Tim Hughes is delighted to discover a load more signings by Oxfordshire's best festival of new talent

WITH the festival season finally here, and every last final line-up posted, we thought there was no more room for surprises. So bless those folk at Truck for giving us another reason to toast their lovely festival.

While the likes of this weekend’s Glastonbury stars The Horrors whip the Steventon crowd into a frenzy on the big stages — accompanied by Spiritualized, Ash and Gaz Coombes — a clutch of new and, in many cases, local bands and artists will be keeping the party going in the Jamalot tent.

Hill Farm’s most intimate venue will be presenting everything from reggae and house to electro-swing, jazz-funk, dub and what organisers call “Home Counties hip-hop”.

Artists include Nairobi, Spaceface, The Gees, Firelodica featuring King Bracket, Positive Vibes, Simple, SRS, Boogie Bros, Heavy Dexters, Sensible Dancehall, King Lloyd (aka Sir Sambo), The Dublings, The Fridge and Bungle, Pieman, Rip/ Rhymeskeemz, the Knights of Jamalot, and our favourite rapper – Mr Shaodow.

Those who enjoy a late night jive will also be invited to don their dancing shoes in the company of Progressively Less Elephant and Nellie B Page, who will be holding court on the festival’s Market Stage.

While the festival formula remains largely intact, there are a few welcome additions to the site. They include a Veterans and Virgins tent and a Saloon presenting live Americana and blues in an impressive custom-built structure, which already seems.

Music aside, there will be a Village Fete on the farm’s own Village Green. Rustic types can get back to the land by taking part in farm tours and tractor rides, and there will be a birthday party on each day for anyone celebrating their special day.

Parents, meanwhile, can make use of a great kids’ area, and little festival-goers (under-12s get in free) will be treated to music by Candyskins rock star-turned children’s songwriter Nick Cope and performances from the Oxford Playhouse.

And while we love Didcot Rotary Club’s burgers and chips, there will be a greater choice of food this year with a food hall hosting guest stalls from local producers such as the Old Farmhouse Bakery and Q Gardens Farm Shop. Oh... and get working on your fancy dress: there will also be prizes for the best dressed Trucker.

  • Truck Festival takes place at Hill Farm, Steventon, from July 19-20.
  • For tickets and further details go to truckfestival.com