THIS year’s Larmer Tree Festival, set in the Victorian gardens of the Cranborne Chase, is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever with a packed programme of music, comedy, theatre, poetry and more.

It gets underway tonight (Wednesday). 

Headline acts Jamie Cullum, pictured, Tom Odell, The Stranglers, Calexico and Caro Emerald will be taking to the main stage across the five-day festival. Plus, Jack Savoretti, Gabrielle Aplin, Afro Celt Sound System and many more acts across the festival’s other four stages.

New for 2016 is The Chase, a stage championing the finest in emerging talent, with acts including Quantic, Sidestepper, Hot 8 Brass Band and This is the Kit.

With an emphasis on discovering both emerging talent and musicians who deserve to be on your radar, The Chase promises to be a firm festival favourite.

Night owls will also find diversion at The Social, enjoying high-energy live music and dynamic DJs, with a late-opening bar ready to quench the thirst of the hardiest of dancers.

The late-night comedy club to the ARC stage. This year the club will be headlined by celebrated comedians Mark Steel, Paul Foot, Sam Simmons and The Boy with Tape on his Face, supported by the fantastic Phil Nichol, Tiff Stevenson, Max and Ivan, Stuart Goldsmith, John Hastings, Brett Goldstein, Jen Brister, Jonny Awsum, Laura Lexx, Tom Webb, Danny Ward and Barry Ferns.

Street theatre will entertain from an impromptu dance-party in the poshest portaloo to a troupe of mime artists in the Flag Circle, keep your eyes peeled as you won’t want to miss a moment.

For an array of one-off shows, talks and screenings those in the know can pop into the Pavilion, an indoor theatre space set in the heart of the gardens, for an array of talks and screenings, with further talks popping up across the festival site. 

Larmer Tree’s poetry and spoken word headliner is Dr John Cooper Clarke, who will be taking to the ARC stage. An original, performance ‘punk poet’, Clarke has toured with punk and reggae legends including the Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and Joy Division, with his characteristic set of lively, rapid-fire, a cappella poetry.

Meanwhile, visitors to the Lostwood Stage will find themselves immersed in spoken word; from poetry readings to spooky latenight storytelling. 

For those looking to extend the party into the night, last year’s late-night venue The Hide is back by popular demand.

Tucked into a clearing in the woods with the Shepherd’s Hut bar close to hand, The Hide will host top-notch DJs from Friday to Sunday, for a fantastical all-night dance party.

Larmer Tree are making it easier than ever for families to experience the joy of a summer festival - this year all under 10s are free, while prices for youth tickets remain frozen across all tiers.

With a bespoke programme of fun for little Larmers – from workshops, puppetry, theatre, disco and more – the festival caters for all ages.

Littlest festival-goers can pop along and say ‘Ello!’ to Mr Bloom from CBeebies. There’ll be a bundle of veggie stories, gardening games and catchy Nursery songs for Tiddlers and Parents alike.

The dedicated Family Lawns provide a welcoming hub for families, but children will find acres of fun to be had across the whole festival site. 

There will also be a broad range of workshops from dance classes to arts and craft sessions and morning yoga.

The festival runs from July 13 to July 17. For details go to larmertreefestival.co.uk