The latest from Latitude

Latitude is proud to announce an amazing array of new artists!

Friday crowd (Marc Sethi)

Having already confirmed a world-class line-up including headline performances from Bon Iver, Elbow and Paul Weller, plus music from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monáe, Laura Marling and Sunday performances from Rufus Wainwright and his band and concert pianist Lang Lang, Latitude can now reveal the latest artists from the worlds of dance, music, comedy and the arts for the UK’s favourite multi-arts festival, taking place at Henham Park, Suffolk from the 12 –15 July 2012.

Latitude is delighted to announce that Sadler’s Wells will present an excerpt from the hugely popular Sadler’s Wells Production, The Most Incredible Thing on The Waterfront Stage, adding to the diverse and exciting dance line-up. A collaboration between pop legends Pet Shop Boys and choreographer/director Javier De Frutos, The Most Incredible Thing, won the Evening Standard’s inaugural Beyond Theatre Award after its premiere in 2011, and recently enjoyed a return run at the theatre this spring.

In the Film and Music Arena, Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller and co-director Nick Abraham present their new film The Bruce Lacey Experience. Three years in the making, the film examines Lacey’s remarkable legacy as a painter and sculptor, an avant-garde filmmaker and an all-round cultural chameleon. The screening will be followed by an intimate Q&A with Jeremy Deller. The Royal Albert Hall arrives at Latitude presenting the innovative and avant-pop classical violinist Hahn-Bin in the Film and Music Arena, an excellent addition to the increasingly diverse musical programme on offer at the festival.

WordTheatre’s fifth year headlining the Literary Arena at Latitude will feature sexy, funny, moving, embarrassing and poignant contemporary short stories penned by the masters of short fiction in America and the UK. These stories will be brought to life by a spectacular line-up of renowned actors including; Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens, Bond Girl Gemma Arterton, Diana Vickers fresh from the West End, Game of Thrones actor Gethin Anthony, The Awakening’s Lucy Cohu and Emma Rigby from Brit soap Hollyoaks.

Elsewhere in the Literary Arena, Deborah Moggach, author of the The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel recently released as a film starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, will read from her novel In The Dark. Author of The German English Girl and thriller novel The Pure, Jake Simons will read an exclusive extract from his next novel which is currently a work in progress, so be sure to get a sneak preview this summer. Fast Show comedian Simon Day will read from his comic memoirs, while Ian Marchant will talk about what people get up to at night with extracts from his new book Something of the Night.

On Sunday in the Literary Arena Tom Watson, Labour MP and anti-Murdoch campaigner, Rosamund Urwin, Evening Standard columnist and feminist and Ian Birrell, Daily Mail columnist and General Election speech writer for PM David Cameron, will come together to take part in a live debate “What’s the Big Idea?” organised by Instigate Debate. The topic for the debate will be chosen by Latitude festival goers. In the lead up to the Sunday night debate, Instigate Debate will interview as many Latitude festival goers as possible and ask them for unique idea to change for the better. Four ideas will be chosen and debated by the panel. A truly one off lively event not to be missed!

Joining Jack Dee, Brian Cox, Tim Minchin and others in the Comedy Arena will be stand-up sensation and Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain Phill Jupitus. Multi award-winning, five star, fringe sell-out, mind reader who can’t read minds, Chris Cox will be wowing crowds with his new show Fatal Distraction and revered Canadian stand-up Tony Law will be regaling audiences with his time travelling exploits in the company of his infamous sausage dog.

New music acts joining the line-up are eccentric songstress Catherine AD, one of the UK's most intriguing artists and a ‘name to watch’ following a series of self-released EPs via her own Outsiderhood label. Backed by music press across the board, this set is undoubtedly one to categorise as a must see of the 2012 festival season. Next up are Sheffield duo Slow Club, already known for their sweet harmonies and twee-folk, their recent sophomore album Paradise sees them take a somewhat darker direction, with charming results. The guitar licks and upbeat indie-pop of “glam-folk” musician King Charles is sure to please the crowds, as will UK duo and childhood friends Smoke Fairies whose artfully intertwined angelic vocals have intoxicated everyone from Richard Hawley to Jack White. Icelandic sextet Of Monsters And Men, who released their full length debut My Head Is an Animal recently, promise a set full of boisterously catchy hook-filled indie-pop.

DJs including BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, Moshi Moshi and the great Norman Jay will be laying down some evening-time beats across the weekend.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to see and do at Latitude - you owe it to yourself to be there this July.