Latitude Festival is an annual music and arts festival famous for its diverse lineup of music acts from various genres, including indie, rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM).
In addition to music, the festival also features a wide range of arts and cultural events, including poetry readings, comedy shows, theatre performances, and visual art installations. The festival takes place over three days in July, attracting thousands of attendees from all over the UK and beyond.
The event has been running since 2006, becoming one of the UK’s most popular festivals.
Where Is the Latitude Festival Held?
The Latitude Festival location is near the village of Southwold and the town of Beccles, about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Ipswich. The park covers an area of 800 acres and is surrounded by woodland and lakes, providing a picturesque setting that can accommodate the Latitude Festival capacity of around 45,000.
History
Latitude Festival has a rich history that spans more than a decade. Let’s explore the key milestones and significant developments in the festival’s journey:
2006: Inaugural Year
Latitude Festival was first held in 2006 at Henham Park in Suffolk, England. The team behind Riverside Studios, a renowned arts venue in London, founded the festival. They curated a lineup featuring music, comedy, theatre, literature, and poetry to create a unique event combining various artistic disciplines.
2007-2010: Expansion and Recognition
During these years, Latitude Festival began to gain recognition as an innovative and multidimensional cultural event. It expanded its programming, offering diverse performances and experiences across different stages and areas of the festival site. The festival attracted notable artists, including musicians, comedians, and authors, and started to establish a reputation for showcasing emerging talent alongside established acts.
2011-2013: Continued Growth and International Recognition
Latitude Festival grew in popularity, drawing larger crowds and expanding its offerings. The festival further diversified its lineup, incorporating dance, film, visual arts, and children’s activities into its program. It received critical acclaim and earned recognition as one of the UK’s leading arts and music festivals. The festival’s unique atmosphere and commitment to creating a family-friendly experience became critical elements of its identity.
2014-2019: Milestones and Memorable Moments
During this period, Latitude Festival reached significant milestones and witnessed memorable performances. The festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015, marking a decade of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. It welcomed renowned headliners like Portishead, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Killers alongside a diverse lineup of musicians and artists across various genres.
Latitude Festival also continued to emphasise its commitment to the environment and sustainability. They launched initiatives, such as the Love Thy Planet campaign, to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about environmental issues.
Festival Promoters
The festival promoters of Latitude Festival have changed over the years since its inception. Here are some notable promoters associated with the festival:
Festival Republic: Festival Republic, a prominent music and events promotion company, has been involved with Latitude Festival since its early years. The group, previously known as Mean Fiddler Group, has a rich history of organising major music festivals in the UK, including Reading and Leeds Festivals. Their expertise in event management and commitment to creating diverse and memorable experiences have contributed to the success of the Latitude Festival.
Kilimanjaro Live: Kilimanjaro Live, a renowned live music promotion company, has also significantly promoted Latitude Festival. Known for their expertise in booking and promoting artists, Kilimanjaro Live has worked with numerous festivals and events across the UK. Their involvement in Latitude Festival has helped bring an impressive lineup of artists from various genres to the festival’s stages.
Hallett Independent: In 2020, Melvin Benn, the founder and managing director of Festival Republic, acquired a majority stake in Latitude Festival through his company, Hallett Independent. This acquisition further solidified Benn’s involvement and commitment to the growth and success of the festival.
It’s important to note that festival promotion often involves collaboration between multiple companies and individuals, with different entities responsible for various aspects of the event. These promoters work in close partnership with the festival organisers to curate lineups, manage logistics, and ensure the overall success of the Latitude Festival.
Historic Acts
The Latitude Festival has a reputation for featuring diverse musical acts, including up-and-coming artists and well-established industry legends. Over the years, the festival has welcomed several historic acts to its stages, bringing together fans of all ages to enjoy their classic hits.
Tom Jones
One such act was Tom Jones, who performed at the festival in 2010. The Welsh singer, known for hits like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah”, took to the stage to deliver a high-energy set with the crowd singing and dancing along. Jones proved that he still had the power to captivate audiences, even after more than five decades in the industry.
