Latitude Festival Lake Stage lineup announced

Handpicked by DJ and broadcaster Huw StephensThe Lake Stage will be the first place festival goers can see the stars of the future.  Previous artists who have graced the stage before going on to win awards or headline their own shows include BRITS Critic Choice winner 2014 Sam Smith, 2012’s Mercury Music Prize winners Alt-J, The 1975, Clean Bandits, Bombay Bicycle Club, Metronomy and more.
 
Making a grand entrance this year is the hit electronic duo Bondax, who first shot to fame in 2011 through an introduction from BBC Radio. The pair from Lancashire have since gone on to set up their own record label, Just Us Recordings, and grown in popularity with hits such as a cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity and have toured around the world. They are set apart by the tempo of their tracks, significantly below current house music’s 125 beats per minute, but still with enough groove to make them sensual, get dancefloors packed and secure plays on Annie Mac. Likened to a “northern Disclosure” by The Guardian, they have supported other dance music greats such as Basement Jaxx. Bondax promise to be a hit at Latitude with their sun kissed tunes.
 
Catfish and the Bottlemen, from Llandudno, Wales, have an old school take on indie rock playing loud & explosive guitar laden riffs, that have led to comparisons including Feeder & Foo Fighters, while their single Rango being chosen for Zane Lowe’s Top 100 of 2013. Still relatively unknown, but well on their way to super rock stardom following B List support from BBC Radio 1 for their single Kathleen, their performance at the festival will be one to see in an intimate setting whilst you still have the chance.
 
Talented virtuoso Luke Sital Singh, will headline the stage on the Sunday of Latitude. Compared to the likes of Bon Iver and Damien Rice, Luke is a rising star and received early support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music and XFM. Having played a sold-out series of headline shows across London he released his third EP Tornados towards the end of 2013 and has featured in the iTunes singer-songwriter charts and The Guardian’s ‘New Band of the Day’.
 
Also on The Lake Stage will be Cate Le Bon who wowed Latitude with her stunning performance in 2012. She returns with her unforgettable haunting voice, twinned with a unique folk rock style, following the release of her 2013 albumTurnstile. Joining Cate will be the minimalist music of Sumie – the younger sister of front man Yukimi for the Swedish synth pop band Little Dragon, Sumie makes delicate, dreamlike folk with a similar unpolished, outsider feel to the loner folk of early '70s artists Sibylle Baier and Linda Perhacs.
 
Following the release of his debut album Days in the City this January, Only Real mixes hip-hop influences with London city tales against a 90’s pop backdrop and has been described as having “delightful languor and piercing lyrical turns”,Loud & Quiet. After much duly deserved attention from the release of his first LP in 2013, Latitude is thrilled to welcome talented producer and songsmith Oliver Wilde. Wilde’s electronic downer-pop music will soothe listeners in to a blissful hazy trance this summer.
 
Making their Latitude debut is the South East garage punk duo Slaves. Unlike many British punk bands, these boys don’t sway towards American themes of punk, but stick to their Kentish roots, evident in their charged performances. Also joining the 2014 line-up for The Lake Stage are The Bohicas, a quartet from Essex and East London and makers of arresting indie rock 'n' roll. Forecast to be one of the major live acts this summer, these lads have serious stage presence and are guaranteed to deliver an epic performance.
 
Latitude is pleased to welcome newcomers Circa Waves to this year’s festival circuit, their rendition of up-beat garage-rock is a revival of the early-Noughties. Originating from Liverpool and less than a year old, Circa Waves have already been tipped by BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe with their single Get Away, which was praised as one of his hottest records in the world.
 
Latitude is proud to announce the North Dakota-based band Gengahr (formally known as RES) will be performing at this year’s festival. Following a string of new releases the up-and-coming band will get crowds going with their own easy-listening brand of indie-rock music. Festival goers can expect a sweaty, fun-filled extravaganza from Manchester bandSpring King, whose raw version of garage-rock revival bands is reminiscent of that covetable untamed youth. Their debut album In All This Murk And Dirt is a talented home production of tracks performed and recorded in a day, making them a real musical gem. Four-piece Woman’s Hour consists of siblings Fiona on lead vocals and William on guitar, along with bandmates Nick and Josh. Described by The Guardian’s New band of The Day as “singing about the enervating aspects of love in a soft, sighing way over…modern indie styles.” They are currently touring Europe with Metronomy, and their bring their debut album Conversations to Latitude just days after its release.
 
The Lake Stage is proud to showcase a plethora of emerging talent this year. Making her debut on a major UK festival stage this year is the super talented 16 year-old SOAK  from Derry, Ireland who has already been cited as ‘one to watch’ by The Guardian. Gracing the stage this year will be the soulful Elli Ingram whose ambient sounds accentuate her creativity as one of the most contemporary and eclectic artists around. Soul singer, Moko joins the bill with her original blend of soul, house and gospel. Both Moko and Elli are renowned for their work supporting and collaborating with on the famous duo Chase & Status. Also making her first appearance at a major UK festival is London resident from New York, Norma Jean Martine, replete with The Black Keys-like woo’s and a vocal talent and mystique reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, Norma will be one of many shining gems at the festival.
 

Latitude Festival announes film making competition

Latitude Festival is running a competition this year for film makes to create a documentary based on this years theme Secrets and Lies, check out the details of the competition below:

This year, Latitude Festival will be focusing its attentions on some vital political and societal issues that are both timely and timeless.

Living in Britain as we learn of the unprecedented mass surveillance being undertaken by the US and UK – learning vital truths, unravelling secrets and questioning what these mean for us, for society and for the future.

As part of this wide, creative exploration, Latitude Festival – in partnership with film Production Company Brass Moustache – will commission two short documentaries (maximum 10 minutes length) to premiere in the Film & Music Arena of the festival.

Film-makers, especially young or emerging film-makers, will be invited to submit 2 page treatments to the jury, comprised of multi-award winning film-makers Callum McCrae, Director of "No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka"; Sarah McCarthy, Director of "The Dark Matter of Love" and Mark Donne, Director of "The UK Gold" – who will shortlist & commission two short documentaries.

The two winning film-makers will each receive a production grant of £2.5k each and both receive on-going support & workshop assistance via the Brass Moustache studio in Central London.

The jury and winning film-makers will be joined at the festival by Catherine Bray of Film 4, who will introduce the premiere screenings of the two shorts and then host a debate and audience discussion on the themes connected to them.

BRIEF>

“I don’t want to live in a world where everything that I say, everything I do, everyone I speak to,

every expression of creativity or love or friendship, is recorded” … 

So said Edward Snowden.

In the modern era of Facebook, twitter, tumblr, online stalking; state & corporate surveillance; the silent capture of colossal levels of personal and private data, the surreptitious analysis and sale of our private thoughts, emotions, habits, pleasures, dislikes and political leanings, we call on film-makers to respond to one question: “What is Your Truth?”

We ask film-makers to meditate on themes such as: surveillance, underworld, personal, double lives, masks, brain/body, confession, social media, privacy, conspiracy theories, whistleblowing and individual perspective; and upon our own relationships with the truth and how the allure of secrecy could become embedded into our lives.

Short documentaries can be in any form: animated, docu-drama, investigative documentary, participative or observational documentary, but they must clearly respond to the brief as outlined. 

SUBMISSIONS>

Please send treatments (maximum 2 pages in length) to: [email protected]

Submissions must include:

·         Name, age and date of birth of Director.

·         Full contact details

·         A comprehensive outline (including narrative and style)of the short documentary you’d like to make

·         One paragraph on how you will technically realise the project (equipment, etc.)

·         One (final) paragraph on why you wish to make it

DEADLINES>

28th April – submissions closed.

9th May – winning treatments announced & commissioned.

2nd June – commissioned film-maker workshop/rushes review in Central London.

27th June – deadline for delivery of completed short documentaries.

18th July – premiere screenings and audience discussion in Film & Music Arena of Latitude Festival.

TERMS & CONDIITONS>

·         The competition jury will independently shortlist and select the winning short documentaries based on the merit and originality of the treatment and the judged capacity of the film-maker(s) to deliver to the brief.

·         Competition winners agree to attend the premiere screenings at the Festival on 18th July 2014. Guest passes to the festival will be made available to the winning film-makers.

·         Competition winners agree to attend a technical production workshop in Central London on 2nd June to review rushes and overall production progress.

