Suffolk Tourist Guide - Articles

17th – 20th July 2008
Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk

***UPDATE: WIN TICKETS TO SOLD OUT LATITUDE!!***
Suffolk Tourist Guide have tickets to give away for the completely sold out Latitude Festival 2008!
Sorry, entries closed Monday 7th July

That's right, the ground breaking Latitude Festival returns to the Sunrise Coast in Suffolk for its incredible third year. Nestled in the historic and beautiful surroundings of Henham Park Estate, Southwold, and taking place on 17th - 20th July, organisers Festival Republic are promising another truly spectacular event. This year the line-up includes: Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Interpol, Blondie, Elbow, The Breeders, Crystal Castles and British Sea Power in the Music Arenas. In the Comedy Arena Bill Bailey, Omid Djalili, Ross Nobel and Rich Hall - plus: BAFTA in the Film and Music Arena; John Hegley and Carol Ann Duffy in the Poetry Arena; authors in the Literary Arena including Simon Armitage, Hanif Kureishi and Iain Banks; as well as the Royal Court Theatre and the Bush Theatre with new shows in the Theatre Arena and the awe-inspiring Sadler’s Wells who will be presenting their world class dance on a beautiful stage floating in the middle of the lake. For a full list of the line-up please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

Don't miss out! Simply email the answer to the following question to info@suffolktouristguide.com and you could win tickets to this year's festival.

Ready for it? Here goes--
Comedian Rich Hall, whose performance at Latitude this year is eagerly anticipated, claims to have quit his job as a hurricane namer in order to pursue comedy how many years ago?

A) 10
B) 16
C) 18
D) 257

The answer can be located in the article below, and all correct answers will be entered into the draw to win tickets. So email us for your chance to win. For more info and the full Latitude Festival line up please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk




***Update 7th July***

MUSIC ARENA ADDITIONS

UNCUT ARENA
*NIZLOPI* * TOM BAXTER* *BETH ROWLEY*
*THE BOOKHOUSE BOYS* *GOLDEN SILVERS*

SUNRISE ARENA
*EMMY THE GREAT*


*WAVE MACHINES*

The Music Arenas at Latitude Festival 08 are already bursting with fantastic eclectic line-ups, encompassing established bands and artists alongside up and coming talent from all over the world. Providing the perfect soundtrack to the weekend’s festivities, these bands have been handpicked especially and are an incredibly exciting element to the festival as a whole.

As if to tease those who didn’t get a ticket in time before they sold out, yet more thrilling acts can now be announced across the Obelisk, Uncut and Sunrise Arenas.

Nizlopi are best known for their hugely popular single in 2005 that almost made it to Christmas Number 1. The ‘JCB’ song was a surprise hit for the folk/hip hop duo pipped to the Number 1 spot by X factor winner Shane Ward. The band are back with a brand new album and will be playing over at the Uncut Arena on the Friday. Their legendary live shows are renowned for crowd involvement so expect an almighty sing along.

Suffolk-born Tom Baxter returns to his homeland and Latitude Festival's Uncut Arena with his perfect string-laden music from the heart. Playing tracks from his powerfully moving and beautifully penned second album 'Skybound', Baxter echoes Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye and Jeff Buckley with an altogether contemporary feel. With his heart on his sleeve, impassioned live performance, Baxter is a must on the Friday afternoon.

Singer songwriter Beth Rowley shot to fame in 2008 with the release of her well received debut album ‘Little Dreamer’. The Bristol born singer has already found fans in the broadsheets and on BBC Radio 2 where her single ‘Oh My Life’ was made Record of the Week. Combining pop, gospel, soul and R&B, Beth is definitely one to look out for in the Uncut Arena on Friday.

Taking their name from a secret society on the surreal cult TV show Twin Peaks , The Bookhouse Boys will be playing at Latitude in the Uncut Arena on the Friday afternoon. The incredible nine piece play songs that would fit perfectly in the television show they take their name from with a blend of psychedelica, jangly guitars and bluesy bass that will haunt and excite in equal measure.

The Dance-tastic retro pop of Golden Silvers will be grooving their way into the Uncut Arena on Saturday afternoon. With Zane Lowe already a fan and support slots with The Wombats and Mystery Jets, this band are fast becoming one of the most talked about bands around so catch them early at Latitude.

London based singer-songwriter and proponent of the anti-folk scene, Emmy The Great brings her unique and challenging songs to the Sunrise Arena. Having toured with Martha Wainwright, Mystery Jets and Jamie T, her live performances are an exhilarating experience. Her evocative and thought-provoking lyrics and inventive way with rhyme keep audiences captivated and no doubt will draw a large crowd for her Friday afternoon set.

Jo ining the abundance of new talent on Huw Stephen’s BBC Introducing Lake Stage will be up and coming Liverpool band Wave Machines. Electro pop at its finest with melodic breakdowns and choruses that go beyond your imagination, don’t miss these guys on Saturday afternoon.

***UPDATE 13TH JUNE MORE GREAT BANDS***
MUSIC ARENA ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
* IDA MARIA*

UNCUT ARENA
* OKKERVIL RIVER * *GLASVEGAS*
*SEBASTIEN TELLIER* *THE SATIN PEACHES*

* SUNRISE ARENA*
*MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS* *THE DO* *THE VIRGINS* *THE MAYBES?*
*JEREMY WARMSLEY* *POLLY SCATTERGOOD*

***UPDATE 5TH JUNE LATITUDE SOLD OUT***

The over-whelming success of Latitude Festival continues with the news that 2008’s event is now completely sold out!

With still 6 weeks to go, organisers Festival Republic are proud to announce that all 25,000 tickets have now gone, exceeding all expectations and further cementing Latitude’s prominent place in the incredibly busy summer calendar.

The festival has expanded year on year with almost double the amount of people coming this year compared to Latitude’s debut in 2006. Its increase in popularity is in no small way down to its now trademark diversity of art, entertainment, and attractions which has re-written the rule book of traditional festivals and that continues to inspire and influence. Offering the festival goer the full spectrum of art with individual arenas dedicated to film, theatre, poetry, literature, cabaret, comedy and of course music, it is a pioneering approach that has now established Latitude as a peerless and unique experience.

Last year’s sold out festival hosted a line-up of the highest quality acts across all the arenas.

With the sun making a rare appearance during the flood-filled, rain- soaked summer, Latitude shone brightly, a glittering and shimmering sun-drenched oasis by the coast.

With memories of last year’s fun-filled festival still lingering.

Discovering and exploring new things is a big part of the Latitude experience. Whether it’s encountering a thrilling live band in one of the many Music Arenas, discovering new musical talent on the Lake Stage, being engrossed in a brand new novel at the Literary Arena, unearthing the next Wordsworth at the Poetry Arena, side- splitting laughter in the Comedy Arena, quirky freaky experiences in the Cabaret Arena, being blown away by an exhilarating production at the Theatre Arena, Latitude always has something fresh, vibrant and exciting to offer from the vast world of creative arts.

Latitude’s now trademark diversity of art, entertainment and attractions has re-written the rulebook of traditional festivals, creating a truly innovative event that continues to inspire and influence. Offering the festival go-er the full spectrum of art with individual arenas dedicated to film, theatre, poetry, literature, cabaret, comedy and of course music, it is a pioneering approach that has established Latitude as a peer-less and unique experience.

Latitude Festival 2008 will push things further with an incredible, exciting new line up that will guarantee another wonderful weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Park.

Festival Republic Managing Director, Melvin Benn says:

“Edition 3 of Latitude. I cannot wait. It has so much in store that July 17th cannot come quickly enough for me. Latitude has, as I had hoped, re written the rule book of what a festival might be and can be and of course therefore, immediately influenced other existing festivals and spawned copy cats. I am hardly surprised except that it has happened so quickly. It is a great compliment but it is only that. The real true festival of musical harmony, artistic and creative beauty is on the sunrise coast and is Latitude.”

Updates are continually coming out with new acts and information, so check back regularly for the latest line ups!

***UPDATE 3rd June***
MUSIC ARENA ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
*JOANNA NEWSOM*

UNCUT ARENA
*THE CORAL*
*WILD BEASTS*

SUNRISE ARENA
*CLINIC* *JOHNNY FLYNN*
*LYKKE LI*
*ANIMAL KINGDOM* *SLOW CLUB*

MUSIC ARENAS

OBELISK ARENA

*FRANZ FERDINAND* *SIGUR ROS*
*INTERPOL*
*BETH ORTON* *dEUS*
*DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE* *ELBOW*
*GRINDERMAN* *BRITISH SEA POWER* *FOALS*
*THE GO! TEAM* *THE BREEDERS* *M.I.A*
*I AM KLOOT* *ALIENS*
*WHITE LIES* *FIELDS* *GRAMMATICS*


Latitude boasts four Music Arenas; The Obelisk, The Uncut, The Sunrise and The Lake Stage, spanning a wide range of genres hand-picked for the festival; bands and artists are chosen with the essence of Latitude in mind. More established bands play in harmony alongside the freshest new acts.

