Larmer Tree Festival
This year's 20th anniversary Larmer Tree Festival celebrations are underway, featuring the most diverse line-up of musical and comedy talent, alongside a huge array of colourful theatre, inspiring art, enlightening talks with performers, workshops for all ages and a whole host of other interactive activities.
Over the duration of the five day event, festival goers will be treated to music from the likes of Toots and the Maytals, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blue Orchestra (with special guest Alison Moyet), Martha Wainwright, Robert Cray, Toumani Diabaté, Frank Turner, Oysterband, Newton Faulkner and Tunng. Providing the laughs in the Comedy Club will be Russell Howard, Rich Hall, David O'Doherty, Jon Richardson, Pappy's and lots more.
This year sees the first Film Club courtesy of renowned BBC film critic Mark Kermode. He will be showcasing some of his all time favourite films, alongside informative introductions to each. His own band The Dodge Brothers will also be providing a live soundtrack to 1920s silent movie Beggars of Life!
A vast selection of activities and shows will greet younger festival goers, including the much loved Larmer Tree carnival procession. The dedicated kid's area is a haven of fun and frolics and the workshops, arts and crafts classes, poetry and storytelling will ensure there is never a dull moment for little Larmer fans!
It's not only the kids who are encouraged to get involved, with Larmer Tree's massive programme of workshops and activities planned for adults. Talks from the likes of radio legend Johnnie Walker, as well as many of the acts performing over the weekend will give unique insight to fans, and the interactive workshops, including Bollywood Dancing and Hula Hooping are guaranteed to create an unforgettable Larmer Tree experience. Festival goers can also retreat to the Secret Garden; Larmer Tree Festival's peaceful and tranquil sanctuary, where over 30 therapists will be on hand offering treatments and therapies to soothe the body and mind.
For the 16th year in a row, the festival has once again sold out of all weekend tickets! An entirely different festival experience, Larmer Tree is also completely free of corporate branding - a real escape from the outside world.
Festival founder and co-director James Shepard said: "I can barely believe it is finally here! To celebrate our 20th year, we have pulled out all the stops to bring both our new and loyal festival goers an experience they won't forget. We hope that after the five days everyone leaves feeling invigorated, inspired and above all, with a smile on their face!
With so much going on at the festival, the only difficult part will be deciding what to do next!