Festivals
Review
Latitude celebrates its 20th birthday with David Byrne, Teddy Swims and Lewis Capaldi
Music, comedy, literature, one wedding and a giant light-up sheep in the sky help mark Latitude’s second decade
Twenty years after opening its gates, Latitude festival celebrated its landmark birthday weekend with 135,000 people. David Byrne, Teddy Swims and Lewis Capaldi topped the bill across three nights at Henham Park, while comedy, theatre, literature, science and family entertainment shared equal billing – a formula that has helped Latitude carve out its own identity since launching in 2006.
Friday belonged to David Byrne, whose effortlessly inventive performance proved why he’s inspired generations of artists – and his holiday snaps of Norwich on the main stage proved why Latitude was the perfect fit for him. Saturday saw Teddy Swims return to the festival that helped propel him towards the biggest gigs of his career (“I owe so much to this festival”), and Lewis Capaldi rounded off a weekend that balanced blockbuster singalong moments with the kind of smaller experiences that have always defined the festival.
Photo by Kieran Frost/WireImage
That balance hasn’t happened by accident. Speaking to the BBC before his own mainstage set, Tom Odell said Latitude has “really figured out its identity” over the past 20 years, and this anniversary edition made a convincing case – with other stages shared by The Last Dinner Party, Billy Ocean, Self Esteem, Wet Leg, The Flaming Lips, Ross Noble, Lenny Henry, Jen Brister, Jack Dee, Dr John Cooper Clarke and the National Poetry Centre. There was even time for a wedding, as long-time festival fans Craig Brown and Tara Sweeting exchanged their vows at The Woods stage on Thursday night.
Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images
Celebrating its famous pink sheep with a giant drone show in the sky, the festival has come a long way from when 4,500 people watched Snow Patrol, Anthony And The Johnsons and Mogwai headline the first year. Starting big then, but getting bigger every year since, the secret to Latitude’s appeal is that it never feels overwhelming – built in and around Henham’s woods and lakes to curate something magical. Comedy, art and performance has always been central to Latitude’s DNA, and the family-friendly atmosphere has grown-up with its audience over the years to become an even bigger part of the whole experience.
The biggest applause of the weekend happened off stage, as festival founder Melvin Benn announced a new 20-year lease securing Latitude’s future at Henham Park. For an event that has hosted everyone from Grace Jones, Charli xcx and The Killers to Billy Connolly, Louis Theroux and the English National Ballet over the years, it felt like the perfect birthday present.
Latitude festival returns to Henham Park in 2027. Tickets will be on sale here soon
Photo credit: Jim Dyson/Getty Images
