Martha Wainwright
Adding to the already stellar line-up of acts, Martha Wainwright will be bringing her celebrated folk-rock style to the five day cultural festival. Pioneering World musician Toumani Diabaté has also been added to the bill, continuing Larmer Tree Festival’s reputation for diversity and innovation. Having recently announced an extensive arena tour for next year, Russell Howard will take to the stage for a rare, exclusive set at the festival’s Comedy Club.
These new additions join the likes of Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra -with special guest Alison Moyet, reggae legends Toots and the Maytals and Grammy award winning blues guitarist Robert Cray. The unique and intimate Larmer Tree Festival balances leading names in music and comedy alongside a magnificent programme of theatre and art to delight festival goers of all ages.
As a member of one of the most famous musical families of a generation, Martha Wainwright will be closing the festival on 18th July in her own inimitable fashion, bringing her unique and revered folk style to the beautiful Victorian Larmer Tree Gardens. Daughter of American folk singer Loudon Wainwright III and the late Canadian artist Kate McGarrigle and sister to Rufus Wainwright, Martha’s accomplished career has seen her release two powerfully touching, critically acclaimed albums. Martha has also collaborated with the likes of Pete Townsend and Damon Albarn and hit the top 20 with Snow Patrol on their single Set Fire to the Third Bar.
The widely praised Malian musician Toumani Diabaté will be headlining Larmer Tree Festival on Saturday 17th July. His landmark collaboration with the late Ali Farka Touré in 2005 attained five star reviews from the likes of Guardian, Observer Music Monthly, The Sun, Metro and Songlines, and went on to win the Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2006.
Hailed worldwide as a groundbreaking musician, Toumani Diabaté has brought the kora - a unique West African harp - to the global stage almost singlehandedly. His collaboration with Björk on her Volta album saw him join her on stage at 2007’s Glastonbury Festival, as well as performing his own electrifying set with the Symmetry Orchestra. Toumani recently released his second album with Ali Farka Touré, Toumani and Ali, to heavy critical acclaim across the world.
Larmer Tree Festival are delighted to have one of the most recognisable names in British comedy Russell Howard headlining the festival’s comedy bill. Star of ‘Mock the Week’ and his own ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’, Russell will be bringing his quirky, observational stand-up show to the intimate Comedy Club setting.
Other new additions to the line-up of musical talent include Cornershop and Easy Star All-Stars. Most popularly known for their number 1 smash Brimful of Asha, indie-rock band Cornershop have continued to release critically acclaimed albums and perform at some of the UK’s top summer festivals. Easy Star All-Stars will be encouraging Larmer Tree audiences to get in the party spirit with their reggae/dub covers of popular songs, taken from their albums Dub Side of the Moon, Radiodread and Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band.
Larmer Tree Festival is truly like no other. With an eclectic array of stellar live acts, hilarious stand-up, colourful theatre and dance, interactive workshops for all ages and delicious locally produced food, all set in glorious Victorian gardens, Larmer Tree Festival creates an infectious and unique carnival atmosphere that it is impossible not to be swept up in. With tickets kept to 4000 each day, Larmer Tree Festival promises one of the most intimate and personal festival experiences.
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