·         Competition winners agree to their short documentaries (non-exclusively) being shown on the Latitude Festival website and all online platforms (including social networks, you-tube etc.)Competition winners will retain all rights to their short documentaries.

 

Latitude Festival 2014 Launch Event Review

The Black Keys have been announced as the third act to grace the Obelisk Stage at Latitude Festival this year. It will be the first time the blues / rock duo have headlined a UK festival. After the success of their last album 'El Camino' they will be more than ready to set the final night of the festival alight. They will join Damon Albarn and Two Door Cinema Club as the headlining acts for the ninth year of the festival.

The announcement was revealed at Sadler's Wells in London by festival organiser, Melvin Benn. Sadler's Wells not only provided the venue for the launch, it also adds to the festival by showcasing their very own English National Ballet, James Cousins Company and National Youth Dance Company.

The venue was full with guys and gals excited to hear who would be the next acts to be announced. As drink got flowing, it was clear to see that these people could not wait to be opening their first beer at the festival. The conversation was clearly about who they were most excited to see at Latitude.

Other acts which have been added to the stellar line-up include Editors, James, Crystal Fighters, Kelis, The Afghan Whigs and Tinariwen, Mogwai, Lykke Li, War On Drugs, Temples, Parquet Courts, George Ezra, Conor Oberst, Tom Vek and Dawes.

For those looking for something a little different, a well-rounded cultural experience, the reason that people swarm to Latitude, there will be performers such as Laura Bates (Literature), Sabrina Mahfouz (Poetry) and Margeret Thatcher Queen of Soho (Cabaret) gracing the Arts Stages. The theme for the Art Stages was revealed as 'Secrets and Lies'.

Finally if you're just looking for a giggle and a laugh the Comedy stage will delight you with the likes of Dara O'Briain, Milton Jones, Cardinal Burns, Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh.

Having been awarded 'Best Line-up' 2013 at the UK Festival Awards, Latitude has continued to pull together yet another outstanding line-up. We cannot wait to get down to Henham Park, Suffolk in July!

Tickets are on sale now. To get yours go to www.latitudefestival.com/tickets

Final headliner announced for Latitude Festival 2014

The Summer Festival Guide can reveal that the final headliner announced for this years Latitude Festival will be the American rock duo The Black Keys.  They join the previously announced headliners Damon Albarn and Two Door Cinema Club at this years summer festival.

Also added to the Obelisk Arena lineup are The Editors, James, Crystal Fighters and more.  Joining the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage is Mogwai, Lykke Li, Clean Bandit and more.

For the Comedy Arena, Irish comedian and TV presenter Dara O'Briain will head up proceedings and is joined by a massive cast including Milton Jones, Josh Widdicombe, Al Murray's Saloon Show.

See the full addtions here:

OBELISK ARENA

THE BLACK KEYS

EDITORS | JAMES |CRYSTAL FIGHTERS |KELIS | THE AFGHAN WHIGS | TINARIWEN
 

BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC STAGE

MOGWAI | LYKKE LI

JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW | CLEAN BANDIT | THE WAR ON DRUGS

SOHN | TEMPLES | HOZIER | PARQUET COURTS | GEORGE EZRA | CONOR OBERST

 

THE i ARENA

TOM VEK| TEEN | HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER | RY X | JOHN WIZARDS | DAWES

THE ACID | MIGHTY OAKS

 

COMEDY AT LATITUDE

DARA O’BRIAIN

MILTON JONES | AL MURRAY’S SALOON SHOW | JOSH WIDDICOMBE

 MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE & ANDREW MAXWELL | TIM KEY | JOSIE LONG | KATHERINE RYAN

TREVOR NOAH | SEANN WALSH | TOMMY TIERNAN | HENNING WEHN | JEREMY HARDY

MILES JUPP | DOC BROWN | CARDINAL BURNS THE PAJAMA MEN SARA PASCOE | NICK HELM

FELICITY WARD ARTHUR SMITH GLENN WOOL KERRY GODLIMAN JAMES ACASTER

HANNAH GADSBY TIFFANY STEVENSON JARED CHRISTMAS |ROB BECKETT

ROMESH RANGANATHANROISIN CONATY JOE LYCETT MIKE WOZNIAK

JOHN KEARNS LIAM WILLIAMSTOM ROSENTHAL |AISLING BEA|JOHN ROBINS |NISH KUMAR ERIC LAMPAERT CELIA PACQUOLA SUZI RUFFELL JAMIE DEMETRIOU ALFIE BROWN

BOBBY MAIR PAT CAHILL ANGELA BARNESPHIL WANG |IVO GRAHAM TANIA EDWARDS KWAME ASANTE JOSEPH MORPURGO HARRIET KEMSLEYDAVID MORGAN JONNY PELHAM DANE BAPTISTE GABBY BEST SARAH CALLAGHAN|CHORTLE STUDENT COMEDY AWARDS

THE SUNDAY ASSEMBLY WITTANK MCNEIL & PAMPHILON |CLUB SOL | MAX AND IVAN

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR | THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTONPAPPY'S

CARIAD LLOYD & LOUISE FORD & HOLLY BURN CHARACTER COMEDY SHOW

PLUS FURTHER HEADLINERS TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

LITERATURE

SALON LONDON PRESENTS KERRY DAYNES, JO HEMMINGS, TRISTAN GOOLEY, LLOYD BRADLEY, PROFESSOR B SAHAKIAN, DAVID SPIEGELHALTER, DAVID TONG, ART MACABRE, JULIET RUSSELL

JON RONSON | LAUREN BEUKES | PATRICK BARKHAM | ALEXANDRA HEMINSLEY | DANIEL DAVIS

RACHEL COOKE | NAOMI WOOD | VIV GROSKOP | MARK ELLEN | JP BEAN | ROYAL SECRETS

ROB EVANS JAMES BANNON | LAURA BATES | ZOE PILGER | JOHN OSBORNE

FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD | THE READER ORGANISATION | DYLAN’S BOOKBUS

MALCOLM GLUCK WINETASTING

 

THEATRE AND DANCE

FORCED ENTERTAINMENT | RSC | ROYAL EXCHANGE MANCHESTER

SADLER’S WELLS PRESENT  NATIONAL YOUTH DANCE COMPANY, JAMES COUSINS COMPANY, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET

DIRTY DANCING (HIGHLIGHTS)

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE PRESENTS JOHN BERKAVITCH ANDWILL DICKIE

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH, GREENWICH+DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, WATFORD PALACE THEATRE ANDLATITUDE PRESENT BUCKET CLUB, LIGHT THE FUSE, FLIPPING THE BIRDAND PAGE ONE THEATRE

MARK THOMAS | LUKE JERMAY | DRYWRITE | CLEAN BREAK

FOREST FRINGE PRESENT GREG WOHEAD, LOUISE ORWIN, BRIAN LOBEL, CHRISTOPHER BRETT BAILEY, CHRIS THORPE, ABIGAIL CONWAY, SARAH JANE NORMAN, VERITY STANDEN, JAMES STENHOUSE & SAM HALMARACK, TALES OF WHATEVER

GAGGLEBABBLE THE LETTER ROOM | FLANAGAN COLLECTIVE | AWRC | DASH ARTS

PLUS MANY MORE COMPANIES TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

ARTISTS

BOB AND ROBERTA SMITH |FILM PREVIEW: THE ART PARTY!

THE WRONG CROWD | DAVID SHILLINGLAW

 

FILM AND MUSIC

ESBEN & THE WITCH SCORE LA ANTENA

PLUS MANY MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

POETRY ARENA

LUKE WRIGHT | LEMN SISSAY | DIZRAELI | TIM CLARE

SABRINA MAHFOUZ | HANNAH JANE WALKER | SALENA GODDEN | KATIE BONNA

REBECCA GOSS | MOLLY NAYLOR | ROSY CARRICK | JOHN OSBORNE

 HELEN MORT | ALEXIS DUBUS | THE PRAM IN THE HALL

 

CABARET/LIVE ART

DUCKIE | MISS BEHAVE’S GAMESHOW | QUEENS OF POP

MARGARET THATCHER QUEEN OF SOHO | EASTEND CABARET | OPHELIA BITZ | THE GOLDEN BOYS

PLUS MORE NAMES TO BE ANNOUNCED

 

LATE NIGHT DJ’S

GUILTY PLEASURES | BUTTONED DOWN DISCO | DISCO SHED |JESS INDEEDY

 

ACROSS THE FESTIVAL

THE LAVISH BIG SCREEN | LATE JUNCTION | THE KIDS AREA | THE INBETWEENERS TEEN AREA

Damon Albarn to headline Latitude Festival 2014

The Summer Festival Guide can reveal now that Damon Albarn will headline Latitude Festival in a special one off UK festival exclusive performance.

