Our second day at Latitude 2025 in our second year of covering it; and a delicious line-up awaits after a spectacular Friday; and the likes of superstar Sting topping the bill yesterday in style.
Saturday our team caught a slew of fabulous sets by: MRCY, NOFUN!, Jade Bird, Nxdia, Chloe Qisha, Kingfishr, Example, Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs, Public Broadcasting, Leon Bridges and Norman Cooke, aka Fatboy Slim.
Latitude’s Suffolk site has a capacity of 45,000 for each of the three days of the celebrated music and arts festival run by Festival Republic. It began in 2006 in Henham Park near Southwold, Suffolk where it has been based ever since – running for 18 years, as 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Family-friendly Latitude is always a very eclectic line-up and offers up a tasty menu of big names, but never forgets the new and upcoming acts too. That old saying, “Something for everyone” is pretty factual in this case.
Many stages to keep happy those needing to get their steps in, and for those of us who have FOMO when it comes to the smaller stages and the bands and artists that are starting to get traction on the radio and in the media we feel might well be the next big thing.
There are the whispers of big names doing so-called secret gigs at any festival, and Latitude is no exception. The small Trailer Park stage a 15 or 20 minute walk from the main stage, was the place to be to catch a bunch of top bands doing word of mouth sets over there. Friday it was Feeder and The Royston Club. Saturday it was the turn of rising stars Kingfishr.
Fatboy Slim slung in a cheeky secret set at 1am on Sunday morning at the Sunrise Road Studio tucked away in the woods, after his triumphant main stage headliner set on Saturday night. Good old Norman.
A coup to book this mega-artist. Texan Leon Bridges is red hot right now and has a humungous following; Leon has garnered a dozen platinum and gold certifications for his record sales, and racked up up billions of streams. A Grammy-winner and a cabinet full of other prestigious awards, he has a voice many would give a limb for and his song writing chops are top end.
He went from working as a dishwasher and busking on the streets of his beloved Fort Worth, in Texas to being signed to a major record label and performing at the White House for President Barack Obama within a two-year span
His set on the Second stage on Saturday was magical and highlighted what a supreme storyteller he is in his songs. His opening “Texas Sun” was accompanied by warm orange lighting opening song ‘Texas sun’. Large numbers of people left Fatboy Slim’s performance early, on at same time as Leon, to squeeze in to see him instead.
Leon is a sought-after collaborator, joining forces with everyone from John Mayer and Kacey Musgraves to Lucky Daye, Noah Cyrus, Khruangbin and Carin León. Contributing to the “Twister” movie soundtrack with “Chrome Cowgirl,” and joining Kacey Musgraves on “Superbloom”, for the extended edition of her album “Deeper Well”, Leon continues to refuse to be pigeon-holed into one genre.
Norman Cook is here. Aka Fatboy Slim. A bit of a national treasure is our Norm’ these days. Great producer and artist in his own right; but these days he flies around the world as a headliner DJ and pulls HUGE crowds as he did topping the bill on the main stage as the closing act on Saturday.
Check out our exclusive interview with Mr Slim in our “Track Record” Zone, here: https://musicrepublicmagazine.com/2022/09/fat-boy-slim-aka-norman-cook-track-record/
These days, Norman Cook’s show involves not just playing his own patented brand of “party acid house”, but a complex audio-visual production. He writes scripts for all the tunes, and makes films and the visuals are all synchronized to the tracks.
In Brazil, Fatboy has become a superstar and as he says, “more famous than I am in England”, as a result of of his Brighton Big Beach Boutique II event, after they all saw the DVD. As a result, he played at the Salvador Carnival – five million people on the streets, Fatboy Slim on an articulated lorry with a big sound system on the top. “Everyone went nuts.”
Opening to the Willy Wonka / Charlie and the Chocolate Film track, “Pure imagination”, which prompted the big confetti canons blasting off, into “The Rockafella Skank”, and then “Ya Mama”.
