How to Plan a Weekend at the Larmer Tree Festival

The Larmer tree is the place the infamous King John (think Robin Hood) met his men before they went out hunting. Unfortunately this piece of history fell down in 1894, but then it was only a tiny part of what is known as the Larmer Garden--a beautiful and slightly surreal setting for this summer music festival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check out the Larmer Tree Festival website (link below).
2. Have a look whose playing and decide who you want to see. If you make the 2007 festival Jules Holland is playing on the 11th of July, Billy Bragg on the July 12 and Transglobal Underground on July 13. But there are five stages and numerous bands play all day.
3. See the Big Top Stage. This has music and dance workshops during the day and live music at night.
4. Play your own instruments at the ARC stage. An indoor arena that specialises in open mic nights and has its own bar.
5. Take part in theatre workshops at Club Larmar and listen to world music performers during the night.
6. Socialise in the Social venue, a new tent where people can meet up and relax.
7. Walk around the village. This is the section of the festival reserved for shopping and also where you will find what is known as the artists quarter.
8. Plan how to get there. The nearest railway station is Salisbury and from here you will need to catch a bus which will take you 2 miles away from the Larmer grounds. It is recommended you drive to the site and parking is free.

Tips & Warnings

• If you haven't got a car, check out freewheelers (link below) to see if anybody is offering lifts to the Larmer tree.
• Unfortunately cars are not allowed on the camping site and you will have to carry your camping equipment to the area.
• Tickets are sold out for 2007.
• Bring fancy dress for Saturday.
• Caravan and camper vans have a separate area from the tents. For more info contact 01749 813 668.