The fabulous Latitude Festival celebrates its 20th year since launching in 2006, with a starry and eclectic line-up of music; bands and artists from global names to future stars and some of the hottest names in comedy too.The site has a capacity of 45,000 each day.
The Suffolk music and arts festival has returned to the picturesque grounds of Henham Park near Southwold for a four day, 19th edition [2020 was cancelled during the Covid epidemic], opening on Thursday 23rd July for the campers, and kicking things off proper today [Friday 24th] with David Byrne headlining, as a UK festival exclusive.
US star Teddy Swims tops the bill on Saturday and Scottish star Lewis Capaldi is the headliner on Sunday as part of packed lineup, where music meets the arts in a cultural explosion; plus foodie feasts, relaxing retreats, family fun and counter-cultural club nights. 45,000 people from far and wide expected across the four days. Today it was very busy and possibly just under sold out, with glorious warm sunshine creating a balmy almost Mediterranean vibe.
The most recent additions to the 2026 lineup were most welcomed; with soul sensation Jalen Ngonda, multi-platinum singer-songwriter David Gray, and legendary punk pioneers The Undertones among the new music additions across the Obelisk Arena Stage, Second Stage, and Sunrise Arena.
The festival’s comedy lineup is headlined by Jack Dee, Jen Brister, and Ross Noble. There is also a very special UK music festival exclusive appearance from Sir Lenny Henry marking a return to stand-up after 17 years on Saturday afternoon.
Other top acts appearing this year include The Flaming Lips, The Last Dinner Party, Self Esteem, Tom Grennan, Tom Odell, Wet Leg, Alex James Britpop Classical, Billy Ocean, Dry Cleaning, English Teacher, Vanessa Carlton and many more.
Melvin Benn, Latitude Founder and Festival Director, said: “Twenty years of Latitude, and we’ve never been more excited about a lineup. This announcement celebrates everything that makes this festival special, the fearless discovery of new talent alongside the return of artists who’ve helped write our story. From Jalen Ngonda’s soul revelation to David Gray’s beloved anthems, The Undertones’ punk perfection to The Beta Band’s cult genius, this is a lineup that spans generations and genres.
“And our comedy programme continues to set the standard. Jack Dee, Jen Brister, and Ross Noble headline an extraordinary bill, and we have the honour of welcoming Sir Lenny Henry in a UK festival exclusive. Twenty years ago, we dared to do things differently, and today we’re prouder than ever of the creative space we’ve built together.”
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter David Gray returns with a catalogue that has sound-tracked lives for more than two decades. From “Babylon” to “This Year’s Love” and “Sail Away,” his emotive songwriting and powerful voice promise a Latitude moment filled with reflection and singalong anthems. With more than 13 million albums sold globally and a reputation for intimate, emotionally charged performances, David Gray remains one of the UK’s most beloved artists.
Fresh from acclaimed international performances and the release of his 2023 debut album “Come Around and Love Me”, soul sensation Jalen Ngonda brings his rich, timeless sound to Suffolk. Signed to legendary Daptone Records, the album received overwhelmingly positive reviews and peaked at # 1 on the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart. Jalen’s vintage-rooted soul has drawn comparisons to Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. His captivating live performances blend raw feeling with elegant sophistication, making him one of the most exciting voices in contemporary soul. he performed with the support of two backing vocals and his acoustic guitar.
Celebrating 50 years since their formation in Derry, legendary Irish punk pioneers The Undertones arrive at Henham Park with timeless classics including “Teenage Kicks,” “Here Comes the Summer”, and “My Perfect Cousin.” Their sharp hooks, irrepressible energy, and infectious melodies continue to resonate across generations, influencing countless bands while maintaining their status as one of punk’s most enduring and beloved acts. Five decades on, their live performances remain as vital and exhilarating as ever.
The Undertones said, “2026 is a huge year for us, celebrating 50 years as The Undertones, and we can’t wait to bring a mix of classics like ‘Teenage Kicks’ and new favourites to Latitude. We’ve heard what a special place it is, a festival full of energy, music lovers, and that magical live atmosphere. Get ready for guitars, chaos, and full-on Undertones energy.”
Representing the cutting edge of Mexico City’s underground scene, experimental collective Diles que no me maten blend post-punk tension, psychedelic textures and hypnotic Latin rhythms. Their boundary-pushing sound offers a bold, immersive experience that bridges cultures and genres, bringing one of Latin America’s most innovative acts to the Latitude stage.
