Winner of the Latitude & BBC Suffolk Young Poets Competition at the Waterfront Stage
11-year-old Anna from Lavenham opened up the festival as the winner of the Latitude & BBC Suffolk Young Poets Competition. Taking the stage in front of a packed crowd at the scenic Waterfront Stage, Anna captivated the excited listeners with her poem titled ‘The Mother Tree,’ taking them on an enchanting journey into the woods. Her performance set a beautiful tone for the festival, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of young artists.
DanceEast present Boy Blue: The Getdown at the Waterfront Stage
Boy Blue’s set at the Waterfront Stage was a jaw-dropping explosion of hip-hop dance theatre, showcasing the unparalleled brilliance that the company is renowned for. Founded in east London by the eclectic duo Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, MBE, and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, MBE, Boy Blue has been a game-changer in the UK dance scene since 2001. Their Latitude performance was nothing short of jaw-dropping, blending intricate choreography with captivating beats that got the crowd going. Moving through their set, the Boy Blue crew got everyone involved, making sure the first day of Latitude was one to remember.
Transgressive Records Takeover at the Sunrise Arena
Celebrating their 20th birthday, popular music label Transgressive Records took over the Sunrise Arena at Latitude together with an array of some very special guests: the London indie veterans Mystery Jets, Blur’s very own Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall as The Waeve, experimental electronic collective KOKOKO!, Hastings’ feverishly tipped Hotwax as well as exclusive DJ sets from Latitude favourites Lets Eat Grandma and Transgressive DJs.
Specifically, The Waeve’s set stood out as an absolute highlight, showcasing an exciting display of their trademark powerful mix of British folk-rock, post-punk, and organic songwriting, with moments of freeform jamming and lighthearted bantering with the crowd and each other. Performing songs from their acclaimed debut album and their latest release, ‘City Lights’, the enigmatic group explored themes of despair and hope, creating a magical atmosphere in the packed tent.
Wright & Grainger: Orpheus at the Waterfront Stage
Wright & Grainger’s Orpheus at The Waterfront Stage was a poignant and compelling reinterpretation of the classic tale. Set against the grey backdrop of Edinburgh, Alex Wright brings to life the story of Dave, a man who lost the ability to see colour as a child and finds his world transformed when he meets Eurydice, a vibrant embodiment of love. The performance, marked by Wright’s eloquent storytelling and Phil Grainger’s soulful guitar and singing, enchanted the audience with its blend of humour, despair, joy, and brutality of love.
With no set or props, just the simplicity of a leather-bound book and a guitar, the emotional journey from a karaoke bar to the depths of Hades, highlighted by Eurydice’s heart-wrenching death, allowed the audience to fully immerse in Dave’s quest to reclaim his lost love. This two-handed theatre piece showcased the essence of Fringe theatre, leaving a lasting impression with its words and music.
Thumpasaurus at Trailer Park
The experimental Thumpasaurus brought their unique brand of funk to the Trailer Park stage under the stars, delivering an electrifying performance that left the ecstatic audience buzzing for the remainder of the night. Known for their wild energy and theatrical flair, the band – comprised of Lucas Tamaren (vocals, guitar), Henry Was (drums), Logan Kane (bass), Henry Solomon (saxophone), Paul Cornish (keys), and Ben Benjamin (visuals) – turned the wild forest location into a high-octane party. With hits like ‘Lipstick Makeup’ and ‘I’m Cute’, they seamlessly blended catchy choruses with powerful, danceable beats, turning their set into a standout, proving once again why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
A gorgeous weekend of music, arts and culture is in full swing. Check back tomorrow for Friday’s highlights…