The video screens showing a message asking people to put their phones away and enjoy the performance. There were screens showing a number of different celebrities, which at one point paused on a picture of Ozzy Osbourne which won a deafening cheer. The mammoth two hour set was a real party vibe – Norman was really cooking…
Kaiser Chiefs have been around for 25 years, since they formed in Leeds in 2000, fronted by Ricky Wilson, with Simon Rix on bass, Andrew ‘Whitey’ White on guitar, Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines on keyboards and drummer Vijay Mistry.
They have had a string of anthemic hits such as “Oh My God”, “I Predict A Riot”, “Everyday I Love You Less and Less”, “Never Miss A Beat” and “Hole In My Soul”.
The band has released eight original studio albums, which includes their Mercury-nominated debut, “Employment” which sold more than two million copies. The number one hit follow- up, “Yours Truly, Angry Mob”, went twice-platinum in the UK alone and “Education Education Education and War”, entered the UK album chart at top,spot.
They have achieved 10 top 10 singles including the infamous number one hit “Ruby”, won three BRIT3 awards, an Ivor Novello award for ‘Album of the Year’, toured with U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day, and have sold in excess of eight million albums.
A guaranteed crowd puller at festivals and deliver energetic performances every time without fail. Ricky is all over the stage and throws in many leaps and jumps throughout their shows.
Their slot on main stage at Latitude coincided with intermittent rain showers throughout the performance, but the fans were not bothered at all. It was a massive crowd and in good voice for all the hits.
Second song in, promoted much delight: “I Predict A Riot”. Ricky revealing, “This is being broadcast live on Virgin radio, so we can’t use any bad words.” Then asks the audience to shout the worst word they know; before adding: “The front row are filthy.”
Clean Bandit always bring their A-Game to festivals and that was the case for their slot on the main stage on Saturday. They have consistently pushed the boundaries of modern pop with their diverse blend of electronic, dancehall, classical, r&b and pop.
Their breakthrough success came in 2014 with the awesome single “Rather Be”, featuring a then pretty much unknown Jess Glynne.
That track was a Grammy winning worldwide hit that has now surpassed 10 million global sales. Wow! In 2016, they released their 10 million-selling single “Rockabye” featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie.
Shooting to #1 in 40+ countries and nine weeks at the top of the charts in the UK, the track became the longest-running UK #1 in 22 years – surpassing Wet Wet Wet’s [annoying!] “Love Is All Around”. Or should we say, Wet Wet Wet’s cover of the great Reg Presley / Troggs’ song?
Clean Bandit’s single “Symphony”, which hit the top of the UK charts as well as 20 other countries, was nominated for two BRIT awards. Their single “I Miss You” featuring Julia Michaels reached top five, and the band have now notched up nine UK top five singles, more than Bruno Mars or Adele.
The set here opened with violin and cello, and into the first song, “Broken Hearted”. The crowd were told how lucky Clean Bandit members felt to work with such amazing vocalists. The band choose “Symphonies” as their favourite song they have made so far, and for this performance of the track, they asked for everyone to put their phone lights on.
They also performed a new and unreleased song, “Pinch Me”, and took a straw poll from the audience, asking if they should release the song; answered by a massive cheer. The one we all waited for closed the set: “Rather Be” in fine style.
L.A. collective NOFUN! is made up of nine individual artists all raised in different places. Their genre ranges from alternative rock all the way through to West Coast hip-hop. In addition to their individual careers, every member unites as one force for very energetic live shows.
They bounded onto the Second stage full of energy and encouraging the crowd to put their hands up, which they duly obliged. Lots of flashing lights, strobe, white and red lights, and non-stop dancing. The crowd obliged again when asked to help out and join in with the second song.
“Is everyone having a good time? Shout hell yeah”, asked one of the bunch. Before the introductions to the personnel on stage, the blunt announcement was: “There’s a lotta mutha-f*ckers on stage, so we’ll only make a quick introduction”.