At this year’s event on the main Obelisk Arena, Latitude is delighted to announce another fantastic music line up that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end!

Scottish art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand will bring to Henham Park their catchy sing along hits in one hand and an array of exciting new material in the other. After taking a break to record their much anticipated third album Franz Ferdinand return with a mesmerising live show that you simply cannot miss. The majestic and quite incredible Icelandic Sigur Ros who have stolen hearts all over the world with their eclectic mix of melodic, classical and experimental post-rock. Whether you are familiar with their diverse and extensive back catalogue or if you just happen to recognise a tune from the BBC trailer, a magical evening will be had by all as the sun sets over Henham Park. New York titans Interpol will close the Sunday night with their unique brand of soaring, inventive indie rock. With three albums worth of stunning material, the kings of cool will have the adrenaline pulsating through your veins and live long in your memory after the night is all over.

Elsewhere on the Obelisk Arena Brit-award winning folktronic songtress Beth Orton on the Friday at Latitude. Her distinctive vocals and sweet melodies have earned her a career spanning over ten years and seven albums; her eighth will follow towards the end of the year. Her beautiful, quirky voice and her brilliant mix of electronica and folk produced two Mercury Music Award nominations for ‘Trailer Park’ and ‘Central Reservation’ and a Top Ten album with ‘Daybreaker’ spawning such hit singles as ‘She Cried Your Name’ and ‘Stolen Car’. Her renowned live performance will no doubt be a moving and stunning addition to Friday’s festivities.

The hugely influential Belgium quintet dEUS are coming to Latitude for the Saturday. These underground heroes have been enjoying a resurgence of late with their fantastic new album ‘Vantage Point’ which showcases their trademark fusion of all types of music, pop, folk, rock, free jazz, neo-prog, punk and heavy metal. They’re one of the most successful and influential Belgian rock bands ever, inspiring the likes of Muse and Radiohead to name but two. Rock outfit Grinderman make an incredibly rare festival. Made up from the legendary members of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, with Cave favouring the guitar for a more rocking sound Grinderman have a raw, visceral feel. With a critically acclaimed debut self-titled album already under their belts and a new album on the way towards the end of the year, Grinderman will bring their chaotic black humour rock to the Obelisk Arena on Sunday night. The charming Washington four piece Death Cab for Cutie will take to the stage on Friday night to perform heart- wrenching indie pop from their back catalogue of gems as well as new material from their hotly anticipated sixth studio album due for release in the summer. They are joined on the Saturday by the superb Elbow whose critically acclaimed fourth studio album came out on the 17th March. Expect sincere, innovative soaring rock music of the highest order from the Mancunians who can name R.E.M and U2 as fans.

Joining them is British Sea Power. Having recently released their third album ‘Do You Like Rock Music?’ to critical acclaim, the Brighton four piece have drawn from many influences in their career being compared to the likes of The Cure, The Pixies and Joy Division. With a distinguished sound that sways between epic guitar pop hooks and visceral, angular alternative rock, the bands 8 year career has produced hits like ‘Carrion’, ‘It Ended on an Oily Stage’ and latest single ‘Waving Flags’. Winners of the Time Out London Live band of the year award in 2004, British Sea Power have a reputation for their elaborate and captivating live show. Their performance will ensure a magical Friday night at Latitude 2008. One of Britain’s most exciting new bands Foals join them. After bursting onto the scene in 2007 with underground hits like ‘Hummer’ and ‘Mathletics’ it wasn’t long before Foals were in the spotlight with record labels scrambling for their signature and the NME putting them on the cover. More hits in the shape of ‘Balloons’ and ‘Cassius’ followed before they released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Antidotes’ in March of this year reaching number 3 in the UK album chart. Their sound has been described as everything from ‘technical math pop’ to ‘indie punk’ but whatever the genre – their catchy songs will have you dancing on the Sunday.

Brighton’s The Go! Team who incorporate an exhilarating array of genres from dance-y indie rock to early hip hop and 70’s funk provide a perfect late Friday afternoon addition to get you in the mood for an evening of fun. As a 6 piece that includes two drummers and a member simply known as ‘Ninja’ you know you’re in for something a bit different – in a good way! One of the stand out moments of last years Latitude was a truly packed out tent on a sunny Saturday afternoon for a man simply known as Seasick Steve. Having lived on the streets of America busking for money and playing on street corners this real life hobo captures hearts wherever he goes. Latitude are delighted to have him back this year, this time on the Obelisk Arena on Saturday early evening to play his old school downbeat American blues. Darn tootin’!

Also confirmed for Obelisk are Alt rockers The Breeders who have had a career spanning 20 years and are back with an exhilarating new album due out in April – their first studio work for 6 years. Founding member Kim Deal of Pixies fame has been the band’s continual member through various line up changes and Latitude is delighted to have them performing some of their fantastic back catalogue of killer hooks and quirky pop rock. And finally for now, Mathangi Arulpragasam or M.I.A as she is better known has had an amazing 2007 with the release of the critically acclaimed album ‘Kala’ which was named album of the year by Rolling Stone magazine. Fusing grime, hip-hop and electro pop M.I.A is a breath of fresh air and definitely one to look out for! Manchester’s cult three-piece I Am Kloot join Saturday’s stellar line-up. Hailed as one of the best songwriters in the country by Pete Doherty and Guy Garvey from Elbow, Johnny Bramwell from I Am Kloot writes fantastically dark and sometimes sinister brooding songs that are compelling and catchy. They’ve been around for over ten years and released five albums and whilst mainstream appreciation eludes them they’re not short of admirers and dedicated followers and are worth checking out on the Obelisk Arena. Scottish psychedelic pop outfit Aliens, consisting of former members of The Beta Band join the line-up on Friday. Their phenomenal album ‘Astronomy For Dogs’ which came out last year is a upbeat pop/rock record, quite different from the trip-hop of The Beta Band. It spawned the track ‘I Am The Unknown’ which is featured in the recent blockbuster movie ‘21’.

Once again Latitude are bring the very best in up and coming talent. The hotly tipped White Lies join Saturday afternoon. From London, these young upstarts have caught the attention of all sections of the music industry earning a place on the current NME New Noise tour and a major record deal before the release of their debut single. Drawing influences from the epic anthems of Echo & The Bunnymen as well as more current influences from Editors – their take on soaring and atmospheric rock has made them ones to watch out for this summer. Psychedelic rock/folk fusion of Anglo/Icelandic band, Fields come to the Obelisk Combining a harmony pop sensibility to rival The Magic Numbers with My Bloody Valentine style soundscapes, Fields are an intriguing outfit who have been causing a bit of stir since the release of their debut album last year. Now with a second record ready for release that has been claimed by main writer Nick Peill to be a more hopeful and optimistic album, Fields are worth checking out on the Sunday afternoon of Latitude. Quirky and indefinable, Leeds quartet Grammatics are making serious waves in the music industry thanks to support slots with The Futureheads and The Pigeon Detectives at a NME Awards show. Their cross-breed of influences from heavy rock and metal to mid-nineties Brit Art Rock and indie dance means their sound is truly their own. It’s winning them fans all over the country and they will no doubt continue their rise to mainstream success.

Jon Dunn who curates the music says:

“The programme of music at last year's festival ranged from the emotionally charged, with the melancholic yet uplifting The National, the rousing Rodrigo Y Gabriela and the most remarkable band of last summer the mighty Arcade Fire, to music press must-sees such as Bat For Lashes, Patrick Wolf and New Young Pony Club, then add to this the blues man Seasick Steve with his worldly tales and two string guitar.

Now in its third edition Latitude has defined its musical personality. It’s music that is interesting and exciting; great bands, brilliant artists and the music that I love. I’m excited with our headliners for this year’s festival and looking forward to announcing further great acts over the forthcoming weeks. Franz Ferdinand will be phenomenal, Interpol will rock and captivate and the beautifully ethereal and epic Sigur Ros will soar.”



