Latitude sits at the heart of the summer, with its innovative programming and stunning site design creating a spectacular weekend for 35,000 people in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Park, Suffolk. Latitude, which was named ‘Best Family Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards this week, is unequalled in the diversity and quality of the artists it hosts. It also leads the way among summer festivals in using the natural landscape of the site to elevate and inform artists’ performances.
Over the past seven years, the organisers have constantly adapted the festival to bring new experiences and utilise the unique spaces available. Changes in recent years include the creation of The Faraway Forest as an interactive destination to marvel at; the addition of the Sunrise Bridge to allow for easier movement around the site; The Inbetweeners’ Teen Area for Latitude-loving teens and In The Woods has now developed into a multi-sensory area with art spaces, audio and visual installations and a number of well-known late night DJs keeping the party alive until the small hours.
“Latitude had one of its finest line-ups yet this year…” NME 16.07.12
Revellers can be sure that their ticket will guarantee them access to a huge and diverse selection of music. Whether they want debuts or exclusive performances, classical or dance, the popular or the obscure, Latitude really does have it all. Over the past seven years Latitude has witnessed some truly remarkable musical moments; who can forget Florence + The Machine’s emotional first ever festival headline appearance on the Obelisk Arena, Thom Yorke’s spellbinding Sunday noon solo set and Elbow’s climatic crowd sing-a-long on Saturday this year. These are just some of the highlights from Latitude’s illustrious past line-ups with 2013 set to be no exception.
As the festival of choice for music lovers, this year Latitude welcomed almost half of the Mercury Music Prize 2012 nominees. Richard Hawley, Ben Howard and Michael Kiwanuka all delighted crowds at the Obelisk Arena, Lianne La Havas lit up the second arena and the crowned winners Alt-J made their festival debut onThe Lake Stage.
“Most festivals involve multistage attractions, but few have championed varied art forms with the passion of Latitude.” Metro 12.07.12
Each year, a theme or group of ideas underscores Latitude’s arts programme. In 2013, we are asking ‘What Defines Me? Neuroscience Vs Sexuality’, inviting artists to respond as literally, loosely or wildly as they see fit. Neuroscience now grips contemporary artists, writers, performers and thinkers in a way we have not seen since developments in psychoanalysis shook up creative and intellectual life in the 1950’s. Latitude will be exploring the nuances of the human brain: how slight chemical variations create distinct predilections amongst us and how we might proceed to accentuate, celebrate or even fight our individualism.
This theme, which has obsessed artists since the dawn of time, will be addressed on every level from the serious to the light-hearted across the eleven arts arenas at Latitude. The hub of the idea will be in The Faraway Forest, which will be very interactive and science orientated during the day and at night, transforming into a version of Amsterdam and 1970’s New York with all the heady, expressive abandon that this implies.
The full spectrum of the arts is showcased at Latitude and celebrated at all points across the site. The combination of music and arts makes Latitude a unique event when compared to other festivals with the cream of artists and performers from the worlds of comedy, theatre, literature, dance, cabaret, poetry, film and fashion populating the non-music stages. The issue is not where to find the hottest talent on the line-up, but instead where to find the time to see everything!
The line-up in the Comedy Arena is always highly anticipated and the tent is fit to burst all weekend. Star names who have performed in previous years include Jack Dee, Tim Minchin, Alan Carr and Michael McIntyre. In 2012 the Theatre line-up featured more premieres and specially commissioned pieces than ever before with highlights including Kate Tempest’s ‘Brand New Ancients’, National Theatre and C!rca. The Literary Arenafeatures respected writers and speakers each year, some of those who have previously appeared include Sebastian Faulks, Hanif Kureishi and Professor Brian Cox, who challenge and entertain audiences with readings, interviews and Q&As. Poetry, cabaret, dance, film and fashion all feature prominently at Latitude with well-loved and critically-acclaimed artists appearing year on year.
“Picturesque, laid-back and family-friendly, Latitude has chilled out vibes and a party atmosphere in equal measure.” Glamour 28.06.12
Latitude’s recent ‘Best Family Festival’ Award is testament to the huge array of family-friendly activities available at Latitude for children and parents alike. Arranged around the banks of the central Latitude lake you will find the incredibly enticing Children's Arena, where children are entertained all day and into the night with everything from pond dipping and face painting to helterskelter rides and theatre workshops. A real hive of activity, it’s the place where children never want to leave and parents wish they could stay!
The Inbetweeners’ Teen Area is for those kids who may just be a little too old for the Children's Arena, but still want to get involved. Teenagers can enjoy music, media and technology workshops, wildlife survival skills and assault courses suspended in the trees. Families can also choose to stay in the Family Campsite where like-minded people, early morning activities and easy access to the Children's Arena are guaranteed.
The Road to Latitude
For those fans who, like all at Latitude HQ, are counting down the days until the 2013 event then why not get involved on the road to Latitude? There are a number of events on the journey to the festival. These includeLongitude which samples a variety of the art forms on offer from poetry to cabaret and the Latitude Book Clubwith readings from some of the highly anticipated authors. There is also the Tour de Latitude, an initiative designed to get you out of the car and on your bike to Latitude to raise money for worthwhile causes and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition to this, the official Facebook page will be offering Christmas goodies on Latitude’s Advent calendar which, along with Twitter and the website, is the place for the most up-to-date news.
Presale tickets for Latitude 2012 will be available to purchase here from 9am on Monday 10th December and remain at 2012 prices until midnight on 31st December. For full details head to www.latitudefestival.co.uk
Latitude 2013 Presale Prices
Weekend adult tickets £175.00
Weekend child (5-12 years) tickets £5.00
Adult day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £75.00
Child (5-12 years) day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £5.00
Campervan Permit £40.00
Tickets subject to applicable fees.
