Larmer Tree Festival Announce Art Installations, Intimate Music Sessions and Imaginative Street Theatre

Wednesday 13th–Sunday 17th July 2011Larmer Tree Gardens, near Salisbury, on the Wiltshire, Dorset border

Over 70 diverse artists, 6 stages, comedy club, 150 free workshops, street theatre, carnival procession, intimate crowd of 4,000, voted Best UK Family Festival 08 

As purveyors of sterling internationally renowned music, award winning comedy and the best activities and workshops for children and adults alike, Larmer Tree Festival now has some of the most inventive and ingenious onsite art installations to be seen on any festival site. This year the highlights include Ulf Mark Pedersen’s ‘Tunnel Vision’ and Simon Sinkinson’s ode to the influential people in Larmer Tree’s history with the ‘Larmer Luminaries’. On top of announcing the onsite art, Larmer Tree can now reveal what’s in store in the intimate and cosy setting of The Social along with the final pieces of the Street Theatre programme.

Larmer Tree Festival is delighted to announce two exciting new site art projects for the 2011 festival to add to the already extensive collection of creativity on site during the five-day annual event. 

First up is the spectacular Tunnel Vision by Ulf Mark Pedersen. Having recently returned from a British Council tour of Australia and the Far East with the ground breaking ‘Power Plant’ project, the renowned sculptor Ulf Mark Pedersen has been commissioned to create a site specific installation ‘Tunnel Vision’ especially for Larmer Tree. Set in the 40 metre laurel ‘tunnel’ within the Larmer Tree Gardens Ulf will be combining natural and artificial elements to transform it into something unique and magical with a  sensational play of light and colour.  Through a mysterious, light based alchemy the Laurel Tunnel will be transformed into something unique and magical to wander around in and discover. 

In addition to Tunnel Vision, there is an extra special permanent installation going into the Larmer Tree Gardens; In the Larmer Tree Festival’s 21st year Directors James Shepard and Julia Safe wanted to recognise some of the people who are no longer here but have helped shape the gardens and the festival.  The Directors have commissioned local artist and thatcher Simon Sinkinson to create a series of 10 miniature woodland doors, all dedicated to the ‘Larmer Luminaries’.  Each beautifully crafted and individual door will be installed at the base of the garden’s most stately trees to form a permanent and befitting tribute.

Other stunning and interactive art installations include; Sue Wanklyn & Pauline Stanley botanical hedgerow creations in ‘Fritillary’, Ian Freemantle’s Giant Bardic Chair and Windswept Bench, Madeleine Allison & Eleanor O’Brien’s celebrity washing line; Hanging Out, Elizabeth Lore’s Lunar Flowers and Deborah Neild’s 1000 origami cranes in Senbazuru. In addition to the installations Larmer Tree is very pleased to welcome back their Artist in Residence, Olivia Keith. Olivia is returning with her amazing large scale, fluid drawings which perfectly capture the Larmer Tree spirit.  She’ll be choosing subjects all over the site, and each day a ‘Drawing of the Day’ will be selected and displayed in the Info Tent.

The Social, now in its fifth year has matured nicely into the alternative chill out venue with a laidback vibe that makes it a popular spot to catch up with friends, kick back with a magazine and a beverage or happen upon an impromptu performance! Housed in three lovely reindeer-herders’ tents and with festival favourite Nuala Honan and her team at the helm, there is a bounty of cosy spots to hide away in, a mass of silly board games to entertain and a mountain of magazines to peruse at leisure. Assisted by a cold beer or a frothy Mochaccino from Mocha Mania right next door, kick back in the soothing space of The Social by day and get down to its impromptu jam sessions and jaw dropping DJs by night! Here’s an overview of the treats in store...

On hand to tickle you pink over lunchtime is the The Comedy Club, featuring sketch groups Totally Tom, WitTank and impromptu hip-hoppers Abandonman. Through the afternoon the Social will be dotted with street theatre performances, open mic spots, lazy DJ sets, performance poetry and 2011 Larmer Tree Lyrical Laureate Kayo Chingonyi. Once the sun has set, the ones in the know will be heading for this hive of activity where you will be treated to lively but intimate sets by some of our favourite bands… previous years have seen the likes of Frank Turner rock up and do an intimate gig to 100 lucky Social inhabitants! This year confirmed so far are; the immersive Americana melodies of ahab, the gypsy-licious Moscow Drug Club, the knees-up band otherwise known as Sheelanagig, the local Latinistas Baila La Cumbia, and the wild and truly unique Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) are a few of the names to check out! Nuala’s resident DJs and off-the-cuff happenings will keep you going into the wee small hours of the morning… this is one social not to miss!

With more interactive street theatre and spontaneous performances than you can shake a stick at, there truly is an adventure waiting round every corner of the Larmer lanes...The Street Theatre programme is now fully stocked and there are some real gems on offer! From Carpet Man and Lino Boy with their bespoke range of multi-functional flooring based clothing, to festival circuit regulars Invisible Circus’ and their gravity defying tricks, there is an abundance of antics and adventures just waiting to be discovered! Another of the highlights includes The Secret Tent by Hunter Gatherers. The Secret Tent will be a place of intrigue and wonderment, but not easy to find! People can only find The Secret Tent if invited: A limited number of maps leading to the tent’s location will be secretly released during the festival. Ensure to check bags and pockets, as someone may have discretely slipped in a map to where the mysterious treats await! The Secret Tent may pop up as anything, possibilities include a Japanese tea tent, a private gig or an exclusive wine tasting, the list is endless...

MUSIC LINE UP:Seasick Steve, Jools Holland and his R&BO with special guest Sandie Shaw, Imelda May, Ozomatli, Asian Dub Foundation, Bellowhead, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Seth Lakeman, Stornoway, Show of Hands, Vieux Farka Touré, Caitlin Rose PLUS:http://bit.ly/hdXw0m

COMEDY LINE UP:Comedy Line up: Russell Kane, Arthur Smith, Phil Nichol, Andi Osho, Phil Kay, Tom Wrigglesworth, Rob Deering, Gareth Richards, Late Night Gimp Fight, Abandoman, WitTank, Totally Tom, Sara Pascoe, James Acaster, Iain Stirling, Fergus Craig, Joel Dommett

For Tickets click here:http://bit.ly/dPA7EB