after year. And you know what? You will see me again, next year. And the year after that. As long as you’re around, I will be there too. Thank you, 2000trees, for an absolutely phenomenal weekend. I can’t wait to be back.