THE UNCUT ARENA

*AMADOU and MARIAM* *MARS VOLTA* *TINDERSTICKS*
*BLONDIE* *MARTHA WAINWRIGHT* *JULIAN COPE*
*HOWLING BELLS* *GUILLEMOTS* *BLACK KIDS*
*SAM ISAAC* *MAGISTRATES*


The tented Uncut Arena will once again host a myriad of musical musts at this year’s festival. Over-looking the stunning festival site from its hillside position the Uncut Arena is the place to stumble across some of the best in eclectic and leftfield bands and artists, discovering entire genres of music and witnessing acts that you would never normally see. Latitude’s past years have seen perfect performances by Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Tinariwen, Charlotte Hatherley and Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys as well as talent from the fields of folk, world, experimental, electronica, rock, indie and any other musical style you can think of. It’s all on offer at the Uncut Arena.

Headlining Friday night is the remarkable Amadou and Mariam. The duo met in Mali at an Institute for young blind people and found a shared love of music. Producing effortlessly catchy songs that incorporate hints of reggae, jazz, blues and rock Amadou and Mariam have been dubbed “Africa’s funkiest band” by the Evening Standard. Saturday will witness a tour de force live show that will leave your ears ringing and your mouth wide open. Created out of the ashes of cult band At The Drive-In, the psychedelic, progressive and experimental rock of Mars Volta is coming to Latitude. Their music incorporates rock, jazz, punk and Latin influences, an inspiring mix that will simply take your breath away. The Uncut Arena will climax on the Sunday with a stunning performance by Nottingham based cult stars Tindersticks. Since their inception in the early nineties, Tindersticks have been wowing audiences with their epic live shows and use of as many instruments that you could possibly imagine. Performing a truly unique mix of alternative rock whilst incorporating a full piece orchestra, Sunday night on the Uncut Arena will witness the band playing everything from Organs to Glockenspiels to create a fitting awesome ending to the weekend.

The Uncut Arena are delighted to announce that the legendary New York trailblazers Blondie will be playing on the Sunday night. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of seminal album Parallel Lines - which spawned many of their renowned hits including ‘Heart of Glass’ and ‘Hanging On The Telephone’ - Blondie will cut a cool swathe through the Suffolk countryside. Their set promises to be a veritable romp through their classics as they belt out some of the best new wave hits in musical history such as ‘Atomic’, ‘Rapture’, ‘One Way Or Another’, ‘Maria’ - the list is endless. 600 million album sales to date and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006, Blondie’s legacy is unmistakeable and their slot at Latitude will no doubt be a festival highlight.

The Uncut Arena will also host the utterly fantastic Martha Wainwright. Wainwright who has been making waves in the Country and Folk community for some time now, will bring her sweet sounds to Latitude on the Friday. Since releasing her debut EP ‘Factory’ in 2002 she has gone from strength to strength.Her self titled album release of 2005 brought strong praise from all sides of the music community with a cross-over appeal that stretched far beyond the traditional folk audience. As sister of Rufus Wainwright and daughter of country legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Martha certainly has a rich heritage and is cementing herself firmly in the history books alongside her heroes. The heart and warmth in her performance will keep you smiling all through the night.

Eccentric and visionary rock musician, modern antiquarian and one time frontman of post-punk Liverpool outfit The Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope will be performing in the Uncut Arena on the Friday night. Since the fame and success of The Teardrop Explodes, Cope has added to his legacy with a prolific solo career releasing over 20 albums and writing four non-fiction books including ‘Krautrocksampler’ and ‘Japrocksampler’ as well as two critically acclaimed autobiographies. A cult hero, Cope’s live performances are a formidable experience – dipping into his vast back catalogue that features the solo Top 20 hit ‘World Shut Your Mouth’ and classics such as ‘Try, Try, Try’ and ‘Trampoline’ as well as legendary Teardrop tracks ‘Reward’ and ‘Treason’.

Eerier than Twin Peaks and spookier than an abandoned Old West, the beguiling melodies of Howling Bells are making everyone sit up and take notice. Formed in Australia and now based in the UK, the band lurch from blues fuelled rock to country-rock lamentations, it showcases the mesmerising, silky voice of vocalist Juanita Stein perfectly as it switches between sudden calm, creeping range and immaculate pop. A definite must see for the Uncut Arena on Friday at Latitude.

Guillemots are back with a new album and one of the catchiest singles of the year in ‘Get Over It’. Expect massive singalong choruses from the quirky indie popsters when they take to the stage on the Saturday. The band have toured with the likes of Rufus Wainwright and Snow Patrol and with guitars, keyboards, saxophones and woodwind instruments the Guillemots live experience is never a dull affair. Definitely worth your attention! One of the hottest bands of the moment, Black Kids, will bring their unique style of danceable disco indie spliced with 80’s pop vibes to the Uncut Arena on the Friday. It has been quite the year for Florida five piece. A breakthrough performance at Popfest in Georgia coincided with demo EP ‘Wizard of Ahhhs’ being posted on the band’s Myspace and Black Kids were unleashed. A flurry of label interest and positive music press followed while the bands live show continued to justify the hype. Debut single ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You’ reached Number 11 in the UK charts and performed the track on the first ever live edition of Later…..with Jools Holland.

Last year you may have spotted Sam Isaac playing early on the Lake stage at Latitude. This year he will be lighting up the Uncut Arena on the Sunday complete with his full backing band. The last twelve months have seen Sam move to the forefront of the music press’ minds with the release of critically acclaimed singles ‘Sideways’ and ‘Fire Fire’ which both found big fans at Radio 1. With heartfelt, honest lyrics and poppy hooks that will be spinning around your head all day, Isaac is a singer songwriter perfectly suited to the lush surroundings of Henham Park.

Step aside Prince because there is some new funk in town. Essex four piece Magistrates mix Klaxons style beats with funky pop rhythms to create a sound so fresh you won’t even have to shower. Already causing a buzz, the band have supported Top 10 newcomer Sam Sparro and will be ready to impress when they groove into the Uncut Arena on Saturday.

Jon Dunn says:

“Tented Arenas of this size are great to work with. When the right band and the right audience come together in a tent the feeling can be heady and euphoric. My ambition when booking bands for the Uncut Arena is to enable a synergy between the bands and the crowd.”



THE SUNRISE ARENA
*CRYSTAL CASTLES*
*NIC DAWSON KELLY* *TALLULAH RENDALL*
*METRONOMY* *ROSIE & THE GOLDBUG* *THE JOY FORMIDABLE*
*WALLIS BIRD* *GODWITS*

Deep set into Latitude’s beautiful woodland and perhaps the most exquisite arena of all, the small and intimate Sunrise Arena will once again be showcasing the very best in emerging talent. Last year this arena saw inspiring up and coming music from now media favourites New Young Pony Club, Howling Bells, The Rumble Strips and Pete And The Pirates to name but a few. With a full schedule to be announced this cosy and cherished arena is the place to find the very best in exciting and emerging bands play up close and personal performances. Come and see tomorrow’s biggest stars at Latitude.

The first band to be announced for this stage is current indie/punk favourites Crystal Castles. This Toronto-based duo have been declared “the most exciting and original band in the world right now" (Loud&Quiet) and consist of multi-instrumentalist Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass. Their experimental use of unusual instrumentation such as placing an Atari 5200 sound chip inside a keyboard serves to create a completely unique sound of bombastic beats, bleeping samples and Alice’s trademark vocals. Together with their remixing skills recruited by the likes of Bloc Party and Klaxons – this duo are essential viewing. A full schedule for the Sunrise Arena is still to be announced.

The beautiful Sunrise Arena, will feature Reading via Brighton based singer/songwriter Nic Dawson Kelly. Having blown audiences away touring his 2007 debut album ‘The Musician’, Kelly has built up quite a following across the country and with many comparisons to the likes of past Latitude headliner Antony and the Johnsons, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, it seems as though 2008 is going to be a good year for this young talent. A successful tour with Jamie T and a slot on the Camden Crawl 08 has given him the chance to showcase new material and attract new fans along the way - his performance on Saturday is definitely worth making the effort for.

Drawing on influences from Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Joni Mitchell, London based songstress Tallulah Rendall will be bringing her soulful acoustic sound to the Latitude Festival come Sunday morning. Last year saw her release her debut EP ‘Without Time’ which brought high praise from high places and earned her an acclaimed performance at Dame Shirley Bassey’s 70th birthday at Clivesden. With her full debut album ‘Libellus’ confirmed for release this year, Rendall’s performance on the Sunrise Arena will be the perfect opportunity for a preview.

With the release of their imminent second album ‘Nights Out’ landing before the festival Metronomy (Joseph Mount) will undoubtedly be on top form when Latitude hits the Suffolk coast. Originally from Devon and now based in London Metronomy has not only been brought to the public eye with his own material but also as a sought-after remixer for Obelisk headliners Franz Ferdinand, Klaxons and Kate Nash to name only a few. Oscar Cash and Gabriel Stebbing will be joining Joseph Mount on the Sunrise Arena for a set not to be missed. Latitude welcomes Rosie & The Goldbug who will be showcasing their incredible piano lead harmonies and haunting vocal melodies. The Cornish three piece featuring Rosie (Rosie Vanier), Pixie (Lee Matthews) and Plums (Sarah Morgan) have been described as a ‘Prozac-ingesting mix of Tori Amos, Cabaret’s Sally Bowles…’ and ‘Kate Bush on Crack’!

