Barclaycard presents Latitude Festival
25 - 28 July 2024
Henham Park, Suffolk
What an incredible summer we had at cinch presents Latitude 2021. With the dawn of a new year just around the corner, we’re looking back at our Top 10 Moments.
The Chem Bros‘ Saturday night headline set was one for the ages. With lasers, giant balloons, and of course, the robots, it’s not one we’ll be forgetting in a hurry.
We were treated to an exhilarating journey through the duo’s hits, from ‘Hey Boy Hey Girl’ to ‘Go’ to ‘Galvanise’, as well as B-sides and deep cuts for the hardcore fans in the crowd. Truly uproarious.
Comedic genius meets musical wizardry: it could only be Bill Bailey. Gracing the Obelisk Arena for the very first time, he jokes that he’s only got this gig because he won Strictly Come Dancing the year before. During his 45 minute set, he moves from Metallica to Old MacDonald (as performed by Tom Waits). There’s even an upbeat dance remix of the iPhone ringtone. What more could you want on a sunny Sunday morning?
UK indie rockers The Vaccines returned to Latitude for the first time in a decade on Sunday, when they performed a secret set on the BBC Sounds stage. Fans got to hear new tracks like ‘Headphones Baby’ from latest album ‘Back In Love City’ for the first time. The likes of ‘If You Wanna’ and ‘Post Break Up Sex’ still sounded as good as ever, and closing on ‘All In White’ was a true nostalgia trip. Well, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
A triumphant Wolf Alice took to the stage for their first ever Latitude headline set – one that felt a long time in the making, and thoroughly deserved.
The band led us through a series of fan favourites, from early cuts like ‘Bros’ and ‘Giant Peach’, to recent hits like ‘Smile’ and the anthemic set closer ‘The Last Man On Earth’ from their acclaimed latest album ‘Blue Weekend’. Wolf Alice proved they truly are headliner material.
Very special guest Damon Albarn treated us to a stunning performance on the Waterfront stage. With the glorious backdrop of the Latitude lake behind him, Damon treated fans to an exclusive first glimpse of some of his new solo material. Of course, Blur, The Good The Bad and The Queen, and Gorillaz songs also featured in the set, as did an impressive cover of Massive Attack’s ‘Saturday Come Slow’. We were captivated from start to finish.
TRIBE// performed their compelling piece ‘RISE’ for a captive audience on the Waterfront Stage on Saturday. Based on Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise’, the all-female quartet had viewers transfixed with their stunning choreography. A visceral, intricate, and moving piece with a bold message, this stayed with us long after they’d left the stage.
Confetti was the order of the day at Bombay Bicycle Club‘s set, from start to finish – literally. The band appeared in an explosion of pink and white as the opening bars of ‘Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)’ rang out across the Obelisk Arena. A remarkable cover of Selena Gomez’s ‘Lose You To Love Me’ was sandwiched between old and new songs from the band’s impressive back catalogue.
A chunk of the set was dedicated to the 10th anniversary of debut album ‘I Had The Blues But Shook Them Loose’, meaning many fans got to hear the tracks that made them fans in the first place. The now iconic riff of ‘Always Like This’ signalled the end of the set as yet another confetti eruption saw the band off in style.
Katherine Ryan had everyone chuckling during her Saturday headline slot in the Comedy Arena. Whether doing impressions of her young daughter Violet, taking shots at Twitter trolls, discussing Channel 4’s ‘Naked Attraction’ or singing songs from West End hit ‘Hamilton’, she remained as witty and candid as ever.
Families lined up throughout the Faraway Forest to nab a seat for The Wind In The Willows musical, written by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes. Last performed at the London Palladium, theatre fans had the opportunity to see the show in the more intimate setting of Latitude’s Theatre Arena. This charming rendition of the classic children’s tale was packed with catchy tunes and enchanting sets, and proved a hit with young and old alike.
Bastille‘s closing headline set on Sunday night was nothing short of spectacular. Backed by a full orchestra and choir, modern classics like ‘Things We Lost In The Fire’ and ‘Laura Palmer’ sound even more dramatic. And who can forget when Griff appeared on stage to perform ‘Happier’ with the band?
But it’s the stripped back version of their biggest hit ‘Pompeii’ that truly sends shivers up the spine. An exhilarating end to a victorious set and a fantastic weekend.
cinch presents Latitude 2022 takes place on 21st-24th July in Henham Park, Suffolk. Tickets are on sale now.
