exclusive: arts and activities programme announced for Larmer Tree

eFestivals can exclusively reveal the arts and activities programme for the 21st anniversary Larmer Tree Festival including the Big Top Experiment, the YouthZone, kids activities, adult workshops, theatre, talks, and the Sunday carnival.

Larmer Tree has expanded on its late night entertainment adding The Big Top Experiment to Club Larmer and The Social. The Big Top stage will become an additional late night attraction and on Friday night the Big Top will be transformed into the White Mink Electro Swing Speakeasy hosting acts like DJ Nick Hollywood, Fat 45, and France's AlgoRythmik. Saturday night sees a complete change in environment and set up for the Headphone Disco with two DJs mixing out old, new, cheesy and classic tunes, everyone is plugged into headphones and can choose which DJ they want to listen to by flicking a switch to change stations.

Larmer Tree’s extensive activity programme will also include The Carnival which gathers over 500 Larmer Tree attendees in an explosion of colour, papier-mâché and flamboyant outfits to process throughout the festival site showcasing their workshop made creations. This year the theme will be Recycled Safari, with workshops and expeditions running throughout the festival to create the outfits and teach the dance moves.

In the Lostwood the winding woodland paths will lead to storytelling, poetry, spoken and written word sessions and performances for all age. Look out for the Song Factory where attendees will be given the opportunity to put their own words to music with expert musicians, including Rory McLeod. The woods also offer a chance to explore and join in with the group of artists and master craftspeople in handmade yurts nestled amongst the trees.

The YouthZone is an area for 11-17 year olds is where teens can meet friends, learn a new craft, musical skill, or just chill out. With an eclectic programme, youth ticket holders can immerse themselves in a world of streetdance, mud sculptures, song writing, T-shirt making, jam sessions and more.

Larmer Tree offers an extensive array of Kids activities, workshops and shows for little ones, including puppet making, animal hat creations, tie-dying and picture frame making. This year there are some extra special activities for the kids including an interactive show hosted by headliners Ozomatli in OzoKidz.

The Water Garden offers drop-in sessions over the weekend, where festival goers can learn about weaving, crocheting and natural dyes. There's the familiar Circus workshop and skills offering more drop in workshops from plate spinning to tight wire, juggling to unicycle riding, it offers something for everyone and a chance to join in whatever their ability.

During the daytime Club Larmer offers a space for talks, film, theatre and a little bit of comedy, all aimed at adults, including a special talk from Cole Porters' frontman Sid Griffin on Bob Dylan. Adults also can tap in to the craftsperson within and choose from a multitude of workshops offering expert guidance in a huge variety of skills, from fascinators to basket weaving, jewellery to candlesticks, there is much festival goers can create.

There will also be an extensive programme of dance and music workshops available. From Cajun to Bollywood, Charleston to Rock ‘n’ Roll dance classes, didgeridoo and djembe workshops, Tai Chi and Yoga on the lawns.

The music line-up is complete with headliners Jools Holland and the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Imelda May, Ozomatli, Asian Dub Foundation, and Seasick Steve. Also confirmed are The Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain, Seth Lakeman, Caitlin Rose, Krystle Warren, The Coal Porters, Muntu Valdo, Emily Portman, Kitty MacFarlane, Stornoway, CW Stoneking, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, and many more, plus a line-up of comedy.

For the line-up details as available please click here.

There will be over over 80 acts playing in total across 6 stages at the family friendly festival set in the spectacular backdrop of Larmer Tree Gardens, in Dorest from Wednesday 13th to Sunday 17th July.

Larmer Tree also offer Comfy Camping options including tipis in the Wigwam Sam tipi village, bell tent boutique camping with Hotel Bell Tent and for those who really want to be fully immersed in the 1950's theme there is the option of Airstream Trailers.

This year Larmer Tree have teamed up with Big Green Coach to provide a coach service from the festival site direct to Salisbury Railway Station at various times on the Monday morning. The fare is £8 per person and it is strongly advised that you book your seat in advance as there will be limited seats available on the day.

An adult weekend ticket is priced at £197 for all 5 days, £162 for 4 days, and £130 for 3 days, there are Youth (age 11-17), and Child (age 5-10) options also available. Day tickets are priced from £32 to £59 dependant on day. Larmer Tree ticket prices include free parking and camping for tents, caravans and campervans and under 5's are free.

To buy tickets online, click here. The ticket price includes camping for the night(s) of the date(s) of a ticket, and expect them to sell out quite quickly.

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