Joining them is the dreamy pop of London trio The Joy Formidable. The newcomers have already had a song featured on an advert for cult show Skins and gigs supporting Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Let their smooth grooves wash over you on the Friday afternoon. Irish musician Wallis Bird will be taking to Latitude’s Saturday afternoon line-up, guitar-in-hand to forecast a unique combination of traditional folk music, blues and funk that will be the perfect accompaniment to the Suffolk sunshine. The Daily Star have said her semi-acoustic confessional songs hit the soul hard, but it's her voice that'll melt the coldest of hearts. Maybe it’s time for Wallis Bird to melt yours.

Jon Dunn says:

“The Sunrise Arena is a truly amazing space which transforms from day to night. It’s a powerful environment that almost dictates the music I programme on it; singer songwriter type of acts earlier on in the day to listen and chill to and then as the arena changes form and comes alive in the evening, stuff that makes you want to move and have a dance.”

THE LAKE STAGE PRESENTS
‘BBC Introducing’ curated by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens

In a beautiful lakeside setting sits a stage of discovery and enchantment, characteristics that underpin the whole of Latitude Festival. The Lake Stage, curated by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, showcases the freshest and most critical new acts before they begin to bubble in the conscience of the music press. From the poetic ramblings of Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip to the upbeat infectious indie of current favourites Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong and a memorable mid afternoon performance from a little known band named Scouting for Girls who recently went to number one with their debut album; 2007 saw plenty of new talent from all sides of the musical spectrum springboard from the Introducing Stage to great success.

Speaking of his involvement with Latitude, Huw Stephens says, “Latitude, as well as being in an idyllic location with so many different things going on, has a huge emphasis on quality new music.

It’s to be found on all the stages in different ways, but the Introducing music on the Lake stage is like the first crop of new music, freshly squeezed and a lot of the time playing a festival for the first time. The emphasis is on quality, ideas, freshness and making sure it is an intriguing mix of the good stuff”.

ARTS ARENAS

Latitude has always been more than just a music festival with a wonderful line up from the world of creative arts. Across 6 separate arenas Latitude offers an incredible line up of the most gifted comedians, film makers, visual artists, poets, writers, actors and dancers around. Spanning the lush Henham Park site the Comedy, Poetry, Literature, Theatre, Music & Film and Cabaret Arenas are neatly positioned excitedly awaiting your arrival.

Arts Programmer at Latitude Festival, Tania Harrison, had this to say:

“Last year someone said to me that for them, Latitude was a cultural adventure and I love the idea that people are coming to Latitude to ride on the arts rollercoaster, so to speak. At Latitude the audience can get the chance to sample the whole plethora of the arts, enjoying artists’ work that they already know and also discover a whole new world of artists, actors, poets, writers, film makers, not to mention dance moves that they’ve never done or even seen before!

The audience at Latitude are particularly enthusiastic about getting involved and the Bollywood and mambo dance classes last year were full, as was the ‘embrace your inner drag queen’ workshop, which was quite possibly one of my favourite moments from last year. It’s great that people can take home a goodie bag filled with new experiences along with a new found ability to lindy hop!

This year, I hope to bring something exciting and different to the festival experience and have booked what I think are some incredibly stimulating and quality artists into each of the arts arenas. I’m also delighted that we have coming to Latitude some of the best arts organisations that the UK has to offer, with the Royal Court Theatre, The Bush, Paines Plough, Nabokov and The Pleasance bringing stunning plays and writers to the festival and I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Sadler’s Wells who will be presenting world class dance. I can hardly contain my excitement at some of the acts that are coming to Latitude and I just can’t wait to see contemporary dance performed on the lake against the beautiful backdrop of Henham Park.”



PIMM’S COMEDY ARENA

* BILL BAILEY* *ROSS NOBLE* *RICH HALL*
*OMID DJALILI*
*SIMON AMSTELL* *RUSSELL HOWARD* *TIM MINCHIN*
*PHILL JUPITUS AND FRIENDS*
*FRANKIE BOYLE* *STEWART LEE* *LEE MACK * *ROBIN INCE*
*RUSSELL KANE* *ARNAB CHANDA* *RUFUS HOUND*
*OTIS LEE CRENSHAW* *LUCY PORTER* *PHIL KAY*
*ANDREW LAWRENCE* *DAVE FULTON* *BEN NORRIS* *JON RICHARDSON*
*DAN ATKINSON* *JASON WOOD* *CAREY MARX* *STEPHEN GRANT*
*HAL CRUTTENDEN* *MILES JUPP**MICHAEL FABBRI*

Now with a larger tent and screens outside to accommodate its heaving audience, the ever popular Comedy Arena returns with another staggering line up that reads like a who’s who of the current touring comedy circuit. A programme of the biggest names in comedy and the newest rising talent will ensure continuous laughter throughout the weekend.

Comedian, musician, actor and all-round funny-man Bill Bailey, returns to the Latitude limelight for another side-splitting performance. Well known for his work on television in programmes such as ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, ‘QI’, ‘Black Books’ and more recently ‘Skins’, and his live shows ‘Bewilderness’ and ‘Part Troll’, Bailey has established himself as one of the leading British comedians.

Ross Noble will bring his hilarious live show that prompted Time Out magazine to name him, “The supreme master of spontaneous stand-up and the most exciting comic in the country!”. After appearances on ‘Have I Got News for You’ and recent new live show ‘Nobleism’, Ross is at the top of his game and his appearance at this year’s festival will be a definite highlight.


The grouchy, deadpan, comic genius Rich Hall performance at Latitude will be eagerly anticipated. Hall quit his job as a hurricane namer for the United States Meteorological Service eighteen years ago and has never looked back. He has won many awards including an Emmy for writing on ‘The David Letterman Show’, the Perrier Award for his character Otis Lee Crenshaw and the Edinburgh Critics Award, twice! Rich is a master of absurdist irony while eschewing the human condition. He will be performing his own stand up and will make a further appearance on the bill as his wild and deranged character Otis Lee Crenshaw – a troubled and convicted country music singer.

Award-winning British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili is also performing in this year’s Comedy Arena. Djalili has won many awards for his comedy including the EMMA Award, Time Out Award, and LWT Comedy Award for Best Stand-up Comedian, Spirit of the Fringe Award as well as the One World Media Award for his Channel 4 documentary, ‘Bloody Foreigners’. As well as being nominated the Perrier Award for Best Comedian, the South Bank Award for Best Comedy of 2003, and the Royal Television Society Award for Best Stand-up.

His hyperactive and energetic manner of imitating accents, undercutting political humour with absurd bellydances and singing has earned him a significant worldwide following. Since breaking through at Edinburgh’s Fringe festival way back in 1995, Omid has mixed his very successful and popular stand up routine with a career in TV and Film including presenting Have I Got News For You and appearing in Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’. Omid now has his own BBC Television show The Omid Djalili Show – a fantastic mix of hilarious sketches and stand-up routines.

Simon Amstell’s quirky, sarcastic and leftfield approach will leave you in stitches. Known for his controversial and bizarre interviews with some of pop’s biggest names on ‘Popworld’, Simon was the perfect replacement for friend of Latitude Mark Lamarr on ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and was presented with a Royal Television Society award for his efforts on the show.

Comedy’s fastest rising star Russell Howard brings his keen observational comedy show to Latitude. Russell has been busy cementing his place as one of the hottest properties in comedy with his BBC6 Music show every Sunday, loads of Mock The Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Would I Lie To You?, Live At The, Law of the Playground and just about any other funny current TV programme. “You’ll find more laughs here than many comedians manage in an entire career” The Metro

Tim Minchin is the Australian one man entertainment machine. Boasting talents as a writer, comedian, musician and actor, Tim’s live show is sure to excite with the Sydney Daily Telegraph rating his live performance as “One of the funniest and most amazing shows you will ever see.”

Phill Jupitus will be hosting another improv extravaganza with fellow comics. After the success of his show in the sunshine last year, Phill and friends just had to come back. The principle is simple: a gang of comedians get up on stage and try and make jokes about recent events, as suggested by the audience. Improv comedy roulette at its best, toe curling or hilarious, let the audience decide.