The boom of the bass and the volume of this set meant ear protection was vital, and any loose teeth or fillings may well have been out by the end of the performance!
Our man with the camera, Liam, reports: “The bass was so loud and deep, the first note nearly made my internal organs explode and I’m surprised my lens didn’t shatter.” [He can be a bit of a drama queen can our Liam!]
MRCY is producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson from the UK. Barney has established himself as one of the UK’s most in-demand, genre-fluid young producers, striking up a long term collaboration with Obongjayar, and producing the Ivor Novello Award-winning “God’s Own Children” in 2020, as well as his critically-acclaimed 2022 debut album “Some Nights I Dream Of Doors.”
He has also worked with some of Britain’s most exciting pop talent: Rina Sawayama, Mercury Prize-nominees Joy Crookes, Olivia Dean and Celeste plus Glaswegian singer Joesef.
Kojo, meanwhile, earned his stripes at London’s prestigious jam nights before going on to provide vocals for an equally-illustrious roster of homegrown artists, such as Cleo Sol, Little Simz and Ego Ella May.
Growing up in 90s Huddersfield, Barney started out playing the drums and found his artistic calling thanks to the Yorkshire town’s melting-pot sound system culture.
In South London, meanwhile, Kojo was raised on legends like Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke, absorbing the choral music of his father’s Catholic church alongside the raucous gospel of his mother’s Ghanaian ministry.
Not much of a crowd early on Saturday at Obelisk arena stage, but it filled up a lot more as the soulful set progressed. Kojo asks:”Can you hear me Latitude? Let’s have some fun”, and thanks the crowd for coming out early to see them.
A bit later he checks: “Who ‘feels good and free right now” and gets a loud cheer in response. The sun came out for the song, “Angels”, which Kojo says is fitting. Nice set and perhaps deserved a later slot and a bigger turn out. Ones to watch…
23-year-old Nxdia is from Manchester, born in Egypt with Egyptian-Sudanese heritage and moved to the UK at eight years old.
Nxdia [pronounced Nadia] was one of the best acts of the Great Escape Festival in Brighton in May this year, as far this magazine is concerned, and her spot on The Alcove stage on Saturday at Latitude was very well received.
Nxdia released “Boy Clothes” in February 2025, an infectious punk-pop banger, exploring their experience of gender dysphoria and the freedom of gender expression. Their earliest single “OUCH!” released in 2021 scored two million streams.
After spending much of 2022 writing songs with a variety of songwriters and producers across Europe, 2023 saw Nxdia independently release their first EP “In The Flesh”.
A harmonious blend of Arabic and English lyrics, Nxdia exemplifies a striking fusion that perfectly combines their heritage with pop-punk sensibilities. Most definitely a rising star…
Threatening grey clouds overhead, and rain imminent, Jade Bird pulled in more of a crowd in the Obelisk arena than earlier act MRCY, and the picnic blankets were out in force as people chilled out to her brand of classy Americana. Her song “Uh Huh” she said was her grandmothers favourite song, explaining “it’s about cheating”.
The UK singer and songwriter is well travelled. Born in Northumberland, lived on a military base in Germany, moved to Wales and then to London at 16 as a BRIT school student. The 27-year-old dropped her third album, “Who Wants To Talk About Love?” on 18th July this year, which explores the nature of love and heartbreak, questioning whether we are doomed to repeat our parents’ mistakes.
Following 2023’s “Burn The Hard Drive”, which captured her post-breakup anger and confusion, this album takes a broader view, reflecting on family patterns and personal forgiveness. Jade’s songwriting has always been shaped by the fallout of relationships, culminating in songs dissecting loss, self-discovery, and reconciliation. The album marks a return to her Americana roots.
Very, very impressive set at Latitude, and she really is one of a kind and well worth seeking out if you have yet to discover this talented young artist.