Having performed at Latitude previously with super-group The Good, The Bad and The Queen, his 2014 performance will follow the hotly anticipated release of his olo album 'Everyday Robots'.

Damon Albarn

Latitude is hugely excited that his performance at the festival on Saturday 19th July will be his only UK festival appearance. Damon is no stranger to the festival having appeared at Latitude in 2007 as part of the supergroup The Good, The Bad & The Queen. As a musician who constantly challenges conventional boundaries and norms with his creativity, Damon Albarn is a perfect fit for such an innovative festival and now audiences will be delighted to see him appear for his first ever festival performance as a solo artist at Latitude 2014.
 
Damon Albarn’s eclectic musical style and observational lyrics have made him one of the UK’s most influential and consistently interesting musicians. He is the recipient of five Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards and a Grammy Award, with a career that started with Blur and spans Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Mali Music, Monkey: Journey To The West, Dr Dee and Africa Express. We are thrilled to welcome him to Latitude for 2014.
 
Albarn joins other Latitude exclusive performances including Two Door Cinema Club making their first festival headline appearance; Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp and Swedish indie-pop pioneer Robyn, in a special joint-appearance as part of their Do It Again 2014 tour, the only opportunity in the UK to see the tour. Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Roots Award’, Billy Bragg and his band will be stopping off at Latitude for a UK festival exclusive performance and finally the colourful and psychedelic experimental Swedish band Goat, who have a magnificent live show, which can only be seen at Latitude this summer.
 
Other names to look forward to for Latitude 2014 include BRIT nominated Californian sister trio Haim, one of the all-time legends of Memphis Soul Booker T. Jones, ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ Brit Award 2012 nominee Anna Calvi, Alabama native Phosphorescent and contemporary classical pianist Nils Frahmwith his intensely delicate pieces. Latitude will also welcome American folk-pop nomad Cass McCombs, gospel and soul inspired Chicago singer songwriter Willis Earl Beal, American baroque pop band San Fermin and British singer songwriter Marika Hackman one of 2013’s breakthrough artists. After adding extra dates to his London tour due to demand, post-rock and alternative hip-hop musician Son Lux will wow festival goers with his ethereal and nocturnal experimental rock, while modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster will bring her wyrd-folk and melancholy balladry to Latitude this year.

Two Door Cinema Club to headline Latitude Festival 2014

Latitude is hugely excited to announce that Two Door Cinema Club will make their first festival headline performance on the Obelisk Arena. Announcing the trio ahead of the biggest show of their career at London’s O2 Arena to 16,500 fans, Latitude has confirmed the Irish indie rockers will make the step up to headline Latitude’s main stage. With infectious guitar riffs, glistening electronica melodies and Alex Trimble’s lifting vocals, the band will be slowing down after a year of intense touring to play their one and only UK show of 2014 at Latitude. Not only will this be their first appearance at Latitude, but also the band’s very first festival headline show and we are delighted that Latitude is once again the place for a UK act to take that step. We welcome them with open arms and feet ready for a night of infectious anthems!
 
Kevin Baird from Two Door Cinema Club comments on their headline appearance:
 
"It's really exciting for us to be headlining Latitude in 2014. Over the past 5 years we've made the progression from playing in the small tents to being close to the top of the bill on the main stage. Headlining a great festival like Latitude is obviously quite a big deal for us but we also feel like it is the next natural step. We're ready to headline. We're ready to smash it." 

Two Door Cinema Club

Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp and Swedish indie-pop pioneer Robyn, will enchant festival goers in a special joint appearance at Latitude on their Do It Again 2014 tour. The two acts who collaborated to stunning effect in 2009 with ‘The Girl and The Robot,’ a clear stand-out track on Röyksopp’s third album Junior, are reuniting for a small number of shows in 2014. Latitude will be the only opportunity in the UK to catch these grand masters of electro-pop performing hits from their illustrious careers.
 
Californian sister trio Haim took the UK by storm in 2013, following an outstanding appearance on ‘The Jools Holland Show’ and subsequent release of their breakthrough album ‘Days Are Gone’, with ‘The Wire’ becoming the anthem of the summer for many. Nominated for an NME Award for ‘Best Track’ with 'Don’t Save Me' and topping the prestigious BBC ‘Sound Of 2013’ list, these talented siblings deliver an energetic live performance fusing retro, silky pop vocals and catchy rhythms. The crowds will no doubt go crazy for Haim during their debut Latitude performance.

Haim @ Latitude Festival 2014

Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Roots Award’, Billy and his band will be stopping off at Latitude, where his unique blend of political analysis, romantic idealism and engagement with contemporary society will be a perfect fit with the festival’s audience. Since the release of his internationally acclaimed new album ‘Tooth & Nail’, Billy Bragg has been recognised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) with an ‘Outstanding Contribution To Music Award’. Bragg, who was first inspired to combine music with activism by the ‘Rock Against Racism’ movement in 1978, has put campaigning for equality at the centre of his life and work ever since. An activist for workers’ rights and the end of apartheid throughout the 1980’s, on hearing the news that Nelson Mandela had passed away during a recent show, he dedicated his song ‘Tank Park Salute’ to the inspiring former leader. His ongoing commitment to breaking down the walls of secrecy and silence that surround political power structures will resonate with Latitude’s 2014 theme of Secrets. Having previously joined festival goers in debate about identity in the Literary Arena, Latitude is delighted to welcome back Billy Bragg and his rapturously reviewed band for a UK festival exclusive performance on one of Latitude’s music stages.
 
Latitude is hugely excited to be welcoming Booker T. Jones, one of the all-time legends of Memphis Soul and frontman of legendary Stax session band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This musical heavyweight has played on every record that Otis Redding ever made and wrote the classic Stax hit ‘Green Onions.’  Having recorded with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Sam and Dave, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan and more recently Valerie June, Booker T. received the Grammy 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2007 and Latitude can’t wait to see him spread his soul magic at the festival. 
 
After her mesmerising 2011 appearance, Latitude is pleased to welcome back ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ Brit Award 2012 nominee Anna Calvi to the festival. Following her acclaimed 2013 album release of ‘One Breath’, Anna will bring her romantically visceral guitar sound and hauntingly sultry vocals to the festival.
 
Alabama native Phosphorescent has, across six albums, won widespread praise and critical plaudits for the sombre yet equally redemptive music of which he writes. His latest album, the universally acclaimed ‘Muchacho’, wowed critics on its release in March, and his recent shows with Latitude favourites, The National, further cemented the love for his live show. With a sound that ranges from country rock, to mournful barroom ballads, he will bring the ‘reverence and purity’ celebrated by Pitchfork for an unforgettable set.
 
The ever-prodigious Nils Frahm seems to exist on a continuous stream of musical output. Based in Berlin, the 31year old electronic and contemporary classical pianist is constantly flooring listeners and audiences with his intensely delicate pieces. Taught by Nahum Brodski – himself a student of the last scholar of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – his unconventional approach to an age-old instrument played contemplatively and intimately will bring a hushed silence whilst opening imaginations at Latitude.  
 
Experimental Swedish band Goat have a magnificent live performance reputation that is sure to spellbind Latitude.  Goat’s guitar riffs have been likened to Hendrix and their music is a magnificent melting pot of music genres, with an audio-visual live performance that owns the stage. Colourful and psychedelic, their live show can only be seen at Latitude this summer and is not to be missed!
 
American folk-pop nomad Cass McCombs brings his uniquely laconic and yearning music to Latitude following the release of his epic sixth album ‘Big Wheel and Others.’ With vocals ranging somewhere between the lilting melody of Morrissey and the driving earnestness of Bob Dylan, McCombs’ contemplative lyricism and macabre jams are not to be missed.
 
Chicago singer/songwriter Willis Earl Beal’s songs run a wide gambit of sounds from gospel confessional to noise-touched soul ballads, all characterised by his booming voice.  Beal’s self-produced second album ‘Nobody Knows’ released on XL in 2013 has been described by NME as “one of the most commanding vocal performances of the year…a bold, beautiful and uncompromising record.”
 
