The End of the Road festival celebrated its 20th anniversary this year at Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire, delivering a weekend of unexpected announcements and diverse musical performances. Headliners Pulp and CMAT made significant declarations during their sets, contributing to a memorable milestone for the independent South West event.
Headline Highlights and Surprises
Pulp’s headline set on Saturday night saw the band announce a hiatus, bowing out with a selection of deep cuts and B-sides. According to Stereogum, their performance included songs not heard in decades, such as ‘The Mark Of The Devil’, played for the first time since 1992, and ‘Death II’, also absent from their live shows since 1992. The set also featured the live debut of ‘Deep Fried in Kelvin’, which The Guardian described as a “beautifully sprawling and pulsing” rendition. Frontman Jarvis Cocker also led a spirited singalong of ‘Happy Birthday’ to mark the festival’s two-decade run.
CMAT, another headliner, announced during her set that she would not be playing in the UK for the next two years. Her performance, described by UNCUT as combining “theatrically OTT heartland rock with stand-up comedy routines,” concluded with the singer shirtless and deep in the audience for a “collective cathartic screaming” farewell. Geese also drew record audience attendance for their Thursday headliner slot.
A Celebratory 20th Anniversary
The festival’s 20th birthday was marked by a distinct celebratory atmosphere. The piano stage was transformed into a giant birthday cake with candles, and attendees embraced the occasion, with one person even dressed as a toilet to commemorate the “porcelain anniversary.” The Guardian noted that the festival has evolved into a “warm, genre-hopping powerhouse,” moving beyond its early focus on alt-folk and Americana to embrace pop, experimental sounds, and global grooves. This blend of the familiar and the unknown, alongside its commitment to independent music without big corporate sponsors, highlights its enduring success in the festival landscape, as other events like Country Estate Music Festivals have faced cancellations.
Diverse Line-up Delivers Memorable Performances
Beyond the headliners, End of the Road showcased a deeply impressive and varied line-up. Angine de Poitrine, known for their microtonal math-rock, took to the main stage following a breakthrough year, delivering “frantic and frenetic instrumental workouts.” Factory Floor offered a “pummeling set of industrial electro-techno,” while experimental electronic duo Another Country $$$ spanned genres from drum’n’bass to post-rock. Cleo Reed presented her unique “queer country-soul,” and James K crafted “richly layered, dynamic and immersive” electronic sounds.
Model/Actriz unleashed a “ferocious noise” that was both heavy and groove-locked, with vocalist Cole Haden engaging the audience theatrically. Other notable acts included Super Furry Animals, who made a triumphant return having headlined 19 years prior, and White Denim, who delivered a powerful, albeit interrupted, Woods Stage performance and a secret set continuing until 2am. Kurt Vile offered a dreamier alternative on the Garden Stage, while Lawrence’s Mozart Estate impressed with “perky basslines and golden harmonies.” The festival’s ability to draw enthusiastic crowds for all acts, regardless of their size or genre, was particularly infectious and energising.
Impact for South West Audiences
For readers in Bristol and the South West, End of the Road festival remains a significant cultural event on the regional calendar. Its independent spirit and diverse programming offer a unique experience, distinct from larger commercial festivals. The festival’s ability to thrive for two decades, welcoming artists and audiences from across the UK and beyond, underscores its importance to the South West’s vibrant music scene, standing alongside other key regional events such as Boardmasters.
Frequently Asked Questions About End of the Road Festival
- Q: Where is End of the Road festival held?
A: The End of the Road festival is held at Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire. - Q: What milestone did End of the Road festival celebrate this year?
A: The festival celebrated its 20th birthday this year. - Q: What surprising announcements did headliners Pulp and CMAT make?
A: Pulp announced a hiatus during their set, while CMAT stated she would not be playing in the UK for the next two years.
