Returning to its natural home in the rolling countryside of Suffolk’s sunrise coast the ground breaking Latitude Festival is back for its incredible third year. Taking place on 17th - 20th July, at Henham Park Estate, Southwold organisers Festival Republic are promising another truly spectacular event.



Last month’s launch for Latitude 2008 announced some incredibly exciting bands and artists that will be playing across the vibrant music arenas and now Latitude is pleased to announce yet more thrilling and amazing acts that will provide the ultimate soundtrack to the weekend’s fun and festivities.



Joining the already stellar line-up of music on the Obelisk Arena, rock outfit Grinderman make an incredibly rare festival appearance for this year’s Latitude Festival. Made up from the legendary members of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, with Cave favouring the guitar for a more rocking sound, this is a real treat and a definite highlight of the weekend. Grinderman have a raw, visceral feel that hasn’t been seen in Cave’s previous work. 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.



Also coming to the Obelisk Arena are Brighton’s The Go! Teamwho incorporate an exhilarating array of genres from dance-y indie rock to early hip hop and 70’s funk. 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! A perfect late afternoon addition to get you in the mood for an evening of surprises.



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 to play his old school downbeat American blues. Darn tootin’!

Over on the tented Uncut Arena the other two headliners for the weekend can now be confirmed. 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. Theirmusic 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.



Headlining this year’s event on the Obelisk Arena, Scottish art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand play their only English festival show exclusively at Latitude on the Friday night; the majestic and souring Icelandic post-rock outfit Sigur Ros head up Saturday’s line-up and New York titans Interpol close the arena on the Sunday with their unique brand of powerful and atmospheric inventive indie rock. Friday night over on the Uncut Arena will see an incredibly special performance from “Africa’s funkiest band” (Evening Standard), the remarkable Amadou and Mariam and throughout the rest of the weekend the Obelisk and Uncut Arenas will host stunning performances from the charming Death Cab for Cutie, the superb Elbow, legendary alt rockers The Breeders and grime, hip-hop and electro pop queen, M.I.A.



Boasting four Music Arenas, The Obelisk, The Uncut, The Sunrise and The Lake Stage, span a wide range of genres and music hand-picked especially 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 and with so much more to be announced – it only gets better!



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.”



But of course, Latitude is so much more than a music festival. This year’s Latitude can boast the exclusive involvement of BAFTA in the Film + Music Arena; comic and satirical stars from the world of Radio and TV including Bill Bailey, Ross Noble, Rich Hall and Simon Amstell.



The Literary Arena is packed full of top authors including Simon Armitage, Hanif Kureishi and Iain Banks as well as Latitude favourites Vox ‘N’ Roll, Word Theatre and The Early Edition with Marcus Brigstocke. Royal Court Theatre and Bush Theatre both bring exciting new shows to the Theatre Arena plus stellar poets Adrian Mitchell, John Hegley and Carol Ann Duffy are all confirmed for the Poetry Arena curated by Luke Wright. And that’s not to mention Vauxhallville at the Cabaret Tent and the orchestral brilliance of The Irrepressibles who will be performing on the beautiful lake setting of Henham Park!



TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets £130 plus booking fees, Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £55 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping. Days include car parking only.
C/Card line 0870 060 3775
Or online at www.festivalrepublic.com, www.seetickets.com, www.latitudefestival.co.uk
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