Patti Smith
Another notable historic act was Patti Smith, who headlined the festival’s main stage in 2011. The punk rock icon delivered a powerful and politically charged set, drawing from her extensive catalogue of music and poetry. Smith’s performance was a reminder of the enduring impact that she and her contemporaries had on the music world and the continued relevance of their message.
Kraftwerk
In 2013, the festival welcomed German electronic pioneer Kraftwerk to the stage. The band’s groundbreaking use of synthesisers and other electronic instruments helped shape modern pop music’s sound, and their performance at Latitude was a testament to their enduring influence. The show featured stunning visuals and a setlist that spanned the band’s entire career, from early hits like “Autobahn” to more recent tracks like “Tour de France”.
Other acts that have performed at Latitude Festival include The Black Keys (2014), Suede (2015), New Order (2016), The 1975 (2017), Solange (2018), and George Ezra (2019). Each of these artists brought their unique style and sound to the festival, captivating audiences with their unforgettable performances.
Overall, the Latitude Festival’s commitment to showcasing new and historic acts has made it a special event among music fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic rock, an electronic music lover, or simply looking to discover your new favourite artist, there’s something for everyone at this celebrated festival.
What To Expect at Latitude Festival
When attending the Latitude Festival, you can expect to experience diverse music, arts, and cultural events in a beautiful natural setting. Here are some things to expect when going to the festival:
- Music: The festival features multiple stages and a diverse lineup of musical acts, ranging from indie rock and EDM to folk and world music. There are also opportunities to discover new and emerging artists and local talent.
- Arts and Culture: Besides music, the festival features a range of cultural events, including theatre performances, comedy shows, dance performances, poetry readings, and visual art installations. There are also workshops and talks on a variety of topics, such as environmental sustainability and social justice.
- Camping: The festival offers camping options, from traditional tent camping to luxury glamping, with various facilities and amenities available on-site. Camping is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience and meet fellow attendees.
- Food and Drink: There are a variety of food and drink options available at the festival, ranging from gourmet food stalls to bars and cocktail lounges. The festival prides itself on its selection of high-quality and locally sourced food and drink.
- Sustainability: The festival is committed to sustainability and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including recycling programs, composting, and using renewable energy sources.
Attending Latitude Festival is a unique and immersive experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a music fan, a culture vulture, or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, the festival has plenty to offer.
Camping at the Festival
Many festival-goers camp on-site to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience. Several different camping options are available, including standard, family, quiet, and boutique camping. The festival also offers pre-pitched tents for those who want to camp without having to bring their gear.
Camping at the festival can be a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and fully embrace the festival’s communal spirit. However, it’s important to note that camping can also be a challenging experience, especially for those not used to sleeping outdoors or unprepared for the weather conditions.
If you decide to camp at the festival, be sure to bring appropriate gear, including a good quality tent, warm clothing, and a waterproof jacket, and be prepared to have an unforgettable experience.
What To Pack for Latitude Festival
If you’re planning to attend the Latitude Festival and camp on-site, here are some essential items to consider packing:
- Tent: A sturdy, waterproof tent is essential for camping at the festival. Make sure it’s big enough to accommodate you and your camping gear.
- Sleeping bag: Choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperature range at the festival. A good sleeping pad or air mattress can also help you sleep comfortably.
- Clothing: Pack clothing appropriate for the expected weather conditions, including rain gear and warm layers for cooler nights. Bringing comfortable shoes for walking around the festival site is also a good idea.
- Food and drinks: While plenty of food and drink options are available on-site, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks to have in your tent or while exploring the festival grounds.
- Camping gear: Besides your tent and sleeping bag, you may also need cooking utensils and a cooler for storing food and drinks.
- Personal items: Remember to pack personal items such as toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit, and any medications you need.
- Festival essentials: Bring a backpack or small daypack to carry your essentials around the festival site, as well as a portable phone charger, a flashlight, and earplugs to help you sleep through any noisy campers.
Packing as lightly as possible is important, as you’ll need to carry everything with you to your campsite. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the festival’s rules and regulations, including any restrictions on what items you can bring to the site.
Top 10 Things To Do at Latitude Festival
Here are ten things you can do at the Latitude Festival:
- Enjoy live music: Latitude features a diverse range of musical acts across multiple stages. Catch your favourite bands or discover new artists.
