Larmer Tree are buzzing to reveal some of the best in roots, world and folk music added to the bill including New Zealand’s 13 piece Batucada Sound Machine and Afro-French fusion crew Watcha Clan.
Larmer Tree Festival have been busy bees, filling the hive with good stuff for this year’s most authentic, intimate festival experience. Larmer Tree are buzzing to reveal some of the best in roots, world and folk music added to the bill including New Zealand’s 13 piece Batucada Sound Machine and Afro-French fusion crew Watcha Clan. Larmer Tree have also confirmed acts for their unique and diverse Street Theatre performances, the Saturday dress-up Retro theme, Mark Kermode’s Film Club selections, some luxury additions to the Comfy Camping options and additional return journey travel options.
So starting with music; the latest additions to the bill are Batucada Sound Machine, a 13-piece, eclectic act fusing a concoction of Brazilian, Cuban and Afro-beat rhythms with a Hip-Hop twist. Joining Batucada Sound Machine on the bill are Watcha Clan a hybrid Afro French outfit who beautifully combine traces of Latin American cumbia, Caribbean reggae and Balkan Gypsy smashing all musical barriers. Continuing the journey around the world Larmer Tree welcomes the hauntingly beautiful voice of Ireland’s Heidi Talbot heading up the formidable trio of John McCusker and Boo Hewerdine. Other artistes added to the line up are; GaBLé, Cosmo Jarvis, Allo Darlin', Sheelanagig, Pete Lawrie, Derrin Nauendorf, Ruth Theodore, The Joker and The Thief, Vid Warren and Tinderbox.
On top of the sterling and expansive musical line up, Larmer Tree Festival prides itself on the inventive creativity of the expansive Street Theatre line-up. The first bunch of confirmed performers to bring their walkabout magic this year are; 19 year old boy wonder Ollie Mealing, the modern day Houdini of card trickery! Pixihoopsound and Wanda the Wonder-Cart with their very own colourful and high energy mobile hula hoop party, Carpet Man and Lino Boy will be donning their multi-functional flooring based clothing and The Vegetable Nannies will be enjoying a day out with the unique characters that are the Vegetable Babies! Also walking the winding avenues of the Larmer Tree Festival gardens will be; Granny Turismo, Misguided Protest, I Scream Van, The Cleaner, The Thinker and The Chimps.
With the help of the extended Larmer Tree family the Saturday fancy dress theme has been finalised! Happy Days are here again as the chosen theme is ...1950s Retro Revival! Get geared up for a real rockabilly blast from the past. Coif your quiff, flick up your collar and master your rockabilly pose for the ‘50s Retro Revival of all things rock’n’roll, jive, vintage and swing! There is a feast of activities to get involved in to draw out the inner mod or rocker. Bust a few moves in a dance workshop, shake your ‘boom boom’ to the likes of Imelda May or get hoppin’ to Boppin B! Whether you’re a swinging sister, a rockabilly chick, a covert Teddy Boy or aspiring T-Bird Larmer Tree will transport you to the land of Brylcreem and milkshakes and keep you rocking around the clock all night long!
Talking of 1950s, Larmer Tree’s favourite coiffed dandy, Mark Kermode has announced the line up of his second Film Club at Larmer Tree Festival. Running from 5.30pm, Thursday–Sunday, Mark will be showcasing an intriguing selection of feature films across a variety of genres including animation, horror, cult movies, rock docs and family features. Mark’s selection consists of some well known classics and family favourites such as Singin’ in the Rain, Young Frankenstein and Wallace and Grommit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit along with some lesser know versions of familiar stories in Phantom of the Paradise, a bizarre and brilliant rock and roll remake of The Phantom of the Opera, plus Forbidden Planet; a witty and stylish adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ starring the legendary Leslie Nielsen. Mark will present introductions to the films, explaining why they are so important to him, and providing some fascinating nuggets of information about the films and their makers.
Mark Kermode says:
“It’s great to be back at Larmer Tree with the Film Club. We had a terrific time last year, with oddities like Dougal and the Blue Cat and Beggars of Life playing to packed houses of all ages. I think we’ve got an even more eclectic programme this year with more of my favourite movies, and music once again providing the backbone of the show. My advice: arrive early!”
For those after a bit more of a luxurious experience, Larmer Tree have teamed up with the Comfy Camping experts to deliver all the necessary creature comforts and ensure you enjoy Larmer Tree in style! All the hard work is already done, just turn up, move in and enjoy. The options include beautifully crafted tipis in the Wigwam Sam majestic tipi village, the bell tent boutique camping with Hotel Bell Tent and for those who really want to be at the festival in style and get fully immersed in the 1950s theme there is the option of the lovingly restored Airstream Trailers, beautiful vintage silver trailers that include a range of original retro chic interiors to 21st century state-of-the-art lavish interiors, all fitted with the latest mod cons and the festival jackpot of a personal shower and loo!
