THIS YEAR'S five-day Larmer Tree Music Festival is almost sold out. All tickets for the opening night - headlined by Jools Holland - were snapped up weeks ago.

Now tickets for Saturday, July 20, and all of the special weekend tickets have sold out too.

There may still be limited tickets for Friday, July 19, and Sunday, July 21, featuring headliners Eric Bibb and Mary Coughlan, but the message from organisers is that you'd better hurry.

Set in idyllic, lush Victorian gardens in the heart of remote Cranborne Chase, the Larmer Tree Festival, which was originally launched 12 years ago, has become one of the more genteel events on the annual music industry's al-fresco calendar.

It isn't just its beautiful location deep in the inspirational countryside of the Dorset/Wiltshire border, although that helps.

It also has a reputation for quality music and a family atmosphere.

This year it offers music from around the world on four stages in exotic gardens full of eastern temples, peacocks and Nepalese pagodas.

With more than 50 bands on the bill including people like The Waterboys and a wealth of leading world music acts, it's a very agreeable attraction.

This year, among the workshops, bands and entertainment, the Sunday will feature a colourful procession with all costumes being made over the weekend.

It will also feature a soundtrack specially produced for the procession by those taking part.

For further info call the Festival Office on 01725 552300, or check the website: www.larmertree.co.uk