A First Look at Latitude Festival’s Landmark 20th Anniversary
Latitude Festival’s Landmark 20th Anniversary – By Rachel Ducker
Some events feel woven into the fabric of Suffolk’s summer, and Latitude Festival is undoubtedly one of them. Held in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Park, Latitude has become far more than a music festival over the years. It is a place where music, comedy, theatre, literature, dance, family experiences and creative discovery all collide in the most wonderfully colourful way.
Bounce were once again invited to attend the annual Latitude press day, where we got to see what the festival has in store. With so many big names performing this year, it was great to see what else the festival had to offer.
Latitude Festival returns to Henham Park in July 2026 to mark the festival’s 20th year. The 20th edition of the award-winning festival is to feature a landmark line-up of artists and performers including David Byrne, Lewis Capaldi and Teddy Swims amongst many others announced for the anniversary celebrations.
See the press day video here…
Inside the Latitude Press Day
The press day gave us the chance to see what all the fuss was about, and I managed to catch up with Latitude’s founder and director, Melvin Benn, as well as a chat with Kirsty Taylor, Latitude’s Arts Curator, and Ed Lilo, who books the bands for the festival.
Melvin spoke with real passion and knowledge about the festival he founded. He spoke highly of the Latitude line up that would celebrate its 20th year and of how the festival had evolved in the last two decades but still remained true to its original roots.
Latitude is a festival that is famous for doing things a little differently. As well as boasting an impressive array of big name music performers it also showcases an array of thought provoking arts, a variety of different comedians, an array of literature, theatre, science and family projects that would satisfy even the most curious of minds. The arts program is as much of a pull as the music, in fact many attend Latitude for a mix of both. And it was clear to me that Melvin is just as passionate about the arts at Latitude as he is about the music.
Arts Curator Kirsty Taylor and Latitude Band Booker Ed Lilo also took to the floor to reveal more about the Latitude press day and Festival programming. It was clear to us that the vast amount of time and creative thought that has gone in to planning the 20th Anniversary Latitude Festival – from the music line-up to the programming of all the arts, comedy, literature, theatre, science and children’s entertainment – is going to result in an unforgettable experience for all attendees in what is a landmark year for the festival.
A Festival That Has Always Been About More Than Music
Latitude is for families, creatives, music lovers and curious minds. If you are like to stumble upon something amazing whilst wandering around Latitude that you weren’t expecting to see then Latitude is the place for you. Perhaps you arrived at the festival to see a particular artist and found yourself later singing the praises of a new found comedy hero, or after a spell of dancing by the lake you get talked into a discussion or even drawn into a unique Latitude moment that you had not previously considered and became obsessed with for the rest of the festival. This is the Latitude magic.
That is the magic of Latitude.
Gareth Malone Announces a Special Anniversary Choir
The highlight of my day came when Gareth Malone announced that he would be putting together a special 20th anniversary choir at Latitude 2016. Gareth is known for bringing communities together through singing in choirs, and his involvement at Latitude 2016 is perfect as the festival celebrates its 20th year.
Gareth has always been at the forefront of bringing choral singing to the masses and making it accessible to everyone, which is why the Latitude Choir will be such a special addition to the festival.
We can’t wait to hear more about this event and how you can get involved and become part of the festival!
A Glimpse of What Is to Come
20 years on and Latitude still has the magic to surprise! We are so excited for what is to come in this anniversary year! You can book your tickets here.
