aaamusic | On 28, Feb 2011

On 14th – 17th July in the sumptuous surrounds of the Suffolk countryside, the welcoming daisy-adorned gates will open for the 6th edition of the magical and fantastical Latitude Festival.

Since its inception in 2006, Latitude has changed the face of festivals forever, with a passion only matched by its ambition. Encompassing all aspects of the art and music worlds Latitude is the only place that brings together the best in music, literature, comedy, poetry, film, theatre, cabaret, art, dance, opera and fashion for one spectacular weekend. Latitude will continue to inspire and innovate, enlighten and engage with another incredible event promised for 2011.

Last year’s event sold out in record time which is not surprising considering the stellar line-up that was on offer. Violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy greeted the arriving crowds with an astonishing set on The Lake Stage and then, at the stroke of midnight, the festival reverberated with the power vocals of legendary lothario Tom Jones who gave an impassioned and intimate performance of his new album ‘Praise & Blame’ In The Woods, ahead of his Sunday afternoon Obelisk Arena set.

This set the standard of what became a truly amazing weekend for music that included Florence + the Machine performing her first festival headline show; Belle and Sebastian ending their hiatus to headline the Obelisk Arena on Saturday night and The xx dazzling The Word Arena ahead of winning the ‘Mercury Music’ Prize later in the year.

The Film & Music Arena – always a hotspot for showcasing visually and sonically cutting edge work – boasted a viewing of Chris Morris’ film ‘Four Lions’ followed by a Q&A from the master of satire himself; a spell-binding live rendition of ‘The Passion of Joan Of Arc’ with score by Adrian Utley from Portishead and Will Gregory from Goldfrapp; and the conceptual music/theatre piece ‘MICroscope’ from the multi-dimensional Riz MC. Latitude’s tranquil Waterfront Stage floating on the lake was the setting for many a stunning spectacle including a beautiful rendition of Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake Act II’ presented by Sadler’s Wells; an excerpt from the hit musical ‘HAIR’; Daniel Kitson and Gavin Osborn’s ‘Stories For A Starlit Sky’ and a graduate fashion show from Central St. Martins and Chelsea College of Art and Design students.

As ever, the Comedy Arena hosted some of the biggest names on the circuit including a rare appearance from falsetto fantasist Emo Philips – a massive coup for the festival, ‘Edinburgh Comedy’ Award winner Russell Kane and multi award-winning Irish Superstar Comic Tommy Tiernan. And all of that is not to mention the army of wordsmiths that filled the Literary and Poetry Arenas all weekend including the likes of Bret Easton Ellis and Sebastian Faulks reading from their hugely popular novels.

Forever evolving, Latitude also unveiled its dark and decadent side with the introduction of The Faraway Forest. Off the beaten path, it was a sinful and salacious den of mischief where people let go of their inhibitions and enjoyed captivating performances from the Royal Opera House, a Bacchanalian Masked Ball hosted by House of blueeyes and the dark and delicious ‘Vaudevillains’ from award-winning theatre company Les Enfants Terribles. On top of these treats were all manner of other intriguing displays, stunning décor, workshops and unique shows.

And for the first time, Latitude brought contemporary art to the centre of the festival championing burgeoning artists with the ‘Latitude Contemporary Art’ Award. Using the beautiful woods as a natural gallery the work by the finalists was showcased all weekend with the winner, Graeme Miller’s visually stunning ‘Moth Theatre’ announced ceremoniously on the Saturday.

Once again, Latitude was rib-tickling, mind-expanding, visually-stunning, musically-inspiring, life-enhancing and ultimately the most fun ever. A place like no other it is a cultural haven for hedonists and families alike and continues to grow in popularity year on year.

So wipe the winter cobwebs away and start dreaming of sunnier climes by booking yourself a place at one of the UK’s top summer destinations.

Tickets to go on sale at the Latitude Festival launch on
Monday 14th March 2011 at 7pm
www.latitudefestival.co.uk <http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/>