LARMER TREE FESTIVAL, TOLLARD ROYAL, JULY 14-18

THE Larmer Tree Festival celebrated its 20th year with the sort of eclectic line-up that has become its trademark.

From established festival favourites such as Jools Holland and Oysterband, via folk sensations The Unthanks and reggae legends Toots and the Maytals, through to one of the greats of world music, Toumani Diabaté, there was something to suit a wide range of musical tastes.

Four stages for live music, plus street theatre, comedy, DJs and Mark Kermode’s film club – not to mention more workshops than you can shake a stick at – meant there was always something going on to keep revellers of all ages entertained over the|festival’s five days.

Add a magical woodland setting and you can understand why the Larmer Tree has a reputation as one of the most laid-back and family-friendly of festivals.

The late-night comedy club deserves special mention, with acts including TV stars Russell Howard and Rich Hall playing to packed houses. Musically, there were standout performances from Toots and the Maytals, Toumani Diabaté and Martha Wainwright among others.

Toots played a blinder and was enjoying himself so much that when audience members clambered on stage to dance, far from repelling boarders, he welcomed even more until the stage was overwhelmed. And yet still the band played on. Truly unforgettable.

Kora player Toumani Diabaté demonstrated with consummate ease why he is called “the master” of the 21-string African harp, his eight-piece band the perfect foil against the rippling strings of his instrument.

He had the audience in the palm of his hand as he lovingly gave a potted masterclass on the instrument that only he can make dance. An entrancing and spine-tingling hour in the Saturday afternoon sunshine.

Martha Wainwright, uniquely talented, brought the festival to a close in grand style with a performance that confirmed her as one of music’s most original voices.

This was a vintage year for the Larmer Tree – roll on 2011.

Rupert Hicks