Set in the idyllic fields of Henham Park in Suffolk, Latitude not only offers some of the biggest and best names in music and the arts, but also stunning scenery and a gorgeous lake (#ExeposeLifestyle) as a backdrop to your new favourite festival that will produce some incredible double-tap-worthy Instagrams. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Latitude Festival.
The Stages
Obelisk Arena
Situated atop a grassy hill, the main stage overlooks the entire festival site and all its surrounding countryside beauty. Having held massive names in the past such as Alt-J, The Black Keys, Bloc Party and Foals, this year the glory only continues with big names New Order, Chvrches and The Lumineers as well as countless other bands over the weekend.
BBC Radio 6 Music
Described on their website as showcasing “the best alternative and leftfield music”, this smaller stage promises an array of genres with something for everyone including synthpop/electronica singer/songwriter Grimes, the heavy rock of Slaves, the genre defying Roots Manuva, and the wandering, unpredictable Kurt Vile.
Sunrise Arena
The Sunrise stage is set to feature new exciting bands about to Catapult into stardom & Late Night DJ sets from the likes of Suggs, The Artful Dodger and the exhilarating Jungle.
The Lake Stage
Situated, as its name suggests, literally floating on a lake, this might be one of the most interesting stages at Latitude. Especially formed by Radio 1 extraordinaire Huw Stevens, the Lake Stage this year is home to upcoming stars Blaenavon, Clean Cut Kid, and Fickle Friends.
The Line-Up
Numerous fantastic bands have graced the stages of Latitude in its previous 10 years, and this year is no different in terms of huge acts. Here are Exeposé Music’s top picks of the weekend.
The National
First on our list of bands not to miss at Latitude this year are The National. As one of Exeposé Music’s all-time favourite bands, the Canadian indie/alt rock quintet have had incredible success over their career that’s already spanned over fifteen years. From their youthful self-titled debut album to the most recent Trouble Will Find Me, multiple collaborations, compilations, and even a part-film-part-rock-documentary made about the band and their roadies on tour, The National have been a staple of the alternative rock community for years, and will continue to do so with their delectable talent at mixing grungy guitar rock with more emotional, softer songs. The National promise a mesmerising live performance to headline Saturday night that’s got us in the office very excited.
The Maccabees
Following the success of 2015’s Marks to Prove It, Maccabees fans everywhere will be flocking in their thousands to see the London based band on the main Obelisk Arena Stage on Friday night. The “puppyish” indie rock of their debut Colour It In saw the rise of the lovable band, growing and maturing through Wall of Arms and Given to the Wild, until flourishing into the strength and powerful guitar lines of Marks to Prove It that bombarded the jittering vocals of their earlier work into a more mature sound. Constantly selling out their live shows, The Maccabees are still on their rise, you’d be foolish to miss them.
Half Moon Run
With a less rocky and more folky and precise tone, Half Moon Run bring something different to the usual guitar rock headliners. Playing on the BBC 6 Music Stage, they join Poliça and Frightened Rabbit on a Saturday slot. If you’re in need of a break from crushing crowds and ear shattering screams of heavier bands, but not quite at the acoustic sit-down phase of festival-induced tiredness, this band offer the remedy. Dark Eyes received critical acclaim for the three part harmonies and intricate, inter-weaving guitar lines that create the sound of Half Moon Run in their hits ‘Full Circle’ and ‘Call Me in the Afternoon’, yet we know they are capable of getting to that heavier performance, getting the balance between the two spot on every time.
Discover the amazing complete line up on the Latitude website.