San Fermin is the brainchild of 24-year-old Brooklyn based composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone, who wrote the outfit’s self-titled debut album over six weeks after studying under the avant-garde classical composer Nico Muhly (Björk, Grizzly Bear, Antony & the Johnsons). The result is a sweeping, full-bodied soundscape with multiple distinct peaks and ambitious thematic connections described by The Daily Telegraph as “a consistently surprising and exciting record.”
 
Latitude is hugely excited to announce one of 2013’s breakthrough artists, 21-year-old singer songwriter Marika Hackman. Handpicked by Burberry as one to watch in 2012, and with her single ‘Bath Is Black’ nominated for Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record of 2013’, Hackman’s star is truly on the ascent. While Hackman has already supported previous Latitude favourites Laura Marling and Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit on tour, her crystalline vocals and spectral, unsettling music sets her apart from her British folk contemporaries. Watch out for her new EP ‘Sugar Blind’ produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J) and released by Dirty Hit Records this December. 
 
New York based Ryan Lott, aka Son Lux, is a post-rock and alternative hip-hop musician. The multi-talented producer’s credits include arranging and programming for films ‘Looper’ (2012) and the ‘Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby’ (2013) as well as recent collaborations with Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti, These New Puritans, Nico Muhly and Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry. 2013’s ethereal and nocturnal experimental rock LP ‘Lanterns’ has been lauded as his best work to date and features contributions from Peter Silberman of The Antlers, DM Stith and yMusic of Dirty Projectors.
 
Modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster from Colorado will bring her wyrd-folk and melancholy balladry to Latitude this year. Foster’s influences include Tin Pan Alley, and her eclectic and engagingly mercurial output includes everything from albums of children's songs and the poems of Emily Dickinson, to neo-psychedelica and Spanish folk songs.

iArena lineup announced for Latitude

As the sun sets over Latitude, the buzz builds and the party really starts, reaching a climax with headliners Bloc PartyKraftwerk 3-D and Foals, however the fun doesn’t stop there. All those festival goers seeking late-night thrills can follow the winding path through the woods to witness some of the most exciting DJs and electronic acts from the UK and further afield,with a bill curated by Tuesday Born with Audio Doughnuts, at the i Arena.

On Friday evening the crowds will be treated to the best in home-grown UK sounds. Legendary 2-step/garage producer Zed Bias, whose remixing skills are in demand by the likes of Jessie Ware and Rita Ora and whose intense bass-heavy DJ sets were instrumental in the forging of dubstep, will be playing into the night. Also on the bill is Ossie whose smooth tones are inspired by the jazzy warmth of broken beat and the syncopated swing of UK funk. Rinse FM presenter Shox, named one of 2012’s ‘10 most exciting new producers' by Fact Magazine, has made a name for himself on the UK funky house and grime scenes, receiving plenty of national airplay courtesy of BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, 6Music and Kiss FM along the way. Getting the party started will be London-born, Brighton-bred Lorca, who is known for his solid house rhythms, soulful vocals and atmospheric 2-step loops.

On Saturday night the party continues, taking on a world influence. Londoner Romare’s perfectly executed sound explores African culture using collected samples and an academic approach. Also performing will be underground sensation Werkha who, since releasing his debut Cube & Puzzle in September, has enjoyed airplay throughout Europe, most notably from godfather of world music Giles Peterson. His set promises to showcase his infectious fusion of afrobeat, bass, house, jazz, funk, and soul, bound together and brought bang up to date through contemporary electronic. Following several trips to Ghana and sessions with local musicians, The Busy Twist, aka London producers Tuesday Born and Ollie Twist, capture the energy and vibrancy of Ghanaian life and music. Longstanding Glasgow based Mungo’s Hi Fi follows the original Jamaican sound system tradition and will be bringing their up-to-date reggae, dub and dancehall sounds to the night-time crowds.  

Sunday sees one of Chicago's most influential house music producers, Roy Davis Jr, take to the decks. A pioneer who has shaped the direction of electronic music for nearly two decadesand the man behind worldwide nightclub smash Gabriel, his set is one not to be missed.  Named after a Nigerian state capital, Benin City is Theo Buckingham on drums, Tom Leaper on tenor sax, and Joshua Idehen on rhymes.  Their vibrant and energetic performances have garnered them a loyal following, including John Kennedy (XFM), Mark Lamarr, Scroobius Pip, Ed Sheeran and Craig Charles. Multi-talented producer, pianist and vocalist Gabriel Benn aka Tuesday Born has been causing a stir on the ever growing London electronic landscape with his Afro-Electronic cocktail, a mix of Ghanian influenced rhythms and ethereal electronic jams. Warming up the crowds will be Russian born Anushka whose all vinyl DJ sets are a mixture of unique, deep, dark sounds.

Across the festival site there will be a huge selection of late night DJ’s to keep the crowds entertained including Moshi Moshi DJsJen Long (BBC Radio 1), GoldierocksDermot O’Leary’sIndie Disco, Phil Hartnoll of Orbital, Don LettsMelt Yourself DownGuilty Pleasures and Sink The Pink just to name a few!

This all follows on from daytime electronic tones of James BlakeDisclosureRudimentalFlumeSOHN, IAMAMIWHOAMI, and Purity Ring who will keep the crowds on their feet… see you there!

Legendary Bobby Womack to perform at Latitude

Joining Latitude as special guest for the eagerly anticipated Sunday lunchtime performance on the Obelisk Arena, Latitude’s Main Stage, is the legendary Bobby Womack, the godfather of soul and R&B. Womack’s career spans more than 50 years at the cutting edge, stretching right back to his discovery at the age of 10 by the legendary Sam Cooke. During his time he has penned Number One hits for some of the biggest bands in the industry, played guitar on some of the most enduring albums of the 20th century, including Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin’s Pearl, and released a series of ground-breaking albums that mixed soul, disco and rhythm and blues.

While his music enjoyed a revival in the late 90’s after Quentin Tarantino picked his 1972 song Across 110th Street as the theme for Jackie Brown, it wasn’t until 2009 that the world began to hear new Bobby Womack material. It was then he was tempted back into the studio and onto the live circuit by Damon Albarn, with whom he recorded Stylo and Cloud of Unknowing, two of the stand-out tracks from the hit 2009 album Plastic Beach by Gorillaz.

Bobby Womack

The Bravest Man In The Universe arrived in 2012, a powerful album of electronic gospel soul co-produced by Damon Albarn and XL Recordings’ Richard Russell, his first album of original material in 18 years. Rhapsodically received by critics and music-lovers alike, it has catapulted Womack back into the premier league of live and recording acts on the circuit today and his performance at Latitude is sure to be an incredible one.

The Sunday afternoon performance has previously been filled with some exceptional appearances from Joanna Newsom, Thom Yorke, Tom Jones, Scala & Kolacny Brothers and last year’s Rufus Wainwright. Latitude is overjoyed to add Bobby Womack to this exclusive list.

Latitude is excited to announce a superb addition to the Comedy line-up with one of comedy’s biggest stars, Eddie Izzard as a special guest. Izzard has been hailed as one of the foremost Stand-Ups of his generation. He takes ideas and situations and extrapolates them into bizarre tangential, absurd, and surreal comic narratives.  Ever since bursting into the public consciousness in the early 90’s, his brand of warm, surreal comedy has pushed the boundaries of British comedy in new and avowedly international directions, with Izzard even performing his sets in French. Eddie's musings have earned him countless awards including two Emmys.

A series of sell-out international tours and best-selling DVDs have been followed by a parallel career as an actor, with Izzard in high demand for film and TV work, including notable appearances in Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen, Valkyrie and a guest appearance in The Simpsons. In 2009 Izzard ran an astounding 43 marathons in 51 days for Sport Relief.

Izzard’s brand new comedy tour Force Majeure is currently touring the globe and will visit over 28 countries. His appearance at Latitude is an exclusive and a very rare opportunity for fans to see him in the setting of a summer festival.

Following sell-out shows and critical acclaim on their recent UK tour, BalletBoyz® The TALENT 2013 comes to Latitude.  Featuring 10 young male dancers from all over the UK who were hand-picked from open auditions, the company performs work by two internationally acclaimed choreographers: Fallen by multi-award-winning Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Russell Maliphant and Serpent by Liam Scarlett, First Artist at The Royal Ballet who has been hailed as one of the future's most promising dance-makers.

