News

Imelda May And Seasick Steve Added To Larmer Tree Line Up

• 25th Feb 2011

Larmer Tree Festival are giddy with excitement to unveil that Sunday’s sterling headliner will be veteran of ‘hobo’ blues Seasick Steve and topping the bill on Thursday will be Ireland’s vixen of rockabilly, Imelda May. Amongst the superb international artists also confirmed are; critically acclaimed Stornoway, the vibrant sounds of the Jaipur Kawa Brass band, spellbinding harmonies from The Staves, invigorating Cajun-skiffle from Swiss band Mama Rosin plus The Buffalo Gals and many more…

Jools Holland has been unveiled as the opening act and now he’s joined on the bill by legends Seasick Steve and Imelda May. Sunday Night headliner, Seasick Steve is returning to Larmer Tree Festival for the first time since his inaugural appearance in 2007, when he whipped up a musical storm with his exceptional talent that engages and inspires. With songs that tell simple tales of a wandering man and his ramshackle instruments; Seasick Steve has since become a household name, having won Best Breakthrough Act at the 2007 MOBO awards and twice nominated for Best International Male in the 2009 and 2010 BRIT Awards. Seasick Steve has come a long way since his first Larmer Tree Festival appearance but he maintains his raw, unwavering talent that has endeared him to so many.

Larmer Tree Festival is also very pleased to welcome back their Thursday night headliner, Imelda May. Imelda first hit notoriety in 2008 with her triple platinum selling debut album Love Tattoo. Throughout her flourishing career she has shared a stage with Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, David Gilmour, Sharon Shannon, Jeff Beck, Shane MacGowan, Kirsty McCall, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and Wanda Jackson. 2010 saw her release her second album Mayhem that has been received with great praise and critical acclaim, and has been reigning in the top 20 of UK album chart for the past 15 weeks! Closing the Main Stage’s festivities on the first full day of Larmer Tree Festival 2011, this is one toe tapping, beat bopping, jitterbug session of high octane rockabilly riffs not to be missed!

Stornoway have won over critics and audiences alike with their beautiful, heartfelt, coming of age lyrics set to the stunning harmonies of these four very talented musicians. With their debut album Beachcomber’s Windowsill released in May 2010 this band are at the very start of what is looking to unfold into a flourishing career. Having already appeared with some of the industry’s best musicians on Later with Jools Holland including Sting, Nora Jones, Jay-Z and Foo Fighters; Stornoway are ones to watch and will be treating the Larmer Tree Festival goers to their unique and individual indie-folk style of performance.

Jaipur Kawa Brass Band will be bringing their vibrant sounds of India to the Larmer Tree Festival. This seven piece band blends traditional Gypsy music from Rajasthan with a touch of Hindustani classical music and a dash of Bollywood to create a unique sound that is enhanced by the energy and humour of the players and the mischievous dancing of a Gypsy danseuse. They will also be bringing their rambunctious and flamboyant performance to the winding avenues of Larmer Tree on the Sunday afternoon as they join in the hundreds strong procession that weaves through the festival site showcasing stunning costumes and new found skills from the festival workshops in an explosion of colour, sound and movement!

The Staves are a melodious folk trio, comprising of sisters Jessica, Camilla and Emily. The secret of their sound is the spellbinding harmonies; their own delicately crafted songs make full use of, infused with a folk twist here and a nod to Americana there, but always a distinctly British sound. As folkradio.co.uk summed up last summer, “Their new EP, Facing West is an excellent introduction to the girls’ music and a real promise of treats to come.”

Mama Rosin are a whirring, smiley Swiss trio who buoyantly deliver an inventive blend of Cajun swing and rootsy blues with a skiffle twist. The band use all the traditional instruments such as melodeon, banjo, guitar and rub-board, with a barely contained energy and overflowing passion, the crowd can’t help but be encapsulated and transported to a fusion of New Orleans meets a Swiss farmyard!

The Buffalo Gals are fast becoming the UK’s favourite old-time country string band. Firmly rooted in traditional American music, with an authentic sound driven by fiddle, banjo, percussive step dance, and soaring harmonies, they produce an irresistible show packed with all the excitement, passion and fun of Appalachian, Bluegrass, Blues and Cajun tunes and songs.

Along with this small sample of what’s in store for Larmer Tree Festival 2011 also confirmed on the bill are; the earthy odes of Matthew and the Atlas, the afro-psych organ and funk riffs of Kalakuta Millionaires and the carefully crafted, cross genre sounds of Goodnight Lenin.

Larmer Tree is an innovative festival that delivers high quality with a buzzing atmosphere and eccentric antics. Experts in their field and with an event steeped in tradition, Larmer Tree Festival has over 80 acts showcased on six stages, 150 free workshops, award winning international comedians, quirky and unique street theatre, an onsite night club and late night jam sessions; all located in one of the most beautiful festival sites in the country.

Watch this space for upcoming announcements on headliners and new areas.

Tickets are now on sale with options ranging from individual day tickets, 3-day, 4-day or a full 5-day option, all with camping and car parking included. For more information on tickets please visit the website: link

LINE UP SO FAR:
Seasick Steve / Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest Sandie Shaw / Imelda May / Bellowhead / Stornoway / Show of Hands / C W Stoneking / Spiers and Boden / Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / The Staves / Mama Rosin / Penny Black Remedy / The Dodge Brothers / Boppin'B / Skinny Lister / Moscow Drug Club / Buffalo Gals / My First Tooth / Matthew and the Atlas / Polly and the Billets Doux / Kalakuta Millionaires / Goodnight Lenin / Rosie Doonan / ahab / The Mopes / Disco's Out (Murder's In)

Date: Wednesday 13th–Sunday17th July 2011
Ticket Price: From £32-£197. Please check website for all tickets options
Online link
Telephone Box Office 023 8071 1820
Post Ticket South (MEL), Empire Lane, Southampton, SO15 1AP.

• Established in 1990, Larmer Tree is celebrating 21 years in 2011.
• Larmer Tree Festival is a UK multi-award winning festival.
• It is an intimate festival aimed at all ages with a limited 4,000 capacity.
• The festival is held in the beautiful and unique Larmer Tree Gardens, near Salisbury, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border.
• There are six stages, over 80 artists, comedy, 150 free workshops, street theatre, and spoken word plus much, much more!
• It has sold out in advance for the past 16 years.
• The festival is independent and has retained its non-corporate ethos.