Marling makes a live comeback at festival in aid of Myanmar

LAURA MARLING doesn’t perform for free for just any fundraiser. But the award-winning singer-songwriter is making a rare exception. Later this month, in the shadow of The Shard, Marling, inset, will embark on one of her first live post-pandemic performances in a bid to raise money for the people of Myanmar.

The festival, organised by

Burmese food writer and activist MiMi Aye, alongside artists’ collective Raise Three Fingers, broadcaster Helen Zaltzman and others, takes place on August 22 at Marlborough Sports Garden near Borough Market. Marling will headline with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, with comedy, exhibitions, artists’ workshops, craft fairs and a charity auction — with a guitar donated by Marling — also on the bill. The aim is to recreate the atmosphere of a familyfriendly Burmese festival, known as a pwè, says Aye. She wants to raise awareness of the dire situation in her home country. “Myanmar has fallen off most people’s radars,” she says. In February, the government was overthrown by the Burmese army and since then more than 900 civilians have been killed, including more than 70 children. More than

5,000 people have been detained for speaking out against the brutality.

Entry to the festival is free but donations will be encouraged, with all proceeds going to Myanmar charities.