BalletBoyz® was founded by former Royal Ballet lead dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt in 2001; since then they have continually captured the zeitgeist, giving audiences something new and exciting with every production and, crucially, giving aspiring young male dancers the chance to be part of a remarkable dance company and an ever-developing entity.  BalletBoyz® made their Latitude debut in 2010 and are delighted to be back on The Waterfront Stage

NEW MUSIC NAMES

On the music line-up, the i Arena welcomes Brooklyn four-piece DIIV who will bring the melodic sound of their acclaimed debut LP Oshin to Suffolk and the sorrowful, introverted and entirely beautiful electronic R&B ofDeptford Goth will grace the stage. Continuing the tradition of showcasing the best in emerging musical talent, Latitude adds the beautiful and raw Torres, a 22 year-old singer-songwriter from Nashville playing songs from her self-titled debut album, plus the rhetorically charged and provocative Mancunian four-piece

M O N E Y, whose work has already drawn comparison with acts as various as Antony and The Johnsons and Joy Division.

On The Lake Stage will be the soulfully sung Danish electronica of , fast rising British bands will be represented by Wolf Alice, a hotly-tipped three-piece who blend folk and grunge to startling effect and Coves, a shoegaze pop-influenced duo. Latitude builds on the strong showing of Welsh artists at this year’s festival, welcoming Cardiff teen five-piece Joanna Gruesome who twin infectious boy-girl vocals with the influence of Dinosaur Jr. and The Pastels. Latitude is delighted to welcome back the darkly literate electro-pop of Gabriel Bruce to The Lake Stage, playing songs from his recently released debut album Love In Arms, and Iceland’s alternative pop starsRetro Stefson will recreate their hook-laden reinvention of 80’s and 90’s pop for the crowds. 

Also on The Lake Stage will be the tropical pop reggae dub of Hollie Cook, the daughter of a Sex Pistol and an exceptional dub singer in her own right, she will be performing songs from her self-titled debut album and forthcoming album, both produced by Prince Fatty. Valerie June will recite her amalgamation of blues, folk, gospel, soul, Appalachian and bluegrass and festival goers can hear the haunting folk pop of Welsh harpist and singer Georgia Ruth.

Mark Lamarr’s God’s Jukebox is a Latitude highlight and 2013 promises to be another vintage year in the Film & Music Arena. Joining the bill as Mark’s guests will be lead singer of Squeeze Glenn Tilbrook and The Fluffers.  This is the first Fluffers performance in four years and they will be performing Squeeze and Tilbrook solo songs in their unique high energy punk/surf style. High-energy vintage rock ‘n’ roll and authentic wild surf comes from The Dustaphonics, plus deep soul’s funkiest new diva Hannah Williams and The Tastemakers, a 7-piece deep soul crew from London and the big-beat-meets-70’s-funk, jazz and soul sounds of multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer Lack of Afro.

James Rhodes, the virtuoso pianist who has attracted celebrity followers and widespread praise for his dedication to perform in non-traditional classical music venues, will continue this with a performance on Latitude’s floating platform, The Waterfront Stage. James has no formal academic musical education or dedicated mentoring. He has released four albums, all of which have topped the iTunes classical charts. In addition he presented a Chopin documentary for BBC4 and presented and performed in his very own television series James Rhodes: Piano Man on Sky Arts.

For a classical twist, and fresh from opening the recent FA Cup Final, is Opera group Amore who will be performing songs from their debut album Stand Together. Formed by four talented, charismatic and passionate Royal College of Music graduates, they have a modern take on the classics in the Film & Music Arena. Musician Boom Bip and artist Charlie White bring a new collaborative art/music project, Music for Sleeping Children, a series of dance tracks based on in-depth interviews of American teenage girls with accompanying photographic images.  Plus Josh Record, an up and coming London songwriter with a rare sense of intimacy, who has been compared to the likes of Ben Howard will perform. His new track ‘The War’ was described by Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe as “a remarkable record from a brand new artist, this is your future right here”, he is one not to be missed. 

Appearing in the Outdoor Theatre is Grace Petrie performing her indie folk rock songs (a couple with an acoustic punk twist), playing the guitar and singing with a voice that has been likened by listeners to Laura Marling and Kate Nash.

Bloc Party, Kraftwerk 3-D & Foals to headline Latitude Festival

OBELISK ARENA

BLOC PARTY | KRAFTWERK 3-D | FOALS

THE MACCABEES | HOT CHIP

BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC STAGE

MODEST MOUSE | ALT-J |BEACH HOUSE

EXCLUSIVE  APPEARANCES FROM:

CALEXICO | COCOROSIE | IAMAMIWHOAMI | MARK LANEGAN BAND | RHYE | SOHN

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH | WHITE DENIM | YEAH YEAH YEAHS | YO LA TENGO AND MORE

PLUSAKRON/FAMILY | BASSEKOU KOUYATE & NGONI BA | BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

BETH ORTON |BO NINGEN | CAT POWER | CHVRCHES | CLEAN BANDIT | DAN CROLL 

DARK DARK DARK | DAUGHTER | DISCLOSURE | DRENGE |EVERYTHING EVERYTHING | EFTERKLANG

FIMBER BRAVO | FRIENDS | HOOKWORMS | I AM KLOOT | JAGWAR MA

JAMES BLAKE | JAPANDROIDS | JESSIE WARE | JOSEPHINE | KING CREOSOTE | LAURA MVULA

LOCAL NATIVES | MALCOLM MIDDLETON |MARIKA HACKMAN

MATTHEW E. WHITE | MIKHAEL PASKALEV |MOON DUO | MÚM |PURITY RING

RACHEL ZEFFIRA | SERAFINA STEER| SINKANE | STEALING SHEEP | STEVE MASON

SWEET BABOO | SWIM DEEP | TAMIKREST |TEMPLES |THE 1975 | THE BOTS

VERONICA FALLS | VILLAGERS | WAVE MACHINES

WIDOWSPEAK | WILLY MASON | YOUNG WONDER

COMEDY AT LATITUDE

DYLAN MORAN | DANIEL KITSON | SEANN WALSH | TIM KEY| LEE NELSON

JOSH WIDDICOMBE | MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE’s POLICY UNIT | MARK WATSON

CHARLIE BAKER | THE HORNE SECTION | JAMIE KILSTEIN | KERRY GODLIMAN | KATHERINE RYAN SIMON EVANS | SARA PASCOE | JAMES ACASTER | JOEL DOMMETT | BRETT GOLDSTEIN

MARCEL LUCONT | ROMESH RANGANATHAN | ELIS JAMES | THE NOISE NEXT DOOR 

TIFFANY STEVENSON | IDIOTS OF ANTS |HENNESSY & FRIENDS | LORETTA MAINE

THE SUNDAY ASSEMBLY | HOLLY WALSH | LUISA OMIELAN | ED ACZEL | SHEEPS

BRYONY KIMMINGS |DANIEL SIMONSEN | VIKKI STONE| MCNEIL AND PAMPHILON | ALFIE BROWN

SAM FLETCHER | PAT CAHILL | MAE MARTIN | LUCY BEAUMONT | RICH & ANDY

BEN TARGET | ANDREW RYAN | NISH KUMAR | CHRIS KENDALL | DAVID TRENT

  JENNY FAWCETT | HOLLY BURN | JOHN ROBINS | SUZY BENNETT | AISLING BEA

TOM DEACON |ED GAMBLE |ROB BECKETT | JOE LYCETT | MATT REES | AUSTENTATIOUS

CHORTLE STUDENT AWARDS | MONSTER COMEDY SHED

MORE ACTS AND VERY SPECIAL GUESTS – TO BE ANNOUNCED

THEATRE AND DANCE

NATIONAL THEATRE WALES AND NEON NEON SADLER’S WELLS PRESENT ‘ROCÍO MOLINA’

DANIEL KITSON |  ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE|  OCKHAM’S RAZOR
NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE | BAC | MADE IN CHINA | FOREST FRINGE | CLEAN BREAK
THE WRONG CROWD | PEEP | DRYWRITE | CURIOUS DIRECTIVE 
THE PLEASANCE |FUEL |ARWC |DANCE EAST |DIRTY PROTEST | DANIEL BYE |
 BOO DWYER

