Festival Watch: The Theatre And Music Highlights Of Latitude 2017

There are only a few days until the 12th edition of Latitude Festival, and this year's line-up promises to set the bar high. Festival-goers can experience over 750 acts across 15 stages; from cabaret to comedy, there's something for everyone.

Join BroadwayWorld across the weekend for reviews and interviews - and check out some of the theatre and music highlights below...

Music

Obelisk Arena:

Around 40,000 people will witness Brit Award winners The 1975 perform tracks from I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It for the last time, as well as a Fleet Foxes returning in a UK exclusive after a five-year hiatus, back with the recently announced album Crack-Up, and Saturday night headliners Mumford & Sons, who bring with them their Gentlemen Of The Road takeover to curate the day's line-up.

BBC Music Stage & BBC Introducing Stage:

From Jack Garratt's intimate, blues-inspired one-man set, to the all-out party that will be Fatboy Slim, the BBC Music Stage hosts a range of acts - including Placebo in a UK festival exclusive.

Returning to Latitude for its second year, the BBC Music Introducing Stage once again welcomes an eclectic array of talent specifically chosen for Latitude, submitted via a plethora of local BBC Introducing shows.

Friday's festivities are kicked off by a stellar bill that features jazz/R&B collective Solomon's Garden, while Saturday sees Edinburgh genre-benders Sink and ascendant hush-popper Tender Central. Sunday is rounded off by the spellbinding Tinderbox Orchestra and the elusive House of Hippies, Welsh post-folkers Adwaith.

Sunrise Arena:

Nestled under a canopy of trees in the woods, the Sunrise Arena showcases the most exciting music stars of tomorrow in an atmospheric woodland setting. Confirmed acts so far include Bristol-based BEAK>, rapper and producer Dave, and the mystical Temples. Festival-goers can round off the night with DJ sets and sounds specially curated for Latitude, at Late Night at the Sunrise Arena.

SOLAS:

SOLAS returns to Henham Park, bringing its signature mix of transcendental experiences for the Latitude audience. Whether it's rejuvenating treatments, yoga, moments of relaxation or artistic inspiration, SOLAS has carved out an enclave of creativity, openness and excitement at Latitude.

In tandem with art and healing, the Solas Stage is an intimate venue which plays host to some of the best emerging UK and Irish talent from across the musical spectrum; from folk-tinged acoustic troubadours to ambient electro, from dark pop to the spacier end of electronic music.

The Lake Stage:

Hosted by Huw Stephens, the Lake Stage will see the profoundly arresting Swedish singer-songwriter Albin Lee Meldau and former Let's Wrestle frontman Wesley Gonzalez, amongst much more.

DIY Presents the Alcove Stage:

The Alcove is home to new artists just beginning their musical journeys. Sunday sees hook-heavy Humberside heroes Life on the Alcove Stage, as well as grunge- and psychedelic-infused rock band River Greene. Opening the Alcove Stage, GIRLI performs on Thursday, while Friday and Saturday sees rising talents Youngr and Dan Owen.

Theatre and Cabaret

Theatre Arena:

The National Theatre, the Old Vic and the Royal Court bring their productions to Latitude, now one of the best and most innovative performing arts festivals in Europe. Live performances include Manwatching, Charlie Fink's Cover My Tracks, and the topical Locker Room Talk.

Comedy:

Over on the Comedy Stage, Reg D Hunter and comedian/magician Pete Firman join previously announced headliners Dara O Briain, Katherine Ryan and Simon Amstell. Hosting the largest comedy line-up for festivals in the UK, other acts include Chris Ramsey, Seann Walsh and Lolly Adefope, as well as the world's first time travelling dance party, Hot Dub Time Machine!

Dance on the Waterfront:

With everything from swing to ballet to the wildly uncategorisable, witness the talent of dance productions and companies on the Waterfront Stage. Sadler's Wells presents a number of acts this year, including Voices of the Amazon, the National Youth Dance Company, and a New Adventures workshop.

The Cabaret Theatre:

Celebrate the full theatrics of cabaret with a selection of the edgiest, funniest, most glamourous and most ridiculous acts to be found. Rave Karaoke will play karaoke classics of yesteryear, join Pappy's for live sketches in Flatshare Slamdown, or try your hand at Disco Yoga.

Faraway Forest:

Venture into the forest, if you dare... Encounter sheds, talks and installations from artists and companies including the V&A, who will preview images and an immersive chorus audio experience from their forthcoming Opera: Passion, Power and Politics exhibition in collaboration with the Royal Opera House.

For discussions and debate, head across to the Music & Film Arena and The Speakeasy. Latitude will also present a series of talks supported by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health by supporting bright minds in science, the humanities and social sciences, and public engagement.

The Inbetweeners' Area is open to teens aged 12+ with workshops and activities just for them, with everything from animation to fashion, comics to creativity. Finally, expect the unexpected at Pandora's Playground: there's no telling what's around each tree, other than performances that will surprise and delight.

Latitude Festival at Henham Park, Thursday 13-Sunday 16 July 2017

Picture credit: Jen O'Neill

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