Chloe Qisha is a singer, songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist who makes alternative pop. Born in Malaysia but educated mostly in Britain, with influences ranging from Troye Sivan and Chappell Roan to Christine And The Queens and Olivia Rodrigo.
Having studied psychology at Undergraduate level and communications at Masters level, Chloe knows her way around words and nifty song writing. We caught her at Brighton’s Great Escape festival in May and tipped her success. Her set at the Sunrise arena on Satyurday did nothing to change that enthusiasm.
Having studied psychology at Undergraduate level and communications at Masters level, Chloe knows her way around words and nifty song writing. We caught her at Brighton’s Great Escape festival in May and tipped her success. Her set at the Sunrise arena on Saturday did nothing to change that enthusiasm.
She opened with “21st Century Cool Girl”, and, well basically, she is that. Her debut at Latitude and she told the packed tent that “even if you don’t know the songs, I expect some dancing.”
No room outside the tent either, with people trying to get inside. She won loud applause for every song, and the shouts for more at the end were louder and sincere.
Liam’s concise appraisal [our snapper]: “She was good.” High praise indeed!
Kingfishr, a band we tipped a good while ago now. One of the largest rising prospects in Irish music, they formed in 2022 and have released one live album, two EPs and a slew of singles.
They sold-out their first ever headline arena show at Dublin’s 3Arena in a matter of hours with a second night added due to demand. The trio also made their first major Irish chart impact as ‘Killeagh’ scored #2 in the singles chart.
2025 saw the band complete their debut North American and European headline tours, ahead of a busy summer of major festivals, including their strong set at Latitude today on the Obelisk arena stage.
The rain fell for this set and but the big crowd stayed put. They kicked off with fan-fave “‘I Cried, I Wept”. Singer Eddie Keogh got down into the pit to take a bunch of red roses from a fan and to sing from there and touch hands with many on the front row on the barrier.
Eddie checked in every now and again with a “are you happy?” and “How’s the rain?”, “How’s my boys?” and ‘How’s my girls?”. A band still rising and may be heading for headline slots in the next few years. So, Liam [our photographer], what’s your verdict on Kingfishr’s set: “I got wet!” Why did we ask?
Public Service Broadcasting had the house full signs out for their Second stage slot. Their stirring archival narratives for cinematic rock, electronics and orchestra, have been with us since 2009.
Led by instrumentalist-auteur J. Willgoose, Esq.2023’s “This New Noise” was recorded live at the BBC Proms; a love letter to the national broadcaster in its most elemental form. They went down well at Latitude 2025…
Crossover dance music icon Example has been maintaining years of momentum with chart-topping singles, career-defining festival sets, sold out tours and multiple platinum records. With a legacy of hit singles, show-stopping festival sets, packed-out tours, and platinum milestones, he reinvents himself at every turn. A sure-fire crowd puller at any festival; and he had a huge turnout for his main stage set.
With some light rain and grey clouds, Example’s DJ kicked off mixing hits such as Guns N Roses’ “Welcome To The Jungle” with Sophie Ellis-Bextor. His intro’ for his boss: “Latitude. The people’s champion; get your hands in the air for Example now”, who arrived and kicked off with “Stay Awake”. He says, “Everyone looks better in the rain”, and adds that it is so good it is to see so many children in the audience; “the next generation.”
His super performance closed to Bob Marley, “One Love”, and into “Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.” Then he was done and left to perform another gig on the same day. Some stamina that Elliot Gleave.
Our team’s personal favourite performances from Saturday’s lineup: Example for writer Kerry. Kaiser Chiefs for snapper Liam. Joint faves Jade Bird and Leon Bridges for writer Steve.
**** Check out our coverage of Friday and Sunday, in the “Live Zone”…
Sting and Basement Jaxx the two main headliners for Friday. Snow Patrol and Elbow closing the last day.
Photos by Liam Battersby
Words by Kerry Louise & Steve Best