LYRIC HAMMERSMITH, GREENWICH+DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, WATFORD PALACE THEATRE AND LATITUDE PRESENTRASH DASH,  TANGLED FEET,  PIN THE TALE,  PINS & NEEDLES

PLUS MANY MORE COMPANIES TO BE ANNOUNCED

ARTISTS

DAVID SHRIGLEY | ALAN MOORE & MITCH JENKINS| TIM WALKER

THE NATIONAL GALLERY PRESENT ‘TITIAN ON TOUR’ | DAVID SHILLINGLAW

FILM AND MUSIC

DANIEL KITSON FILM PLUS Q&A | JEFFREY LEWIS & THE RAIN | ICA PRESENT BOWIEFEST

REVEREND BILLY & THE CHURCH OF STOP SHOPPING | SNARKY PUPPY | CROOK AND FLAIL

ULTIMATE BOWIE |GAVIN OSBORN | TOTAL FILM Q&A

POETRY ARENA

CAROL ANN DUFFY | MURRAY LACHLAN YOUNG | LIZ LOCHHEAD

THURSTON MOORE |DANIEL KITSON & GAVIN OSBORN |DON PATERSON |MICHAEL ROSEN

LUKE WRIGHT | ROSS SUTHERLAND | TIM CLARE THE ISLANDERS | JOHN OSBORNE | STEVE ROGGENBUCK

APPLES AND SNAKES | DEAD POETS |KATIE BONNA | POEJAZZI | BYRON VINCENT | INTENSI-T

TIM TURNBULL | CAROLINE BIRD | HOLLIE MCNISH | WILLIAM LETFORD | JO BELL MIKE GARRY

LITERATURE

GERMAINE GREER| JONATHAN CAINER | JEREMY DYSON| WORDTHEATRE

ROBIN INCE’s ‘DIRTY BOOK CLUB’ | SALON LONDON | THE LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY

TRACEY THORN | WILL STORR | JOHN TAYLOR | MATT HAIG | DAWN O'PORTER| IAN ROBERTSON

BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS |FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD WITH HELEN ARNEY AND STEVE MOULD

SELFMADE HERO: GRAPHIC NOVEL DISCUSSION WITH GLYN DILLON, JOFF WINTERHART, CORBAN WILKIN

CHAIRED BY TOBY LITT

CABARET/LIVE ART

CARNESKY'S TAROT DROME

BOOM TISH CABARET | BOOGALOO STU | FANCY CHANCE | BORIS & SERGEY | SWING PATROL 

ARTWANK | EGGS COLLECTIVE | RICHARD DEDOMENICI | BRIAN LOBEL

LATE NIGHT DJ’S

GUILTY PLEASURES | BUTTONED DOWN DISCO |SINK THE PINK | DISCO SHED

THE LAVISH BIG SCREEN | LATE JUNCTION

THE CHILDREN’S ARENA | THE INBETWEENERS TEEN AREA | TOUR DE LATITUDE

First to headline Latitude’s magnificent Obelisk Arena on the Friday will be Bloc Party, whose recent triumphant return to form has been welcomed by fans and critics alike. On Saturday evening German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk will take to the stage, this performance will be a rare chance for festival goers to witness one of the most influential bands of all time performing their highly celebrated 3-D concert. Oxford quintet Foals have proven themselves to be one of the UK’s most dynamic and accomplished bands of recent times, further supported by their Ivor Novello and Mercury Music Prize nominations and NME Award Best Song gongs. Known for creative precision, Foals are preparing a closing show to be remembered for years to come.

Bloc Party

Yannis from Foals comments on their headline appearance: “Latitude is always exciting, because they offer a very tasteful selection of acts. For our band, it’s an honour to headline alongside someone of the calibre of Kraftwerk – they can do whatever they like, they’re unique and you know they’re going to put on an incredible show. Bloc Party will be fantastic headliners too.”

Other special appearances across the music stages include exclusive UK festival performances from the heroes of the Tex-Mex sound Calexico, the sonically adventurous sister act, CocoRosie,  and the only 2013 UK live show from dancefloor favourites Hot Chip and Mark Lanegan Band. Joining them with Latitude exclusive performances will be band of the moment, Rhye, whose slinky, sensual R&B pop is currently bewitching tastemakers, the transfixing The Tallest Man on Earth, one of 2013’s most intriguing and sort after electronic acts Sohn, Brooklyn garage-maestros Yeah Yeah Yeahs and ever-evolving indie legends Yo La Tengo. In addition to these exclusives will be unmissable sets from Grammy-nominated Malian musician Bassekou Kouyate, Brighton indie darlings and NME Award Best Album winners The Maccabees, 2013 Brit nominee Jessie Ware, cult-status chanteuse Cat Power and electronic auteur James Blake.

Latitude is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with BBC Radio 6 Music, naming the second stage as the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage. This year the stage will host even more exciting musical treats including headline sets from Baltimore dream-pop duo Beach House in a UK festival exclusive; Portland’s greatest musical exports, indie-rock stalwarts Modest Mouse; and Mercury Prize-winning Alt-J, whose performance on The Lake Stage in 2012 was a festival highlight. Other acts set to play on the coveted stage include math-rock maestros Everything Everything, the girl currently on everyone’s lips, soul singer Laura Mvula, plus visually theatrical Swedish synth-pop duo IAMAMIWHOAMI and garage-rock perfection from White Denim both with UK festival exclusive performances; along with adventurous folk artistry from Villagers and much, much more.

The Maccabees

Latitude is the event of the summer to see the very best in new music. If leftfield music is your thing, then the i Arena is the spot. Tucked away in Latitude’s beautiful woodland area, this year the stage will provide a magically intimate setting for the headliners; gloriously chaotic rock ‘n' roll of Japandroids, warped-electro hipsters Purity Ring and psychedelic husband and wife outfit Moon DuoThe Lake Stage, curated by Huw Stephens, has played host to numerous ‘next big things’ and this year is no exception with headline performances coming from the master of beautiful folk balladry  Benjamin Francis Leftwich, London indie-pop quartet Veronica Falls and hotly tipped Manchester foursome The 1975. Other must see sets include art-noise masters Bo Ningen and Australian rave revivalists Jagwar Ma.

Melvin Benn, Founder and Creator of Latitude, comments: “As it enters the eighth edition, Latitude is now firmly established as the most artistically ambitious event in the UK summer calendar, with a line-up that goes from strength to strength each year. We’re delighted to welcome the forefathers of electronic music, Kraftwerk, to Latitude with their 3-D show who, along with Bloc Party and Foals, will headline an incredibly strong music programme that already includes some of 2013’s hottest acts. As always, however, music is just part of the experience, and our eleven arts arenas will play host to a selection of comedians, theatre companies, poets, writers and other performers that really do make Latitude much more than a music festival.”

In addition to the music bill, Latitude offers an unrivalled selection of innovative arts programming, with a line-up that reads like a virtual walk through the culture pages of a Sunday newspaper. Eleven dedicated arts arenas, stages and spaces will offer performances from a spectacular mix of artists across comedy, film, dance, theatre, literature, poetry and cabaret.

Daniel Kitson will bring six performances spread over four different shows to Latitude 2013. Kitson (Writer, Performer, Keen Home Cook) will be appearing across Latitude’s arts arenas throughout the weekend like a self-important, pie fingering, genre straddling behemoth. In the Theatre Arena he will present two performances of his current tour show After the Beginning. Before the End. The same venue will also play host to the first previews of a brand new theatrical work. Meanwhile, the Poetry Arena will see Kitson joining forces with big balled mega legend musician Gavin Osborn for a one off performance of Lucinda Ding and the Monstrous Thing, a forty five minute adventure poem ballad thing from the long-time collaborators. Finally, the Film & Music Arena will host the first ever public screening of It's Always Right Now, Until It's Later, a concert film of the show by the same name recorded last summer in Manchester and followed here by a Q&A session with Kitson and the film maker, Ewan Jones Morris.