After appearing in every episode of BBC2’s ‘Mock The Week’ and regular appearances on ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, Frankie Boyle has finely honed his cynical critique of society, celebrities and Politicians. With observations such as, if John Prescott were to wear a belt and tie at the same time he would “turn into sausages”; there is little that escapes Boyles’s keen scrutiny. After breaking through in 1996 when he won the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award, Boyle has gone from strength to strength and is notorious for his witty tongue-in-cheek comments and his glass half-empty views on modern day society and culture.

Time Out winner, Robin Ince, will be continuing the laughter in the Comedy Arena. The hyperkinetic curmudgeon who questions everything or thereabouts, with a stage style that tends to lean towards erudite ramblings, often at break-neck speed Ince is also an adept impressionist. Often seen supporting Ricky Gervais on his live dates, Ince has a long list of television appearances including appearing in ‘The Office’ and ‘Mock The Week’ and was named best compere at the 2007 Chortle Awards.

Best known for his work on BAFTA winning ‘The Sketch Show’ and RTS award winning BBC sitcom ‘Not Going Out’, the “always cheeky, never blue” Lee Mack joins the line up. With his constant determination to have fun, with high energy, and at a fast pace, Mack jumps quickly and confidently from one hilarious subject to another, leaving the audience on the edge of their seat if not on the floor. Mack has had a stint presenting ‘They Think It’s All Over’ and is now a regular on BBC panel show ‘Would I Lie to You’ with his constant determination to have fun that often leaves his audience overwhelmed by laughter.

One of the most respected figures of British comedy Stewart Lee, who modestly prides himself as being the “41st Best Stand-up Ever”, has written for radio, television, newspapers, magazines in addition to penning his novel, ‘The Perfect Fool’. He has taken his comedy stylings all over the world and co-wrote and directed the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed London theatre production ‘Jerry Springer-The Opera’. In addition, Stewart directed The Mighty Boosh's breakthrough Edinburgh Festival show, Arctic Boosh, in 1999. Lee has been likened to “an angry young man trapped in the body of a mature and hugely intelligent one”, a hilariously lethal combo that will disarm the audience and have them laughing uncontrollably.

Once described as “a twisted human cartoon”, Russell Kane will stalk, flap, jerk and contort his way across the stage of the Comedy Arena at this year’s Latitude. Having burst onto the scene in 2003, it wasn’t long before Kane was earning accolades up and down the country for his turbo-charged routine and TV appearances including a stint hosting ‘Big Brother’s Big Mouth’ in 2007. With a boundless energy and an ability to tease, prod and affectionately bounce off the audience, Kane will have the Comedy Arena wrapped around his little finger.

The super slick, finely executed delivery of Arnab Chanda’s stand-up routine owes much of its smooth polish to Chanda’s four years of hard graft in the comedy clubs of New York. Born in England, brought up in an international school in Saudi Arabia, Chanda muses over such topics as the dangers of getting the chick-pea dip Humous, and a certain group of Palestinian freedom fighters mixed up. Hotly tipped, Chanda is one to keep your eye on.

The quick witted and almost debonair, Rufus Hound and his beard, will be joining the fantastic Comedy Arena line-up. You may recognise him from various TV appearances including presenting Top of The Pops and Glastonbury coverage in 2005. Hound was a finalist at Channel 4’s Edinburgh Festival Award ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ with his sharp, sarcastic and relaxed approach to comedy earning him plenty of fans.

The slightly naughty but ever charming Lucy Porter, dilutes the testosterone with her chatty banter while cutting through any nonsense with her sharp, articulate and sometimes twisted, wit. Familiar face of TV shows including ‘The Mrs Merton Show’, ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘Nevermind The Buzzcocks’ and with her critically applauded stand-up show ‘The Good Life’ under her belt, she is one comic not to be missed.

Phil Kay is a bit of a veteran on the comedy circuit having burst onto the scene in 1989 winning the ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ newcomers contest in only its second year. Since then Kay has won Best Stand Up at the 1994 British Comedy Awards as well as a Perrier nomination. With his own brand of manic comedy mayhem, his stand up routine has dazzled audiences all over the globe.

Andrew Lawrence joins the bill at Latitude after a fantastic 2007 that saw him nominated for an if.comedy main award for his cult classic Edinburgh Fringe show, ‘Social Leprosy for Beginners and Improvers’. A regular on popular comedy TV show ‘The Comedy Store’, make sure you catch Dave Fulton an innately funny guy from Seattle who quashes the stereotype that Americans have no sense of irony. Ben Norris is the cousin of ‘The Office’ star Martin Freeman - dry wit clearly runs in the family. Ben is a regular on the UK headline comedy circuit and also regularly writes and performs for TV programmes such as ‘The Stand up Show’ and ‘8 out of 10 Cats’.

Also added to the bill is Jon Richardson who has gone from strength to strength by supporting Alan Carr on his 60 date tour and has already picked up the Chortle award for Best Breakthrough act 2008; the good humoured and witty Dan Atkinson will appear with his fresh and unpredictable take on stand up; Jason Wood, a well known contestant on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ but whose talents go further than that with his genius fusion of comedy and singing; Carey Marx with his trademark snappy one liners and material that is not for the faint-hearted is sure to delight and disgust in equal measure. Stephen Grant has already won a Chortle award for best compere this year and has established himself as one to watch on the current circuit; Hal Cruttenden with his award winning and world renowned ‘Hal’ routine and finally (for now) kids may know him as Archie the Inventor in Balamory but Miles Jupp is also an award winning funnyman with countless live performances and appearances on Paramount Comedy TV’s ‘The World Stands Up’. Michael Fabbri is quickly getting a reputation as one of the most exciting new acts on the comedy circuit. As a finalist of the BBC New Comedy Awards, Fabbri’s off-the-wall routine has been toured all over Britain since he first appeared on the circuit in 2003. His Edinburgh fringe show ‘Hearing Voices’, with regular touring partner Mike Manera, was well received and he has gone from strength to strength since with his unique, sharp style gaining the plaudits.

Yet again another line-up of comedians at Latitude so funny you will have to take a break occasionally to get your breath back.

At night, the Comedy Arena gives way to the ultimate in feel good fun, the internationally famous Guilty Pleasures. Cheerleaders, mascots and G.A.Y-esque dance troupes in silver and purple lycra jump along to such killer tunes as Chicago’s ‘If You Leave Me Now’, and ELO’S ‘Sweet Talkin’ Woman’. It’s addictive, irresistible fun, fun, fun and somehow at 1am you really don’t feel so guilty as you throw yourself into an epic guitar solo on your knees. It’s Classic Guilty Pleasures on Friday night and Saturday night is Bugsy Malone night, so don’t forget your gangster and moll and get twirling those pearls.

Something like a phenomenon, but a lot more like an excuse to get smashed and rip clothes off strangers, Swap-A-Rama makes its debut at this year’s Saturday night at Latitude Festival. The rules are easy – arrive in a splendid overabundance of the latest fashion and dance your socks off. Every time the DJs ring the klaxon you must swap an item of clothing with someone next to you. You’re advised to arrive in clothes you don’t mind not ever seeing again! God knows what you’ll end up going home in!

MUSIC & FILM ARENA

*MARK LAMARR presents:
Buzzcocks, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed & the True Loves
The Heavy, James Hunter and Pete Molinari*
*MICHAEL NYMAN*
*BAFTA* *POSTSECRET* *JES BENSTOCK*
*FUTURE CINEMA LIVE* *LAUTREC*
*JONNY TRUNK presents VISION ON*
*THE LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY*
*DARRYL’S HARD LIQUOR & PORN FILM FESTIVAL*
*GEORGE PRINGLE* *THEIR HEARTS WERE FULL OF SPRING*
*BARRY ADAMSON* *CHRIS SHEPHERD*
*HALLOWEEN MUSIC & FILM CLUB*

The Music and Film Arena successfully entwines the alternative world of film and documentaries with live performances and mind-bending visuals that can transport you into a parallel world through sight and sound. Your senses will tingle and tickle with extra special treats from an eclectic mix of visual and musical art.

