Established in 1990 Larmer Tree Festival has attracted the boldest and most loved comedic, musical & spoken talent in the world. Based in the idyllic Larmer Tree Fields only a short trek from Salisbury, the festival runs from the 11th till the 15th of July and its 2012 line up is packed full of entertainment for both young and old. Whether it’s a cold pint with some live comedy, an exploration through the enchanting gardens or a lesson in film from Mark Kermode; there really is something for everyone.
Heading the comedy bill this year is Australian musical maestro, Tim Minchin. In the midst of a busy UK festival tour, Tim is a sure fire to have the festival in fits of hysterics with his witty lyrics and frank honesty. The comedy club also sees the multi talented Russell Kane returning to the gardens straight of the back of his 2011 Barry award, Kane saunters in with an impressive belt of2012 accolades including his own BBC show & guest spots on Live at the Electric.
Once you are down laughing your socks off and just want to get your boogie on, the gardens have got you covered. Jools Holland returns for his sixteenth year, complete with the twenty piece rhythm & blues orchestra to kick off the festival on the Wednesday night. This year jools has brought along special guest Roland Gift & expect a few other surprises from the hootenanny that is Mr Holland.
A platinum album? Five UK top forty hits? Meteoric rise to fame? Paloma Faith is set for her larmer tree debut this year. The soul pop diva will be placing the gardens under a spell with her new album “Fall to Grace” before she starts her namesake tour early 2013.
Completing a Musical hat trick is innovator of hip-hop & MOBO award winning Roots Manuva. Known for memorable beats, pulse racing live performances and back catalogue of hits, Rodney Smith and his full band will give the gardens a send off to remember when they headline the stage on Sunday evening.
Larmer tree is not only about the line up however, the festival is as much about you – the peoples republic; with over 150 workshops running over the weekend for the whole family. Whether this is learning new instruments or making exciting costumes for the five hundred person carnival precession, Larmer tree wants YOU getting involved. This means throwing yourself aboard the Saturday night Dress Up! Following on from the titanic success of last year’s retro revival, we’ll now be All at Sea! Dancing with the pirates and mermaids, make sure to cross your hands with pieces of eight and join the carnival spirit.
How more can we convince you? How about Larmer tree being voted best family festival 08? Award winning festival toilets? An intimate and friendly population of only 4,000 people? With only a few tickets remaining, be sure to get your hands on one before they sell out! The Five day tickets are £190 for adults while you can pick up day tickets for as cheap as £36. To get one in your mitts head over to www.larmertreefestival.co.uk of call the box office on 023 8071 1820.