Latitude’s Comedy line-up will once again play host to all manner of big-name comics. Heading up the stellar comedy line-up will be offbeat Irish stand-up Dylan Moran, best known for co-writing and starring in Black Books, which has twice won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Situation Comedy, Brighton’s finest motor-mouth Seann Walsh, the multi-talented poet, film maker and comic Tim Key and South London tearaway and man of the moment Lee Nelson with his qwaliteeee jokes, games and banter. Also appearing will be one of the best up-and-coming acts on the UK circuit, Josh Widdicombe andcomedian, author, sports pundit and husband Mark Watson and the award-winning Marcus Brigstocke’s new show Policy Unit will be making a stand in Henham Park. Bringing Latitude a preview of his new Edinburgh show will be musically minded comedian Charlie Baker, the jazz ‘n’ jokes fusion of The Horne Section. Also flying in from the US is the comic talk-show host, who turns righteous anger into breathlessly funny jokes, Jamie Kilstein. Fans of TV comedy will be pleased to seeKerry Godliman, who recently took a leading role in Ricky Gervais’ Derek and star of Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, the Canadian comic Katherine Ryan. BBC Radio 1 DJ and hot young comedian Tom Deacon will bring his combination of looks, lines and charm, as will Ed Gamble, the celebrated young comic and one half of hit podcasters and BBC Radio 4 Extra presenters Peacock and Gamble.

Also on hand to tickle festival-goers fancies over the weekend will be Marcel Lucont the laconic Frenchman with dry wit, bawdy chansons and exquisite sex poetry; critically acclaimed comedienne and TV starlet Sara Pascoe and winner of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Award, hotly-tipped comedian extraordinaire, Romesh Ranganathan.

Performance artist Bryony Kimmings will challenge opinions with her eagerly anticipated new show, Catherine Bennett, Latitude favourites Idiots of Ants will bring their madcap sketch show and The Sunday Assembly will hold an all-singing, all-dancing godless congregation. The hits will continue throughout the weekend, giving festival-goers the chance to see sell-out shows like Luisa Omielan’s hilarious meditation on celebrity culture What Would Beyonce Do?. Daran Johnson, Alistair Roberts and Liam Williams bring their infamous sketch show Sheeps and Austentatious come to Latitude with An Improvised Novel, a full-length comedy play. Holly Burn appears with The H Club, Suffolk's least exclusive private members club, as does the 2012 Best Newcomer winner at the Edinburgh Fosters Comedy Awards, Daniel Simonsen and Lucy Beaumont winner of the BBC New Comedy Award in 2012. A selection of the country’s most promising up and coming comics, selected by theChortle Student Comedy Awards will be on hand to tickle festival goers and over in Pandora’s Playground the infamously intimate Monster Comedy Shed will provide festival goers with one of the smallest and hilarious gigs of their lives.

Other comedy performers so far include: James AcasterJoel DommettBrett Goldstein, Elis James, The Noise Next Door, Hennessy & Friends, Tiffany Stevenson, Loretta Maine, Ed Aczel, Holly Walsh, Vikki Stone, McNeil and Pamphilon, Alfie Brown, Sam Fletcher, Pat Cahill, Mae Martin, Rich & Andy, Ben Target, Andrew Ryan, Nish Kumar, Chris Kendall, David Trent, Jenny Fawcett, John Robins, Suzy Bennett, Aisling Bea, Rob BeckettJoe Lycett and Matt Rees.

The Theatre Arena will serve up a whole host of dramatic performances including the National Theatre Wales’ and Neon Neon Praxis Make Perfect. An exciting and unique collaboration, set to blur the boundaries between pop gig and theatre performance. On the stunning Waterfront Stage Sadler’s Wells present the first full length dance show ever to be taken to a festival from award-winning flamenco dancer, and Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate Rocío Molina, who has quickly established herself as one of the most important choreographers and performers at the forefront of flamenco.  Rocío Molina’s performance marks Sadler’s Wells’ sixth visit to Latitude. Daniel Kitson will present two performances of his current tour show After the Beginning. Before the End. The fields of Henham Park will premiere the Royal Exchange Theatre’s There Has Possibly Been An Incident, Ockham’s Razor will bring the thrill of the circus to Pandora’s Playground and The National Youth Theatre will showcase their new version of Little Red Riding Hood with not one, but two separate endings, exploring the themes and fears of the fairy tale, while BAC will present Made In China’s new play Gym Party. Forest Fringe will deliver immersive theatre to Latitude, with the twist being that the festival goers both create and participate in the show, making dreams come true.

Elsewhere the award-winning theatre group Clean Break will present two new plays by Alice Birch and Sonya Hale, Hours til Midnight and Many Moons, dealing with women’s experience of the criminal justice system and performed by graduates of the company’s theatre in education programme. The Wrong Crowd reinvent one of Slavic folklore’s most extraordinary characters, the child-eating hag-witch Baba YagaPEEP will present Sexlife, as well as a premiere of a new play also by Kefi Chadwick, while DryWrite brings together writer and performer Phoebe Waller-Bridger and director Vicky Jones for a new production of five short plays, Good. Clean. Fun. In a special Latitude commission exploring the festival’s theme of What Defines Me? Curious Directive will debut The Yellow Path, a new play that mixes the Chinese Zodiac with stargazing. 

The Pleasance will preview some of the best work appearing at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In the fabulous Faraway Forest, theatrical fun will be provided by Fuel Theatre, which will present the surprising, delightful and intriguing While You Wait sound project and a specially written tribute to Doctor Who comes from And Remember…We Care as the hit TV show celebrates its golden anniversary. Dance East will be at Latitude with their hit dance workshops, Wales’ foremost fringe theatre company Dirty Protest will bring their guerrilla approach to performance to Latitude’s Outdoor Theatre with Plays In A Bag, a series of new commissions to Welsh playwrights that must be carried everywhere… in a bag. Daniel Bye will stop by to deliver his whistle-stop tour of bizarre facts and impassioned argument The Price of Everything, and Boo Dwyer will transplant the punk spirit of late 70’s New York to Wolverhampton in Dye Young/Stay Pretty.

Following on from success of their 2012 collaboration Latitude has once again joined forces with Lyric Hammersmith,Greenwich + Docklands International Festival and Watford Palace Theatre to present a visual and physical outdoor theatre extravaganza of exciting new talent. Together four companies have been commissioned to present four new shows. The specially selected companies have been chosen for their innovation and artistic creativity in an outdoor space. For 2013, Latitude, the Lyric, GDIF and Watford Palace Theatre will present work from RashDash, Tangled Feet, Pin The Tale and Pins & Needle. Each company will perform at the commissioning festivals and spaces over the summer.

Latitude is extremely proud to present an amazing programme of renowned artists for 2013. David Shrigley, whose instantly recognisable naive style has elevated him into the world of fine art, will be making a very rare appearance and presenting from his work How Are You Feeling? One of the most influential comic book writers of all time, the man behind Watchmenand V for VendettaAlan Moore will be discussing the making of his short film, Jimmy’s End along with director Mitch Jenkins allowing Latitude goers to get into the minds of the creators. One of the world’s leading fashion photographers,Tim Walker, will be taking to the stage for a rare and intimate ‘in conversation’ appearance. The National Gallery invites the audience to immerse themselves in great art by Renaissance master Titian, the mobile cinema offers a National Gallery festival experience celebrating Diana and Callisto, a painting recently acquired for the nation. In The Faraway ForestLondon based artist David Shillinglaw will be painting a mural based on this year’s Neuroscience vs Sex theme where festival goers will be free to submit suggestions for words or phrases to be included in the final painting. 

An exciting mix of film screenings and special multi-media live music performances will also be on offer. Appearing across the festival over the weekend will be Daniel Kitson in the Film & Music Arena to host the first ever public screening of It's Always Right Now, Until It's Later, a concert film of the show by the same name recorded last summer in Manchester and followed by a Q&A session with Kitson and the film maker, Ewan Jones Morris. Comic booker writer, artist and Rough Trade signed musician Jeffrey Lewis & The Rain will appear and The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will, in association withBowiefest, present a celebration of David Bowie’s breakthrough year of 1973 in a programme of screenings, talks and live performances from some very special guests. Also appearing will be radical performance community church Reverend Billy & The Church Of Stop Shopping, revered Texan instrumental collective Snarky Puppy, tipped by the likes of The Guardianand The Independent, and experimental music duo Crook and Flail (Fog’s Andrew Broder and Adam Drucker of Subtle/Themselves/cLOUDEAD). The Latitude audience can prepare to be transported across 40 years of Bowie, from Spaceboy to Superstar, by Ed Blaney's Ultimate Bowie and Gavin Osborn will be on hand to entertain festival-goers with his wry musical comedy. Total Film magazine will be hosting a series of premieres, Q&A’s and more over the festival weekend.