Latitude welcomes back Mark Lamarr who, in accordance with his Saturday late night show on Radio 2 - God’s Jukebox, will presents the best soul, ska, reggae, country, gospel and rap you never knew you loved. As well as DJ-ing, Lamarr has especially selected exciting performances from Manchester’s legendary punk band Buzzcocks, who are commonly regarded as a seminal influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement and punk rock; the Son Of Soul Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed and The True Loves who’ll get your pulse racing and your spirit testifying; and lo-fi samples and broken down beats supplied from The Heavy. Lamarr brings the extraordinary talent of James Hunter, one of the best (and one of the few) British blue-eyed soul singers of the last couple of decades. Starting his career as Howlin’ Wilf in the ‘80s, working with Van Morrison in the ‘90s and recording Grammy nominated albums in the ‘00s, James Hunter’s amazing guitar prowess - his manic solos recalling the fretwork of Ike Turner – and soulful voice has earned him plaudits all over the world. According to Van Morrison, James Hunter is "one of the best voices, and one of the best-kept secrets, in British R&B and soul.”Hunter’s recent touring buddy and country blues genius Pete Molinari has also been added. Hailing from Kent’s Medway Delta, Molinari, discovered by Billy Childish, has been wowing audiences with his remarkable falsetto which echoes such legendary voices as Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. In the spirit of the great folk revival of the 1960s Molinari channels this inspiration into a fresh and reverent contemporary sound. Both Hunter and Molinari have recorded their forthcoming albums with famed producer Liam Watson at the legendary analogue Toe Rag Studios - where The White Stripes recorded Elephant.

Lamarr says of his involvement in Latitude: “A few years ago I started God’s Jukebox on Radio 2 to expose that world of (usually) non guitar music that’s barely represented on any frequencies.

Everything from Calypso to Rap, 30’s Country to Egyptian Jazz, Gospel to Ska, Cole Porter to Wu Tang and above and beyond. Let’s pretend it’s set the airwaves alight and revel in the recognition of the myriad of unsung artistes that have fuelled my weekly 3 hours. The studio has welcomed legends Allen Toussaint, Tony Joe White, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, The Zombies, Buzzcocks and the unsigned Baby Charles, The Dirty Backbeats, The Surgeons and Little George to the BBC for a session and some of my favourites will be doing what they do best for me at Latitude. I’m going just to see Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed.”

Exclusively for Latitude, English composer of minimalist music, pianist, librettist and musicologist Michael Nyman will be presenting a programme specifically for the intimate environment of the Music and Film Arena. Perhaps best known for the many film scores he’s written during his lengthy collaboration with the filmmaker Peter Greenaway and for the incredible score for award-winning film ‘The Piano’, Nyman will be performing a solo piano piece of excerpts from some of these most emotive and ground breaking film scores and will include excerpts from the Peter Greenaway classics. And if this wasn't enough, this most outstanding film music composer will be presenting a selection of his own short films followed by a talk to give the audience a rare insight into where he finds his inspiration and his life long relationship with sound and image.

Following the success of last year’s film programme at Latitude, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts is delighted to announce their involvement for a second year. The Music & Film Arena was full to the brim of exciting screenings, documentaries and discussions last year, courtesy of the involvement of the BAFTA including a Q&A session with Richard Curtis, an exclusive screening of This Is England and a special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s very first silent black and white thriller The Lodger (1929). The Academy exists to support, develop and promote the art forms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the viewing public, and with a full schedule to be announced BAFTA will once again bring a series of exciting events to the festival.

Amanda Berry, BAFTA Chief Executive said: “Last year we organised an outdoor film screening of Hitchcock’s silent thriller The Lodger with a live orchestra as well as events and screenings with BAFTA-winners Shane Meadows and Richard Curtis. This year we hope to programme an equally high-profile series of cinematic events to captivate and challenge the Latitude audience. Full details will be announced in the coming months.”

Latitude is pleased to announce that the internationally renowned art exhibition PostSecret is coming to the Music & Film Arena. Festival goers are invited to submit their own post secret to the exhibition. In addition there will be a collaborative project with Goldsmiths Film Making student, Mercy Laio, who will be getting up-close and personal and asking people their secrets for a film project exclusively for Latitude. The award winning blog and art project www.postsecret.com was set up by Frank Warren in 2005 to massive critical acclaim and soon developed a huge international following of contributors and fans. The concept is simple; people from all backgrounds and nationalities are invited to send creatively decorated postcards bearing true secrets that have never before been revealed. The project will extend into an experience within the Arena that will be both highly visual as well as thought provoking.

Latitude welcomes a fantastic showing of the poignant and searching documentary film ‘Holocaust Tourism’ by award-winning Glasgow film director Jes Benstock. In ‘Holocaust Tourism’ Benstock talks to a number of people involved in the tourist industry and conveys it with animation to help uncover the way tourism and tourists are changing the way we understand the complex past. Benstock wanted to "make something which would help people understand the complexity of what is happening to the memory of the Holocaust. I believe it's happening to every human tragedy in living memory - the "heritage" style repackaging of history." If some critics sneer that Michael Moore is a documentarian-turned-comedian, Jes has made the alternative journey. A whistle-stop tour from Auschwitz hot-dogs to Krakow's kitsch Judaica that asks, how is dark tourism changing history? Jes Benstock’s Holocaust Tourism won the NPA Shorts 06/07 Jury Award and has been showcased at many prestigious film festivals around the word.

The Music & Film Arena will be positively buzzing with unique and cutting edge events that shake up the traditional cinema experience courtesy of Future Cinema. By fusing film with music, theatre and performance, these wondrously atmospheric and highly interactive cinematic experiences are famed for taking audiences on a multi-sensory ride and have become “don't miss” events all across the UK. The Guardian has declared them as “The True Pioneers of petit cinema” and Time Out has described these events as “The Nightlife of your dreams.” Exclusively for Latitude, Future Cinema has created Future Cinema Live - a very different and unique cinema show. Live bands, a classic feature rescored, theatre performers, and the very best films from Future Shorts are all in the mix to create a completely immersive live film experience.

Surrender your mind and senses to the sonic and visual rush of Lautrec’s 2001: A Dubstep Odyssey. The “delicious sampledelics” of Lautrec brings to the Music & Film Arena a collaboration between the Lautrec laptop wizardry and the post-rock instrumentalism of SonVer’s electric cello, guitar, percussion, bass and visuals. A dubstep-beat driven mix of multi-layered textures and melodies all set to some of the most iconic space images ever committed to celluloid, provided by Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001 A Space Odyssey’.

Performing as part of Chris Shepherd’s afternoon of shorts, films, music and multi-talented artists, Jonny Trunk presents Vision On; a special show that nostalgically focuses on the 1960s and 1970s BBC programme of the same name. A weekly cornerstone of BBC television, kids were treated to a fine dose of art, jazz, chaos and creativity, Vision On is famed for legendary sequences such as The Gallery, The Burbles, Digger and of course the main stars - Tony Hart, Pat Keysell, the Prof, Wilf Lunn and even Sylvester McCoy. The series is visually and musically like no other and stirred many a young creative mind into action. For Latitude, musical maverick and broadcaster Jonny Trunk explains some of the unusual musical cues and extraordinary ideas used by the show, and we'll be treated to some very rare and very beautiful Vision On sequences which in some cases have not been seen for over 40 years.

As a special part of this show, you are encouraged to enter your own works of art to the Latitude Gallery, which will be judged throughout the weekend with a prize given for the best one!

Celebrating the weird and wonderful, the Music and Film Arena opens its doors to Darryl's Hard Liquor and Porn Film Festival - a comedy short film festival for adults only! Based in Toronto, Canada, Darryl comes to Latitude showcasing the best short adult films in this part-video viewing and part-drunken bash. The show features short films and animations from Canada and all parts of the globe and whilst there’s no guarantee you’ll see any real porn, audience participation and possible dressing up suitably for the occasion will be encouraged.

The Last Tuesday Society brings their remarkable and often unsettling exploration into the afterlife. The Last Tuesday Society is a Pataphysical organisation founded by William James at Harvard in the 1870s and presently run by His Excellency The Chancellor, Mr.Viktor Wynd with the aid of The Fellows of The Society. The Last Tuesday Society is famed for its dances, themed evenings events and talks centred on the world outside of the metaphysical. Expect something all together unique, fascinating and slightly disturbing from the famed Last Tuesday Society.

The emerging talent of Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring bring their melodic pop perfection to Latitude. They will be performing alongside VJ Buzzard who will be creating live visuals, baking cakes (to be handed out to the audience!), painting pictures and showering the band with flowers and good vibes to help kick off Latitude 2008.

Also in the Music & Film Arena is musician Barry Adamson who was the bassist in Howard Devoto’s Magazine before hooking up with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in the 80’s. He has scored soundtracks for several films including ‘The Last Of England’, ‘Natural Born Killers’ and ‘The Beach’ as well as some of David Lynch’s films.

Chris Shepherd, who as well as his celebrated short ‘Dad’s Dead’, has worked on ‘Big Train’, ‘Nathan Barley’ and collaborated with David Shrigley on ‘Who I am and What I do’. In addition, Chris Shepherd will be curating at Latitude and bringing an afternoon of shorts, films, music and multi-talented artists.

