In the grounds of the sprawling Henham Park in Suffolk, Latitude Festival celebrated it’s 19th year with music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, family activities, wellness area and the new science area. With massive headlining acts including Sting and Fat Boy Slim, I managed to get a Saturday Day Ticket to see if it might optimistically be enough time to see everything.
We of course were blessed with the traditional British weather of ‘sunny showers’ which caused havoc on the first day of the festival due to localised flooding and muddy areas causing problems getting into the park. However after a delayed start, the organisers regrouped quickly, laid tons of chipping and for the rest of the time the event was running as smooth as it could be, considering the numbers.
I left in plenty of time and pretty much drove into the Day Ticket car park along with many, many others. A sea of cars made me take a quick What3Words screen grab to avoid the wandering around later.
It is my first Latitude therefore no idea what to expect or had any idea of the layout. I had downloaded the free app, which included everything – it was a very useful tool.
There was a double entry process, with stall holders and music in the stretch (The Avenue) between the two security points, with the second point being the ‘main arena’. The Co-Op supermarket was in this ‘in between’ area and it was busy on arrival and crowds there when I was leaving as they had a singing group just outside. There were also freebies being given away… which I missed. This ‘in between’ area had a vibe of its own, it was cool and totally got you in the mood when heading towards the next check point.
Inside the ‘main arena’ was everything you could ask for at a festival, and expectedly so much more! There was enough food and drink stalls to either satisfy any flavour cravings or try something new, and yes prices were festival prices however I thought they were pretty fair, they could have been far worse.
The ‘general merchandise’ stalls were varied with clothing, camping gear, trinkets, ponchos (these did a roaring trade!), temporary tattoos, and the Latitude Official Merchandise, plenty of things to spend your money on.
There was a heavy presence of big branded stalls, however they were very creative. There was a double decker bus, glitter house, incredible flower display, DJs pumping out sets on the two-story stands, balcony areas, undercover areas, all kinds of colourful and shiny stands to entice you into their world. Pretty impressive to be honest.
With regards to the number of activities on site, there was plenty to do and explore over the weekend, as I was there only for one day it was virtually impossible for me to even attempt it. Plus considering I spent over an hour in the medical tent, with fabulous staff (thank you Jamie), I couldn’t physically explore too much as I had busted my ankle (I was driving so it’s a ‘No’ to your first question) and therefore had limited myself as to how much I could hobble about, unfortunately. But for those who were up for anything, there literally were endless activities for all ages, such as talks and workshops, interactive sessions, sound baths, yoga, hammering additional pieces of wood to a ship even – so much to do.
But Latitude is, arguably, as much about its vibrant arts and creative programme as it is about the music, whether it was looking at the pink sheep, watching the synchronised swimmers, listening to insightful discussions, poetry readings or author talks.
The Theatre and Dance stages showcased breath-taking performances, from thought-provoking plays to mesmerising contemporary dance, reinforcing Latitude’s commitment to a holistic cultural experience. The new ‘Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science and Culture’ was a particularly welcome addition this year, offering engaging talks and interactive sessions that appealed to curious minds of all ages.
The Comedy Arena was a constant hub of laughter, featuring a stellar roster including Greg Davies, Reggie Watts, and Bridget Christie, whose sharp wit and engaging storytelling provided much-needed comedic relief.
Musically, Latitude 2025 delivered a diverse feast. Headliners like Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol anchored the Obelisk Arena, pulling in massive, multi-generational crowds. Sting’s set on Friday was a masterclass in timeless hits, effortlessly blending Police classics with his solo material, proving that true artistry transcends age. Saturday night saw Fatboy Slim unleash an electrifying, confetti-laden spectacle that transformed Henham Park into a giant, pulsating dancefloor – an exhilarating highlight for many. Snow Patrol closed the festival on Sunday with an emotionally charged performance, their anthems resonating deeply with the crowd, providing a fittingly poignant end to the weekend. Beyond the main stage, the Second Stage hosted a fantastic array of acts, from the genre-bending sounds of Sorry to the captivating presence of Public Service Broadcasting, ensuring there was always something fresh and exciting to discover. The smaller tents and forest stages, as always, were a haven for emerging talent and intimate performances, where you could stumble upon your new favourite artist. The list of musical artists was large, varied and exciting and if you were lucky enough you heard about the secret sets in time for a space in the crowds!
The site, with its enchanting woods, serene lake, and sprawling fields, felt as vibrant and welcoming as ever, offering ample space to explore, relax, and discover. The facilities, including well-maintained toilets contributed significantly to the overall comfort, making it genuinely accessible for families and first-time festival-goers alike. This inclusive atmosphere is what truly sets Latitude apart, making it a genuine holiday destination for many. It’s a place where you can dance until dawn, discover a new poet, laugh until your sides hurt, and create cherished memories with loved ones.
It was a brilliant festival, albeit limited from my perspective. There was plenty to see, do and hear and I am not sure whether being there for the whole weekend you would still be able cover everything. I want to go back for 2026 where Latitude will celebrate 20 years – the dates are already out 23rd-26th July 2026 – see you there!
Latitude 2026 Tickets are on sale now