The hugely popular Poetry Arena features the very best in poetry and this year is no exception with readings from the British Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy; the spectacular British performance poet Murray Lachlan Young, The Scots Makar, Scottish Poet Laureate Liz Lochhead and Sonic Youth songwriter and poet Thurston Moore. Daniel Kitson with Gavin Osborn will perform My Adventure Poem and The Queen’s Gold Medal winner Don Paterson will also be taking to the stage.Michael Rosenformerly the UK’s first Children’s Laureate and one of the nation’s best loved children’s poets will be appearing, as will co-curator of the Poetry Arena Luke Wright. This is just the beginning; there will be a whole host of exciting names including Ross Sutherland with an Edinburgh preview, The Islander, a 'lo-fo musical' about memory, first-loves and growing up and Tim Clare, John Osborne, Poejazzi, Apples and Snakes, Dead Poets, Katie Bonna, Mike Garry, Byron Vincent, Intensi-T, Tim Turnbull, Caroline Bird, Hollie McNish, William Letford, Steve Roggenbuck.

The Literary line-up will play host to a unique selection of the nation’s most dynamic names.  The legendary Germaine Greerwill be presenting a discussion on The Disappearing Woman and Jonathan Cainer will show exactly why he remains one of the world’s most popular astrologers, expect to be riveted. Joining them will be Jeremy Dyson, best known as the co-creator of the BAFTA award-winning comedy series The League of Gentlemen, creating a ghostly atmosphere and reading from his new collection of stories The Haunted Book.  WordTheatre will reveal a star studded line-up of well-known actors reading short stories and bringing his well-loved Book Club, Robin Ince will be giving it a saucy twist for 2013. Salon London,the cultural showcase that brings together some of the finest minds from the worlds of science and the arts will be there to entrance audiences with fresh perspectives and interdisciplinary discussion. There to blend highbrow thought with fun will be the artistic collective and thrower of unforgettably intelligent parties, events and masquerade balls The Last Tuesday Society.

Other authors taking the stage include Tracey Thorn with her sensational autobiography Bedsit Disco Queen, award-winning journalist and novelist Will Storr will explore why today’s heretics just don’t believe the facts and Duran Duran’sJohn Taylor will appear to discuss his candid autobiography In the Pleasure Groove. Also on Latitude’s literary line-up will beMatt Haig, author of five novels including the bestselling The Last Family in England and his latest, The Radleys, voted the winner of Channel 4's TV Book Club in 2011 and broadcaster and journalist Dawn O’Porter, who will be speaking about her gritty comical novel Paper Aeroplanes. For an academic perspective on the What Defines Me? theme, the writer and Chair of Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin Professor Ian Robertson will join the literary bill to talk about his book, The Winner Effect, which explores how worldly power affects the chemistry and structure of our brains.  

Lovers of literary comedy can also look forward to a special appearance from BBC Radio 4’s Before They Were Famous, a spoof documentary which delves into the archives to present the early works of literary greats, brought to life at Latitude. The scientifically tinged fun will continue with the show that mixes sparkling wit with fascinating facts Festival of the Spoken Nerd with Helen Arney and Blue Peter’s science expert Steve Mould. Toby Litt will also chair a graphic novel discussion fromSelfMadeHero between Glyn DillonJoff Winterhart and Corban Wilkin.

Latitude’s Cabaret and Live Art line-up will offer up a feast of delights for lovers of the alternative arts, with a menu that runs from raucous fun to thought-provoking and daring performance. Carnesky’s Tarot Drome will be specially recreated in new form leading Latitude’s decadent Saturday night extravaganza. Leading London comedy and variety club Boom Tish Cabaret will curate their own programme of small but beautifully formed performance and the irreverent, fabulous and multi-talented Boogaloo Stu asks the audience to record a pop song, make a badge or play a parlour game. Fancy Chance will be hanging around in a red light booth that walks and hanging by her hair and Flabbergast Theatre will bring their sell-out Smash Boris and Sergey’s Vaudevillian Adventure to the Literary Salon, featuring bunraku puppetry, character comedy and improvisation of the highest calibre.

Swing Patrol will host the Sunday tea dance while live artist and connoisseur of antique pornography, Ophelia Bitz, will bring her celebrated project ArtWank, which contrasts vintage smut with modern toss. Feminist performance group Eggs Collective make their Latitude debut with a razor sharp, show of a girl’s big night out. Absurdist artist, filmmaker and performer Richard Dedomenici will perform his new show Cause and Effect, while Brian Lobel brings a digital slant withPurge, a brutal game of friendship management which explores what being a ‘friend’ means for members of the Facebook generation.

Following the success of last year’s Pagan to Occupy theme, the arts programming this year at Latitude will tackle another idea that defines our times in 2013 as it explores Neuroscience vs. Sex: What Defines Me? in association with The Wellcome Trust. Recent advancements in neuroscience are transforming the study of the brain and nervous system from a branch of biology into a wellspring of stories to explain the people we are and the societies we form. As such, 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. Alongside neuroscience, Latitude will also explore the subject of sex, looking at the central roles that sex, gender and sexual orientation play in creating our individual and collective identities. See the wonder and feel the atmosphere of Amsterdam come to life in The Faraway Forest!

Tania Harrison, Programmer of the Arts Arenas commented: “The most exciting part about creating a programme for Latitude is that it is a playground of possibility. Sometimes it feels like eleven stages packed with artists and performance is too much, too many things and ideas to get your head round and other times I think, hell, that’s not nearly enough! It’s pretty exciting this year with neuroscientists, thinkers and speakers adding to the creative mix at Latitude.  There’s something stimulating for everyone from the fascinating to the roll around funny. I hope you like it.”

The first confirmed Late Night DJs are Guilty Pleasures for Friday night, an unashamedly glorious all-singing, all-dancing renouncement of pop music and an antidote to modern day clubbing fatigue created by Sean Rowley; Buttoned Down Disco, the largest indie dance party in the UK, coming to Latitude from Koko to rock the Saturday night, armed with ace music and glitter cannons! Trans-party collective Sink The Pink will be channelling some trendy East London realness at Latitude this year and Pandora’s Playground wouldn’t be the same without the Disco Shed pumping out big tunes until the small hours.

For 2013 The Lavish Big Screen presents the theme Revolution – Musical and visual anarchy, art mayhem and experimentation. This year at the Big Screen Lavish present an exciting selection of contemporary artists’ film and video plus live appearances by Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) and the legendary Don Letts (Big Audio Dynamite) and Harry K (Simply Dredd).

Late Junction, BBC Radio 3’s late night celebration of musical curiosities from across time and space returns to Latitude for a third year running. Filling the woods with captivating sounds, previous line-ups have featured music as diverse as Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier, song collector and Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee and the tape music of minimalist composer Steve Reich. For 2013, Late Junction presenter Max Reinhardt hosts another hand-picked collection of diverse, wild music in the intimate setting of The Lavish Lounge, with highlights to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Including Newcastle’s skewed troubadour,Richard Dawson, and from Brazil, post-tropicalia polyphonic populists, Graveola.

Latitude’s recent Best Family Festival Award is testament to the huge array of family-friendly activities available for children and parents alike. Arranged around the banks of the central Latitude lake is 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 taking part in 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. 

Sharon Reuben, Children’s Arena Booker said: “A riot of creativity, colour and curiosities, the Children’s Arena aims to be the best and doesn’t disappoint! With a backpack full of great ideas, we’re ready to entertain the most energetic kids. We also welcome back The Inbetweeners Teen Area, featuring the wild treetop and bushcraft activities of our friends at Greenpeace, alongside a packed programme of activities and workshops with music and media professionals, hosted by Cultureworks and Access to Music.”

Latitude and Marks & Spencer are excited to once again offer an adventurous way of travelling to the festival in 2013, with the second Tour de Latitude!  This initiative will help participants reduce their carbon footprint by cycling their way to the festival in Suffolk, whilst raising vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, helping them in their life-saving work supporting seriously ill children and their families from across the UK. Everyone taking part will also have their ticket upgraded at the finish point with access to the Guest campsite and facilities throughout the festival, and Tour de Latitude will transfer bikes back to the start points and provide participants with coach travel  back to where their adventure started.

 

Latitude 2013 details and presale ticket info!

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.