Perhaps it’s the fact that this festival has quarter of a century of experience under its belt, but Larmer Tree Festival certainly knows how to set the scene for a memorable weekend for all the family. 

With a capacity of just 4,000 festival-goers, this boutique event is renown for its excellent facilities (free hot showers, anyone?) and community ethos with farmers and vintage markets, incredible music, comedy, film and theatre, workshops and delicious food.

From the Circus Tent to the Water Garden, every area has something planned for little ones, including Mark Kermode’s Film Club, screening the Oscar-winning Frozen as well as the ’70s classic Bugsy Malone

Musical Maestros Highlights include Tom Jones, Tom Odell, Frank Turner, Squeeze, Stornoway and Public Service Broadcasting, plus many more.

Featured Fun Comedy plays a huge part of Larmer Tree Festival with an impressive line-up at the Arc Comedy Club including Live at the Apollo host Lee Nelson and Mock The Week regular Mark Watson. A highlight of the weekend – especially for the kids – will be the Dancing Diggers, choreographed by Rock and Rig from Cornwall who animate their diggers with remote controls. Ya dig?

The Zones  The Main Stage; The Big Top circus tent; Garden Stage; Arc, for comedy acts; The Social, for lounging, quizzes and impromptu open-mic sessions; The Pavilion, where Observer film critic Mark Kermode hosts the film tent; Flag Circle, for street theatre with pop-up musical ensembles, dance troupes, street shows and amazing circus skills by day, and mesmerising fire performances and special effects by night; Lost Lounge,; Global Bazaar; Lostwood, for storytelling adventures; Water Garden; Artists’ Quarter, showcasing beautiful crafts; Secret Garden, for recuperation; The Village; not to mention the Children’s Area!

Kid Stuff

  • A Dress Up Saturday and full carnival procession on Sunday.
  • The Bubble Boogie Disco, the world’s only solar-powered wheelbarrow disco created from waste, hosted by DJ Dynamo whose repertoire includes old school nursery rhymes, cheesy disco and pop tunes – all accompanied with lots of bubbles!
  • POP! A Magical Comedy Show! promises Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin slapstick capers
  • Author/illustrator Kristina Stephenson tells the latest adventures of her pint-size hero, Sir Charlie Stinky Socks in The Tale of the Wizard’s Whisper.
  • There are also children’s workshops creating crafts and learning how to make pitta bread, as well as baby message, sing-song sessions and calming baby yoga.

Chill Out Time Head to the Secret Garden where therapists offer massage and treatments.

Dining Tables The Goan Seafood Company are a returning favourite, along with Pieminister and many many more, while The Farmer’s Market offers campers tasty treats as well. Ringwood Brewery return with their selection of quality craft ales.

Happy Campers Camping options include Quiet, Family, One-Day, General and Disabled camping, all included in the price of the tickets, with easy access to the cafe and shop, Larmer Lock-Up, ample water points and award-winning loos. Many comfy camping options include Hotel Bell Tent, Wigwam Sam, Tilshead Caravans, Fairlove Yurts (from £470), Blackmore Vale Caravans (from £395) and Airstream trailers (from £1,600).

THE PRICE TAG
Full Weekend Adult (18+), £160 | 11–17-year-olds, £105 | 5-10 year-olds, £60 | Under-5s, Free

Photography Credit: Larmer Tree Festival | Paul Bevan (paella)

See more family friendly Festivals in the UK for 2014