The heart of the East Anglian countryside comes to life annually each July for the magical music and arts festival Latitude. I have seen this festival expand over the years as it becomes bigger and bolder with every line-up. Winner of UK Festival 2017’s Best Major Festival this is sure proof you will not be disappointed.
This year Solange, The Killers and Alt-J take to the headline stage from July 12-15, accompanied by a huge roster of amazing artists across a number of stages.
Latitude is predominately a music festival however it opens up into a haven of things to do; The almighty comedy line-up providing you with all the laughs to a moment of calm and zen at the Sanctuary spa at the Sola Woods, where you can give yourself a rest from all the dancing and book yourself into a heavenly massage or reflexology. It’s not short of theatre shows and interesting talks to keep your brain engaged.
Gone are the days of digestive biscuits and cereal bars washed down with a Stella, to keep you going through the course of the few days. The Street Feast fun of London’s diverse food market eateries have teamed up with Latitude to bring flavours from Italian, Greek and Vegetarian specific cuisines that you just will not be able to resist.
Latitude has some amazing artists splashed across the main bill this year including indie pop five piece Fickle Friends, the magical sounds of Jessie Ware, electronic producer Jon Hopkins and the return of The Vaccines.
Latitude also celebrates the talent of many rising stars. I saw Alt-J six years back at Latitude and now to see them announced as Sunday’s headline, it really demonstrates the support this festival has for emerging talent and witnessing the growth of artists such as this one.
On my radar for the 2018 season are The Modern Strangers. Be ready for the ultimate summer feel as this classy indie electronic duo take to the Solas stage on July 13. Having just released their Meltdown Mechanics EP on June 1, be sure to give it a listen before you see them live. With their infectious tracks oozing positivity, their funky melodies will be sure to keep you grooving the whole way through.
Taking to the Sunrise Arena on the Friday, July 13, Naaz will bring her unique vocals all the way from Holland. Releasing her debut EP Bits of Naaz in April this year at just 19 years old, her self written tracks are fun and undeniably quirky with a definite essence of cool sprinkled throughout.
Sam Fender is another artist also on my radar. I caught some of Sam’s set at The Great Escape Festival this year and despite not a great venue in my eyes, his easy-listening tracks that also bring an indie-rock tone with his gritty vocal tone he will certainly bring you all the right vibes. Having just been tipped as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record with his new track “Leave Fast”, all eyes will be on Sam.
Effortlessly cool, Bloxx will have you feeling festival ready with your beer in hand and their Indie Rock tunes soundtracking your day. This female fronted four piece will be taking to the stage on July 14th and will combine relatable coming of age lyrics with a hint of grunge and of course never short of a dose of pop.
As always, Nao will be unmissable. With her classic old school vocals that resonate the sounds of Mary J Blige intertwined with her own fresh modern take, you can hear multitudes of layers that combine house, pop and soul. As a Latitude ‘one to watch’ get yourself down to The Alcove Stage on July 13 and be absolutely blown away.
Weekend ticket prices start from £197.50 for standard camping with day tickets starting at £77. Of course you can spice up your camping a little more with the option to Glamp. From pod pads to a luxury lodge, you can be sure to get back from a day of fun and relax under the stars. Of course, if the camping isn’t for you and glamping is still a little to close to nature, there is an option to stay in a countryside hotel near to the site.
Latitude is a really special community festival that you can fully indulge yourself in every single aspect that it has to offer. Make your way to Henham Park this July for a weekend for a majestical weekend of pure happiness. Purchase your tickets here and get more information on the Latitude Festival website.
Words by Jodie Brunning
