For the ninth year running this self-styled ‘middle-class’ festival set in beautiful Suffolk parkland certainly didn’t disappoint. From the friendly faces of the road marshals and the warm greeting at the gate, to the helpful welcome at the media window and the many staff and volunteers willing to help along the way, Latitude consolidated itself in the calendars of festival-goers for generations to come.
Good weather always helps and boy we had it - most of the time. Thursday and Friday saw deliciously hot climes, before 'wanging' it down Friday night (a northern term and slight improvement on the alternative). The good news was it was timed perfectly for those under canvas, either sleeping off or finishing their coloured lemonade around 3am.
Saturday was welcomingly overcast and included an incredible surprise appearance by Latitude favourites, Rudimental. Following last year’s magnificent debut on the BBC6 stage they threw themselves back on stage and knocked out a magnificent set engaging the crowd like no other all weekend. We’ve heard it before - “we love you Latitude” and “thank you for a fantastic welcome, we love you” but with these guys it feels real; they just connect - and deliver.
There were many amazing performances all weekend and far too many to mention. OK, I’ll tickle you with a few; Bombay Bicycle Club, Crystal Fighters, Editors and First Aid Kit were all my favourites and even Billy Bragg got this Tory Boy tapping his feet. Late replacement Lily Allen hit the stage hard with a fun energetic set, going some way to quell the disappointment for Two Door Cinema Club fans (get well soon Alex Trimble). The offspring of everyone’s hero, Keith, she respectfully performed a cover of the band’s ‘Something Good Can Work’ while donning a lovely fitting TDCC t-shirt - good on yer Lils!!!
Then came a truly lightning set by the one and only Damon Albarn. Bouncing around stage as if it were the 90’s, Mr A introduced himself to unaware youngsters and reminded us oldies of the entertaining musical power within; all topped off by… it 'wanging' it down again! Coupled with a frighteningly violent storm, in a funny way it made it - what a night!
Of course it’s not all about the music, with the big L's magical diversity making it truly unique; from theatre, literature and poetry to film, arts and workshops there really is, ahem, excuse the cliche, “something for everyone of all ages.” But for me, after the music, it’s the comedy tent that gets my juices flowing. With an eclectic mix of humour from the UK, Europe and across the Atlantic, it provides a welcome diversion from the sights and sounds of the wider arena.
Forget the headliners of O’Brien, Amstell and Bridges, who were no doubt excellent, it was the Canadian tease Katherine Ryan that I was keen to meet up with again (I wish). This year she was on sparkling form. Her demonstration of Beyonce’s hip thrusting ‘whip-a-cock-off-in-one’ dance will live with me for some time, as will the not-so-subtly coded message “blink if daddy’s harming you” to the 10-year old who heckled that a certain ‘Style-ish’ member of 1D was a junkie, allegedly! The funny scripts learnt by heart are commendable but true talent lies in quick thinking ad libs - you smashed it our Kath!
Finally I urge everyone to witness the wonderful wacky world of Henning Wehn. A very proud, yet self deprecating German, who warmed the entire audience with hilarious anecdotes and clever observations, before finishing off with all of us inadvertently singing and clapping to a Hitler Youth song - priceless!
Keep setting the standard Latitude, and see you next year!
Published on 01 September 2014 by Hemps
