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Arriving at the beautiful Larmer Tree gardens, this year’s Larmer Tree festival welcomed its revellers with friendly faces, flowers in bloom and an atmosphere so family friendly you could almost feel it wrapping its arms around you.
The festival had been going since Wednesday, with the delightful talents of Imelda May and Jools Holland and his rhythm and blues band. By Friday, the place was in full swing. There were over excitable children by the bucket load, with animals sprawled across their faces in beautiful glitter and paint. It’s a shame to say, there wasn’t a Spiderman in sight.
The Arc played host to the understated heroes of the festival. My First tooth took to the stage at 7pm on Friday. Their charming mix of folk inspired indie pop got the crowd going and even the drummer’s questionable banter got a laugh.
Jumpy tunes ‘Silent Spring’ and ‘Orchards’ were a definite highlight, as the seated crowd rose to have a little awkward boogie.
The band also treated us to new song ‘Court House,’ a tune so country, a thigh slap or two definitely felt appropriate.
The surprise cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Atlantic City’ would have done the Boss proud, as lead vocalist Ross Witt gave it his all in true My First Tooth style.
Saturday welcomed in some much needed sunshine, as soggy wellies and soaking jackets were beginning to dampen the mood. Pete Lawrie began his set at The Arc early on in the afternoon. After growing up on Penny Lane and with a grandfather responsible for the trumpet on the fab four’s ‘Strawberry Fields,’ it’s no wonder Pete found his way into music.
The set felt extremely personal, with Mr. Lawrie explaining the meaning of each song in honest depth. ‘Jimmy and the Birds on Fire,’ a song based upon a dwindling friendship, was exceptionally soft and candid.
Single ‘The End’ was the highlight of the set, with lyrics proving there is a way to get out of a crap job – something many of us can relate to.
At 4pm, country gal Caitlin Rose played the Garden Stage. Her modern approach to the country genre proved a hit, as the crowd swayed to her songs of unrequited love. Playing hits from her debut album ‘Own Side Now,’ Caitlin Rose secured her place in this year’s top artists to look out for.
Single ‘Shanghai Cigarettes’ made an impact as her band of bearded blokes impressed with their instrumental talents. Even after apologising for the sad nature of her songs, Rose’s set made even the glummest of attendee’s smile.
The main stage played host to dance veterans Asian Dub Foundation. Their eclectic mix of jungle, dub and techno got the excitable young’uns of the festival jumping around in true Skins house party stylee. Although it may not have been the older audience member’s cup of tea, the guys of Asian Dub Foundation definitely haven’t lost their touch.
The evening’s entertainment came from Bristol legend DJ Derek. Playing reggae and soul to the audiences’ delight, DJ Derek proved it’s not only Bristol that loves him.
It may have been the sun, it may have been the booze but this old man was an exceptional addition to the line-up. To watch people of all ages rejoice in a bit of Bob Marley was a lovely sight to see.
Whether it was its community vibes, its specialist line up or its surprisingly fresh loos, Larmer Tree is truly one of the most charming festivals on offer.
Photography by Laura Williams.