THE Larmer Tree Festival organisers couldn’t have asked for better weather for its opening night.

A beautiful blue sky summer’s evening with the sun glowing on the green gardens was a magical backdrop for the opening sets by Jack Savoretti and Jamie Cullum.

The first glimpse of the friendly and colourful festival saw the earthy and vintage stalls set up, vibrant flags flying and smells from the local food stalls lingering in the air. It’s hard to describe just how feel-good and fabulous this festival really is.

Everyone was in a good mood, and it’s easy to see why.

Taking a turn in the secret and lost gardens while listening to Jack Savoretti, he could easily be thought to be 30 years older.

His gravelly and wise tones are so soulful and filled with wisdom. His set went down a treat with the crowd as he geared them up for the headline act of the night, the sensational Jamie Cullum.

Not to say that Jack didn’t earn his own stamp on the stage as the Italian-English acoustic singer-songwriter’s vocals echoed gorgeously through the Larmer Gardens.

And then came Jamie Cullum and his cool jazz crew.

Oh what this man can do with his hands. His fingers glided over the piano keys so effortlessly as his unique vocals mesmerised the crowd.

Mixing up the set with his memorable numbers All at Sea and The Wind Cries Mary from the incredible album Twentysomething alongside a jazzed up cover of Uptown Funk, the jazz singer had the whole crowd bouncing. What he lacks in height he makes up for in jumping off the piano at any chance he gets.

A beautiful evening and an exciting weekend of music still to come at the festival.

JESSICA REES