Plus, playing as part of Chris Shepherd’s afternoon of shorts, films, music and multi-talented artists, the delightful and “spoken word queen of now”, George Pringle brings home-spun pop-poetry to Latitude. A ‘diseuse’ (a female performer of monologues) George makes electronic music on her iBook G4, which she calls Truman, recites poetry over the tracks and incorporates projections of her photo journals into her live shows. Her performances have been described as “just plain charming” by Music Week and simply “dead funny and brilliantly aware” by Time Out.

Once again, the tent will open its doors to the Halloween Music And Film Club which will bring a full schedule of specifically chosen shorts, art and silent films and visuals, accompanied by live music, videos, dancers and DJ’s.

Keep your eye out for the many, many more films, shorts, documentaries, Q&A sessions and live music to be confirmed. The Music & Film Arena is an exhilarating corner of seeing and hearing wonderful-ness at Latitude Festival.

LITERARY ARENA

*VOX ‘N’ ROLL* *WORDTHEATRE* *MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE: THE EARLY EDITION*
*IAIN BANKS* *HANIF KUREISHI* *A L KENNEDY*
*IRVINE WELSH* *MIKE GAYLE*
*SIMON ARMITAGE* *JOHN BURNSIDE* *ESTHER FREUD*
*GAUTAM MALKANI* *JENNY COLGAN**CLAUDIA HAMMOND*
*ANTONIA QUIRKE* *ANDREW CLOVER* *JON RONSON*
*PAUL TORDAY* *PETE ATKIN* *MARK BORKOWSKI*
*JOHN KING* *RAFFAELLA BARKER* *TOBY LITT*
*HELEN WALSH* *CATHERINE O’FLYNN* *MARK BARROWCLIFFE*
*TANIA GLYDE* *JOHN WILLIAMS* *MICHAEL HODGES*
*STUART MACONIE* *JOHN NIVEN*
*JON MCGREGOR* *GREGORY NORMINGTON*
*ROBIN INCE’S BOOK CLUB*
*ROBIN INCE’S SCHOOL FOR GIFTED CHILDREN with Steward Lee, Jo Neary,
Josie Long, Wayne Shepherd, Ben Goldacre, Bridget Christie,
Martin White, Gavin Osborn*

Sitting crossed-legged with a beer or a glass of wine in Suffolk’s now legendary library, is a Latitude experience you cannot miss. This cosy corner of the festival is a hub of compelling stories, inspirational discussions and raucous laughter. Many who pop their heads in will end up staying for hours, transfixed by the flights of fancy and comic genius of these book readings with a difference.

This year’s festival offers the absolute cream of the literary crop with many more to be announced over the coming months.

Running throughout the weekend and showcasing the very best in contemporary authors and guest speakers, the hippest and coolest literary event in the country Vox ’n’ Roll returns for another year.

Readings from big name authors and rock ‘n’ roll writers together with well scripted and thought out music provides an alternative take on literature. With forums and discussions on music, albums, gigs, and the industry at large, Vox ‘n’ Roll is a hilarious and insightful Latitude must.

The phenomenal WordTheatre bring their storytelling magic to the Literary Arena. This non-profit organisation are dedicated to keeping the love of language and literature alive through the wonders of oral storytelling. They create and produce live events featuring literary works performed by world-class authors and big name actors. With salons in Los Angeles, New York and London, they are igniting a new generation of literature fans everywhere. The full cast and short story writers will be announced shortly.

The Literary Arena at Latitude wouldn’t quite be the same without the magnificent mayhem of Robin Ince and his unique literary comic genius. Bringing both good and bad books to life, Robin Ince’s legendary ‘Book Club’ of comics writers and performers will tell stories and bring you readings accompanied appropriately by saccharine and sublime soundtracks. A fantastic concept in wisecracking wit, ‘Book Club’ will take place exclusively at Latitude this year.

Robins Ince’s hilarious ‘School for Gifted Children’ is the best lecture you ever had; splintered and haphazard, like the popular children’s magazine of knowledge, ‘Look and Learn’. Like a Show-and-Tell, with fewer dinosaurs and more words, some of which will be songs. Oh, and Robin will be bringing some very special guests, featuring brand new characters from Steward Lee, Jo Neary, Josie Long, Wayne Shepherd, Ben Goldacre, Bridget Christie, Martin White, Gavin Osborn and a cacophony of ukuleles and xylophones and most definitely a triangle.

Latitude welcomes back Marcus Brigstocke: and The Early Edition. Recognisable from just about every other TV show and arguably the voice of Radio 4, Brigstocke’s recent stand-up includes last year’s excellent ‘Planet Corduroy’. Marcus and his guests will present an insightful and witty daily digest of current affairs in the media, over the weekend.

The calibre of writers confirmed so far make the Literary Arena at Latitude a highlight of the Literary events calendar and a very exciting place to be.

Perhaps one of the most revered contemporary British authors of a generation, Iain Banks has earned a fanatical fan-base with his challenging and often controversial novels. From his notorious debut ‘The Wasp Factory’, his prolific career has been both populist and experimental, earning him critical and commercial acclaim. Reading from his most recent fictional novel, ‘The Steep Approach to Garbadale’, believed to be his best work since ‘The Crow Road’ and short-listed for the Catherine Mclean Prize, Banks is a thrilling addition to the Latitude Literary Arena.

Recently awarded the CBE for his services to literature and drama, Hanif Kureishi’s body of work, from plays to novels to screenplays and stories are nothing short of inspirational. Dealing with issues of diverse ethnicity, sexuality and politics, while more recently focusing on the finer points of personal relationships, Kureishi’s engaging and satirical writings have won him a plethora of awards including the Whitbread First novel prize for his bestseller, ‘The Buddha Of Suburbia’. Kureishi will be performing readings from his latest novel, ‘Something To Tell You’, a story centring on Jamal and his friends encroaching middle age, as well as conducting talks and a Q&A.

Multi-award winner A L Kennedy, known for a characteristically dark tone, a blending of realism and fantasy, and for her serious approach to her work – will perform readings from her ‘Costa Book Of The Year 2007’ ‘Day’. ‘Day’ is a wonderful piece of storytelling: the freight of history and humanity carried effortlessly by the beauty of the writing, a superbly realised novel about the brutal simplicities of war.

Kennedy also contributes to columns and reviews in UK and European newspapers and writes essays for BBC Radio and manages to be an Associate Professor in Creative Writing with Warwick University. If this wasn’t enough talent, Kennedy also performs as a stand-up comedian!

Another essential British author whose debut novel, ‘Trainspotting’, played an influential role in mid-nineties Brit culture, Irvine Welsh brings to Latitude readings from his latest book, ‘If You Liked School, You’ll Love Work’. His books, often written phonetically in the dialect of Edinburgh’s urban underclass accent from the Leith estates that he grew up in, are smart, witty and frequently staggeringly shocking to the core. His performance will be simply unmissable.

British author and freelance journalist Mike Gayle and author of ‘My Legendary Ex-girlfriend’, presents his heart-warming and funny ‘Wish You Were Here’; a story about three 35 year olds holding onto their youth by going on a 18-30 holiday. It’s a witty and wise tale about love and friendship and how seven days in the sun can change your life forever. Mike also freelances for FHM and The Sunday Times style magazine. He will be bringing his bad rules show to Latitude.

Latitude welcomes documentary-maker, stand-up comedian and celebrated writer Dave Gorman to the Literary Arena. For Latitude, Dave Gorman brings his current book ‘America Unchained: A Freewheeling Roadtrip In Search of Non-Corporate USA’ which tells the true story of his quest to travel coast to coast across the United States of America to discover whether it is possible to make the journey without ever patronising any corporate or chain-style businesses and to only give money to privately owned businesses. The documentary version won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Austin Film Festival 07. Other accolades include Best One Person Show at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Colorado for his ‘Googlewhack Adventures’ stand-up, for which every date sold out, and the Sunday Times Number One Best Seller for the book version. He was also listed in the Observers Top 50 funniest acts in British comedy. And not forgetting his Perrier Award nominated show ‘Are You Dave Gorman?’ which followed his international search for fellow Dave Gormans. A unique talent that simply cannot be missed.

Political activist, stand-up comedian and author Mark Thomas the man with the facts and a technique for political probing that could cause a mini riot in the House of Commons is a welcomed addition to Literary Arena. Mark Thomas has lobbied, demonstrated, protested, fought and made a mockery of politicians and corporate companies and is mostly renowned for his political comedy shows, ‘The Mark Thomas Comedy Product’ and ‘The Mark Thomas Product’ on Channel 4. He is also a regular on Radio 4, has presented many Dispatches programmes, and has had many articles published in the New Statesman, Guardian and Sunday Times. Presently working on his new book ‘Belching Out The Devil’ an investigation into the global corporation Coca Cola. He has won the Time Out and Perrier Award for his stand-up comedy as well as being recognised for his political campaigning, including: Kurdish National Congress Medal of Honour (2002), UN Global Human Rights Defender Award (2004), MediActivist Awards (MISTY) (2005) and is the Guinness World Record Holder for Most Number of Political Demonstrations in 24 Hours.

