The first Latitude Festival was held from July 14–16, 2006. It featured mainly British artists and bands such as Snow Patrol, Larrikin Love, the Zutons, Archie Bronson Outfit, Paolo Nutini, Mogwai, Field Music, and Soft Hearted Scientists. There were international acts as well, including The Lemonheads (USA), Antony and the Johnsons (USA), and Patti Smith (USA).
The festival has been growing since its inception. Originally focused on rock music, it encompasses various genres and styles to suit different tastes. Notable artists and bands that have headlined the Latitude Festival include The Maccabees, Portishead, Lykke Li, The Black Keys, Lily Allen, White Lies, Florence and the Machine, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Pet Shop Boys, Sigur Ros, Franz Ferdinand, and many others.
The Latitude Festival has several stages. The Obelisk Arena is the festival’s main stage. Located at the top of the hill and overlooking the whole site, it is a perfect place to discover the best talent Latitude has to offer. The BBC Music Stage showcases alternative and leftfield music, while the Sunrise Arena, the Lake Stage and the Alcove Stage present a line-up of emerging artists.
Alongside music, the Latitude Festival comprises elements of contemporary arts, including film, comedy, theater, dance, literature and poetry, cabaret, etc. They are showcased in a variety of areas throughout the festival grounds. One of the most magical places at the Latitude Festival is SOLAS, a retreat in a beautiful woodland that offers yoga sessions, meditation, eclectic art installations, a variety of workshops, and more. It’s the place where you can rest your mind, body and soul before going back to enjoy music.
Photo: latitudefestival.com