- Explore the arts: Check out theatre performances, dance shows, poetry readings, and visual art installations across the festival site.
- Attend a comedy show: The festival has a dedicated comedy arena featuring some of the UK’s best comedians.
- Relax in the woods: Escape the crowds and find peace in the festival’s tranquil woodland areas.
- Watch a film: The festival has a dedicated cinema tent, screening a range of independent and international films.
- Discover new talent: The festival features a dedicated stage for emerging artists and new talent, offering the chance to catch the stars of tomorrow.
- Enjoy the food and drink: Latitude has a wide range of options, from gourmet street food to craft beer bars and cocktail lounges.
- Attend a workshop: Participate in a variety of workshops covering topics such as sustainability, creative writing, and well-being.
- Dance the night away: Enjoy DJ sets and dance parties in the festival’s dance tent and late-night areas.
- Soak up the atmosphere: Latitude Festival has a unique and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the company of fellow festival-goers.
Latitude Festival Lineup
The Latitude Festival dates for 2023 are 20-23 July, when the event is set to return to the scenic Henham Park in Suffolk. This year, the festival features headliners Pulp, Paolo Nutini, and George Ezra. Additionally, the event will showcase a diverse mix of music and arts for a vibrant cultural experience.
The line-up also includes acts such as The Kooks, Metronomy, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Black Midi, The Lightning Seeds, The Proclaimers, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Young Fathers, The Beths, The Big Moon and The Dinner Party. Furthermore, attendees can look forward to an engaging blend of comedy acts, theatre performances, and art installations all on show at this dynamic festival.
Latitude Festival Tickets
The tickets for the festival cost:
Friday Day adult – £89.50
Saturday Day adult – £94.50
Sunday Day adult – £89.50
Day (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) child – £10.00
Weekend tickets are available for £286.45 for adults, £175.40 for accompanied teens, and £15 for children.
Parking at Latitude Festival
If you plan to drive to Latitude Festival, you can purchase a parking pass for your vehicle. The festival offers two parking passes: Standard Parking and Priority Parking.
Standard Parking includes a full weekend parking pass and allows you to park in the festival’s general car park. Priority Parking is an add-on option that gives you access to a closer parking area, with shorter walk times to the festival site. Priority Parking passes must be purchased in advance.
It’s worth noting that the festival encourages attendees to use public transport, carpool, or cycle where possible to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, if you plan to drive, follow the festival’s parking guidelines and arrive early to secure a spot.
Food and Drinks
There are plenty of food and drink options available at Latitude Festival. The festival features various food vendors, offering everything from street food and gourmet burgers to vegan and vegetarian options. Several bars and beverage stalls are scattered throughout the festival site, offering a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.
The festival also features a dedicated “Food and Drink Village,” which showcases local and regional food and drink producers. This area offers a unique dining experience, with a variety of pop-up restaurants, artisanal food stalls, and cocktail lounges. Keep an eye out for the Latitude Festival map, that normally appears on the festival’s website shortly before the event.
It’s worth noting that food and drink prices at festivals can be quite high, so it’s a good idea to budget accordingly. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the festival, although glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
Latitude Festival: Final Thoughts
The Latitude Festival has become a highly anticipated event on the UK’s festival calendar, drawing music fans from all over the world to Suffolk’s Henham Park each year. With a diverse lineup of musical acts, art installations, and cultural events, the festival offers something for everyone, from families with young children to hardcore music enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the festival is its commitment to showcasing both new and historic acts. While legendary performers who have helped to shape the course of music history appear, the festival also welcomes up-and-coming artists, giving them a platform to share their music with a wider audience.
From Tom Jones to Kraftwerk to Patti Smith, the festival has featured a who’s who of music legends, each of whom has left their mark on the industry in a unique way. Furthermore, the festival is poised to continue its tradition of bringing together music lovers from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and creativity that is truly special.
Latitude Festival is a must-attend event for anyone with a love of music and culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of historic acts or eager to discover the next big thing in music, the festival has something to offer everyone.
With its idyllic setting, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Latitude Festival is sure to remain a beloved fixture of the UK festival scene for years to come.
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