Having headlined the Poetry Arena at last year’s Latitude, the legendary poet, author and playwright Simon Armitage comes to the Literary Arena performing readings from ‘Gig: The Life and Times of a Rock Star Fantasist’, published by Penguin at the beginning of April.

Armitage’s prolific work has earned him a wealth of awards including the Sunday Times Young Author of the Year, one of the first Forward Prizes and a Lannan Award for his poetry; and the Gold Award at the 2005 Spoken Word Awards for his recent dramatisation of The Odyssey, ‘Mister Heracles’, a version of the Euripides play ‘The Madness of Heracles and Jerusalem’.

Award-winning poet and author John Burnside will be reading from his new book ‘Glister’, which is out in May and published by Random House. Burnside’s previous work includes the Catherine Maclean award- winning, ‘The Devil’s Footprints’; a classic tale with an old- fashioned, gripping plot that incorporates all that Burnside loves best: geography, the neighbours, the way people’s lives go, and the way people’s other, secret lives turn out. A chilling and thrilling journey.

Daughter of painter Lucian Freud and great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud, Esther Freud has not only worked in television and theatre as both actress and writer, but has also penned novels that include ‘Hideous Kinky’ which was shortlisted for the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, ‘Peerless Flats’, Gaglow’, ‘The Wild’ and ‘The Sea House’. Her recent book, ‘Love Falls’, is a coming-of-age tale, expertly realised and empathic. Financial Times journalist Gautam Malkani presents his critically applauded novel, ‘Londonstani’, a satirical look at South Asian extended-family psychodrama set in Hounslow and written in a mash up of text speak rude boy patter and Punjabi. It’s more than the hype that’s been heaped upon it.

A past health service employee and stand up comic queen, novelist, journalist and occasional radio “big gob”, Scottish born rom-com writer Jenny Colgan and her funny latest novel ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’, come to Latitude Festival. A regular writer for the Guardian, Colgan’s sharp wit and observational comment about anything and everything to do with TV, film and popular culture make her worth checking out.

Claudia Hammond’s ‘Emotional Rollercoaster’ explores nine universal emotions in turn and looks at the science behind them, combining the latest theories and discoveries from neuroscientists and psychologists with everyday human experience. In a highly entertaining and thought-provoking journey through the science of feelings, Emotional Rollercoaster asks how the brain and body interact to produce emotions, and what, if anything, we can do to harness them. The possibilities are far-reaching, from finding the perfume that make lovers fall at your feet to learning to cheat a lie detector! Claudia is also a columnist for Psychologies magazine and has written work for BBC Radio 4.

Chick-lit and film criticism collide in Antonia Quirke’s ‘Madame Depardieu and the Beautiful Strangers’. Quirke is a young film critic of eccentric brilliance who currently writes for the Guardian. She lives and breathes film, and cannot stop living her life through a viewfinder. This beautifully written, shamelessly honest and deeply comical account is about Quirke’s two parallel lives and her obsession with Hollywood actors describes how her fixations have thwarted her attempts at romantic fulfilment with a string of lesser, real men.

Stand-up comic, Sunday Times contributor and author of the hilarious book ‘Dad Rules’ and more recently the poignant ‘Dirty Angels’, Andrew Clover is a welcome addition to the Literary Arena. Andrew wrote ‘Dirty Angels’ in installments which were sent daily to his friend who was suffering from cancer. Aimed at teenagers who dress in skateboarding clothes and who like sneaking round to each others houses to smoke and listen to music, it’s described by Clover as a cross between Catcher In The Rye and Northern Lights.

Just when you thought every possible conspiracy theory had been exhausted by ‘The X-Files’ or ‘The Da Vinci Code’, along comes Jon Ronson’s ‘The Men Who Stare at Goats’. Acclaimed documentary maker and Guardian columnist, ‘The Men Who Stare at Goats’ is Ronson’s bizarre quest into “the most whacked-out corners of George W. Bush’s War on Terror,” as he puts it. Ronson is inspired when a man who claims to be a former U.S. military psychic spy tells him he has been reactivated following the 9-11 attack. Ronson decides to investigate.

His research leads him to the U.S. Army’s strange forays into extra- sensory perception and telepathy, which apparently included efforts to kill barnyard animals with nothing more than thought - a book that strikes a perfect balance between curiosity, incredulity, and humour.

Paul Torday has spent the majority of his life running engineering firms around Newcastle but at aged 59, he wrote his first novel ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’. The book was a huge success winning the 2007 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic writing as well as being serialised on BBC Radio 4. Torday has also recently been nominated for the Best Newcomer at the Galaxy British Book Awards and his second novel ‘The Irresistible Inheritance Of Wilberforce’ was recently released and was also well received with the Financial Times saying “What makes us want to find out about Wilberforce is Torday's wonderful prose - the same simple, clear writing that made Salmon Fishing so readable”.

Coming to the Latitude’s library of laughs and literature is cult songwriter Pete Atkin with his famed body of work ‘Midnight Voices’. Back in the 1970s Pete wrote musically brilliant albums with Clive James (Australian author, poet, presenter) writing the often poetic and literary referencing lyrics. It’s a partnership that has earned them a loyal following since the ‘70s and they can include Irvine Welsh and Iain Banks as their fans. ‘Midnight Voices’ are re-recordings of some of their original and best work from 30 years ago by a brand new band. Timeless and multi-layered each song has its own distinctive story and memorable lyrics, catch this cult performer in the confines of Latitude’s unique Literary Arena.

A truly fascinating and inspirational character that deserves your attention in the Literature Arena this year is legendary publicity guru Mark Borkowski. With his company Borkowski PR representing the likes of Graham Norton, Eddie Izzard, Joan Rivers and Sir Cliff Richard and a career spanning 25 years, Borkowski (pronounced Bor – Cough- ski) has an abundance of compelling showbiz tales from the entertainment world. His work also includes publicising films, television, theatre and major worldwide brands where his refusal to conform to generic, rigid and undeviating PR techniques has given him such a phenomenal reputation. A new book penned by Borkowski will be out in the summer entitled ‘The Fame Formula’ which discusses the history of the publicity industry and how it laid the foundations of rampant modern commercial culture.

John King’s raw, gritty and powerful London based writing will have you on the edge of your seat. Best known for his 1996 book ‘The Football Factory’ which was later made into a popular motion picture, King’s tales of British working class cultures, football violence and underlying political unrest are both unsettling and fascinating. Latitude will be a very rare opportunity to catch John reading live.

In contrast Norfolk local Raffaella Barker is heavily influenced and inspired by the countryside around her, Growing up in such a beautiful setting has had an unmistakable impact on Barker’s selection of words and use of language. Her debut novel ‘Come And Tell Me Some Lies’ was published in 1994, followed by another six best selling novels including ‘The Hook’, ‘Hens Dancing’, ‘Summertime’, ‘Green Grass’, the children's book ‘Phosphorescence’ and ‘A Perfect Life’. In addition Barker is a regular contributor to The Sunday Times Style magazine, Harpers & Queens and The Spectator. She writes brilliantly and comically about eccentric characters and family life in the Norfolk countryside – an enthralling writer perfect for the lush surroundings of Henham Park.

Nominated by Granta magazine as one of the 20 'Best of Young British Novelists’ Toby Litt has had eight novels published including the critically acclaimed ‘Adventures In Capitalism’, ‘Beatniks: An English Road Movie’, ‘Corpsing’ and ‘Deadkidsongs’. His latest novel 'I Play The Drums In A Band Called Okay' the continuing adventures of a mid-level Canadian indie rock band called, Okay has been published this year.

The newest voice to emerge from a vibrant literature scene in Europe’s Capital of Culture, Helen Walsh certainly knows a thing or two about sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. Discovering clubbing and drugs at the tender age of 13, and involved in the drag queen scene by 16 – now in her twenties she has drawn on these life experiences for her controversial, coming of age debut ‘Brass’ which won the Betty Task Award. Walsh will read from her new book, ‘Once Upon a Time in England’, a window into the lives of a lone mixed-race family on a desolate all white council estate in the North. Insightful and sensitive, Walsh has created a family who will stay in your heart long after you have left the Literary Arena.

British novelist Catherine O'Flynn has received critical