Alexis Ffrench at the Obelisk
Alexis Ffrench delivered a stunning opening performance at the Obelisk which highlighted his talent as one of today’s top classical musicians, blending influences from Bach and Debussy with Hollywood and gospel as his ‘Classical Soul’ sound captivated the audience. Ffrench’s dedication to making classical music accessible has become evident through his roles at the Royal Academy of Music and his Apple Music Radio show, “Classical Connections”, while his passionate and innovative approach ensures the genre’s ongoing relevance and broad appeal, which also reflected in the audience’s ecstatic response.
Stewart Lee at the Comedy Arena
Stewart Lee, the indestructible veteran of alternative comedy, once again proved why he’s revered as one of the greatest living stand-up comedians at Latitude’s Comedy Arena. At fifty-nine, Lee’s sharp wit and unique comedic style remain undiminished as he seamlessly transitioned from his classic routines into new material, offering a hilarious and thought-provoking preview of his upcoming 2025 tour show, “Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf”. The heated tent couldn’t cool the audience’s enthusiasm as Lee’s blend of acerbic humour and incisive commentary kept everyone thoroughly entertained.
Joanne McNally at the Comedy Arena
Joanne McNally left the audience roaring with laughter from start to finish with her performance at the Comedy Arena. Described by the Sunday Times as a ‘truly gifted stand-up,’ McNally’s sharp wit and relatable humour shone brightly in her set as she delivered a seamless blend of hilarious anecdotes and keen observations. Her energy was infectious, and her timing impeccable, capturing the audience’s attention from start to finish as she riffed on everyday absurdities and personal stories. And as the crowd’s enthusiastic response filled the Comedy Arena, McNally’s status as a comedy powerhouse was once more cemented.
Duran Duran at the Obelisk
The final cherry on top, Duran Duran’s headline set was the perfect finale for the 2024 edition of Latitude Festival, leaving the crowd in awe and on their feet. As they performed timeless hits like ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’, ‘Ordinary World’ and ‘Rio’ as the closing track, the packed audience sang and danced along, creating an electric atmosphere that washed over the whole of Henham Park. The band’s blend of classic favourites and new tracks from their latest album ‘DANSE MACABRE’ resonated deeply, capping off the festival with a thrilling performance. The night was a celebration of their lasting influence on music and their ability to connect with fans old and new, and as the final notes echoed through the night, it was clear that Duran Duran had delivered an unforgettable close to Latitude 2024.
English Teacher at the Sunrise Arena
Highlighting their status as Leeds’ indie sensation, English Teacher’s headline slot at the Sunrise Arena was a standout moment at the festival. Fronted by Lily Fontaine (vocals, rhythm guitar, synth) alongside Douglas Frost (drums, piano, vocals), Nicholas Eden (bass), and Lewis Whiting (lead guitar), the band’s performance showed their intricate songwriting and emotional depth, while Fontaine’s evocative lyrics explored themes of belonging, anxiety, and growing up mixed-race in a post-Brexit world, drawing a powerful connection with the crowd. Celebrating their recent Mercury Prize nomination, their live show brought their debut record to life with its rich, layered melodies and introspective themes, and underscored their potential as a major force in the UK indie scene.
From beginning to end, our 18th edition was absolute perfection. Are you itching to do it all again? 2025 news coming soon…