tude Festival – Happy summer solstice ☀️
As the longest day of the year gives way to summer in earnest, there is no better time to gather around music and celebration. In exactly five weeks’ time we’ll be waking up on the Sunday morning of Klarna presents Latitude; a beautiful weekend with the very best in music, comedy, arts, science, wellness, and adventure almost behind us, but one final day of connection, discovery and joy ahead.
Now we’re in touching distance of our 20th anniversary, here’s some exciting news you may have missed this week, plus some ways to make your time with us even more special 
In partnership with the BBC, our Children’s Poetry Competition will bring one finalist from each of the six BBC local radio areas to perform their poem live on our iconic floating Waterfront Stage on the Thursday evening of Latitude, officially opening our 20th anniversary celebrations.
The theme for this year’s competition was Generations, and our finalists have been revealed!
Esme (10) from Essex wrote about her great-nan’s piano and what music holds when memory starts to go. Her great-nan has dementia, but the piano brings her back. Alexia, representing BBC Three Counties, wrote about her experience of being adopted, moving through homes until she found her forever family, and the love she hopes to pass on to children of her own one day.
Connie (11) from Suffolk took on the whole sweep of popular music from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha, finding her own place in that story with a Spotify playlist featuring Dolly Parton, the Goo Goo Dolls and Coldplay. Connie recently met with BBC Look East to discuss the exciting opportunity, and how she wrote her winning poem – watch below.
You can read each of the winning entries here, or listen to the finalists reading them on Upload with Rob Jelly.
We can’t wait to welcome these young poets of tomorrow to our Waterfront Stage this July, in what promises to be an incredibly special and moving start to our 20th anniversary celebrations.
The Beta Band frontman Steve Mason revealed in an interview with The Independent that he spent 12 years writing his memoir, Failure is Always an Option, while worrying much of that time that it read “like a primary school essay”.
Ahead of the band’s appearance at Latitude this summer, Mason also rejected the “cult genius” tag that has followed him throughout his career, saying it was never something he set out to achieve.
The memoir recounts a series of stories from the band’s rise, including a prank involving a fake visit from Michael Jackson to Rockfield Studios. Mason also reveals the group once turned down a $1m car advert deal.
Watch the full interview with Steve and Shaun Keaveny below.
Speaking ahead of her upcoming appearance in the Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science and Culture, Sharman described weightlessness as “the most natural and relaxing feeling you can possibly imagine”, comparing it to floating on your back in a swimming pool.
The scientist also discussed the growth of commercial space travel, the importance of international cooperation and the ethical challenges of future missions to the Moon and Mars. Sharman said public debate will play a key role in shaping humanity’s next steps beyond Earth.
Watch the full interview with Helen and Andrew Griffin below.
Bookings for the Mind, Body & Zen Spa and Yoga Classes are now live!
Need a moment to pause, reset and recharge?
Escape the crowds and discover your festival sanctuary. Whether you’re easing tired muscles after dancing all day, looking to refresh your mind and body, or simply craving a little peace and quiet – Mind, Body & Zen’s expert therapists are here to help you feel your best. Treat yourself to…
Relaxing massage treatments
Tarot & intuitive readings
Holistic therapies
Energy healing sessions
Sauna and ice-bath experiences
Free Yoga classes
and more!
Because festivals are even better when you feel rested, restored and reconnected.
Book your session(s) via the link below.
Pre-order Wagons and Camping Essentials!
With less than five weeks to go until our Henham Park adventure begins, it’s time to start thinking about that all important packing list. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you could pre-order all of your camping essentials to collect when you arrive on site? Well, now you can! Place a pre-order at the link below for all your essential festival accessories, from toiletries to tents, wagons to wet wipes and everything in between.
Tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, camping chairs, toiletries, weather protection – even stovetops and cookware – can be pre-ordered now for collection at Fat Franks Camping Shop when you arrive for your Latitude weekend. Browse the collection at the link below!
Limited tickets remain for our 20th edition; secure yours now at the link below. We’ll see you in just over a month
With Love,
The Latitude Festival Team
