aaamusic | On 25, May 2011

With four bespoke arenas dedicated to music, Latitude offers an enormous selection of the finest hand-picked bands and artists to create the perfect soundtrack to a resoundingly superb weekend. From reformed must-sees, to the newest essential hot tips from a variety of genres, Latitude’s music arenas have it all. With The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede headlining the Obelisk Arena;Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals and Eels headlining The Word Arena and a whole wealth of musical talent playing across the weekend, Latitude once again boasts an exhilarating and unique line-up.

The Word Arena’s large canopy stands proud at the top of the hill and looks out over the beautiful Latitude site. The arena plays host to a veritable smorgasbord of musical pleasures and once inside, crowds are transfixed by an eclectic line-up that crosses genre boundaries effortlessly.

Ireland’s latest singer-songwriter sensation James Vincent McMorrow joins The Word Arena line-up. His debut album ‘Early In The Morning’ set his homeland alight when it was released last year. Its wistful harmonies and echoes of the vast open spaces of the wild Irish coastline created a wonderful folk/pop record that provided the right amount of nostalgia and sentiment. The record hit the shelves in the UK earlier this year to yet more praise and delight – his poetic words and beautifully crafted acoustic songs making him an exciting rising star and a perfect fit for The Word Arena.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Louise Wener,Tim Key, Simon Armitage, Andrew Smith, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; top comics Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Greg Davies and a festival debut ofNever Mind The Buzzcocks; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Flawless, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Idiots of Ants; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&As, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’ and Tate Britain with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari lead a visual feast inspired by Tate Britain’s Watercolour exhibition.

With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.