Irish traditional music collective BIIRD (stylised upper case) deliver atmospheric performances built on ethereal vocals, shimmering instrumentation, and expansive soundscapes. Founded by seven-time All-Ireland champion Lisa Canny, BIIRD is on a mission to contemporise the image of trad music across the globe. After appearing on the Late Late Show in February 2025, BIIRD went on to sell out every show on their debut Irish and UK tour. This all-female supergroup brings the energy of an Irish trad session to the Latitude stage.
Opening the Obelisk Arena today, style icon and DJ Gok Wan brought his joyful, high-energy DJ set, celebrating pop, disco, house and euphoric dancefloor classics. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and crowd-pleasing selections, Gok delivered pure feel-good vibes.
Before the festival, he said: ” I can’t actually believe it’s been 20 years of Latitude magic! I’m beyond excited to be opening the main stage on July 24th, and will be bringing the party with my favourite feel‑good house and disco classics. It’s all about good vibes at Latitude, and I just love that moment when the first track drops and the party instantly kicks off!”
The Second Stage continues Latitude’s tradition of pairing revered innovators with fast-rising contemporary voices, offering a vibrant mix of indie, post-punk, electronic, and timeless talent.
One of the UK’s most emotionally resonant new songwriters, Alessi Rose arrives fresh from supporting both Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism” European tour and Tate McRae’s “Miss Possessive” Tour. Having recently completed her biggest headline run yet with “The Voyeur Tour” across major UK venues, 23-year-old Derbyshire-born Alessi smashed it at Latitude and pulled a huge crowd, many of whom were young girls who loved her introspective pop with soaring hooks and piercing lyricism.
After playing here two years ago, this time she dished out superb versions of her critically acclaimed singles, including “Start All Over” and “First Original Thought” which have established her as a rising force in confessional songwriting. She sparkles on stage and has a really likeable personality; and mark my words she will be a BIG star in the near future. Alessi has not yet dropped an album, just EPs and singles so far.
We predict her eventual debut album will zoom to # 1 and she will be filling arenas and headlining festivals in her own right in the not too distant future. She definitely deserves the main stage next time here.
Cult British innovators The Beta Band will deliver their genre-defying sound on day two on the second stage: A hypnotic blend of folk, psychedelia, post-rock, and electronic experimentation that has influenced generations of artists.
Friday, on the second stage, Nathan Evans, joined by The SAINT PHNX Band, continued to ride the wave of his chart-topping sea-shanty breakout. Following the release of their collaborative album “Angels’ Share”, their Latitude set merged infectious sing-alongs with polished, contemporary musicianship.
With his UK Number 1 album “Don’t Tell the Dog” (2025) and recently released single “California Rain”, James Marriott arrives at Latitude on Saturday following a meteoric rise. Written on tour about culture shocks and touring the United States as an Englishman, the recent track showcases Marriott’s blend of candid lyricism, indie rock, and energetic live performances that earned him the ‘Rock Sound Breakthrough Artist’ award.
Saint Etienne will bring over three decades of indie pop mastery to the stage on Sunday. Fresh from their September 2025 album “International”, announced as their final studio project, the beloved trio continues to deliver a seamless mix of danceable electronics and reflective songwriting. Featuring collaborations with The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands, Vince Clarke, Paul Hartnoll of Orbital, and Confidence Man, their farewell record is a celebration of everything that’s made them icons.
Also Sunday, Peter Hook & The Light are all set to deliver a thrilling post-punk masterclass, taking audiences on a musical journey through the Joy Division and New Order canon. With tight musicianship, driving energy, and deep reverence for the originals, they weave together fan-favourite tracks like “Transmission,” “Blue Monday,” “True Faith,” and the anthemic “Love Will Tear Us Apart” alongside deeper cuts.
Brighton quartet Lime Garden’s energetic indie rock infused with disco and post-punk flair material went down well on Friday on the second stage. The four-piece combine playful lyrics, danceable grooves, and relentless stage energy across their self-described “wonk pop” sound. Sunday, Welsh indie-punk trio Panic Shack, who have been generating buzz with their 2025 self-titled debut album – which reached No. 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart – will deliver their usual high-octane unapologetic punk.
North West indie pop quartet The Lilacs round out the Second Stage on Saturday with their anthemic sound and electrifying energy. Following the success of their 2025 EP “The 395 (To Forever)”, the Wigan-formed band brings melody-driven indie rock and infectious choruses that have earned them over five million Spotify streams and a rapidly growing fanbase.
Latitude’s Sunrise Arena remains the festival’s beating heart for discovery, experimentation and after-dark energy, a space where emerging voices, boundary-pushers and cult favourites thrive.
London collective Snapped Ankles return on Sunday amid ongoing live and studio activity, continuing to refine their immersive blend of post-punk, krautrock and ritualistic dance rhythms, with performances that emphasise communal energy and physical intensity.
Rising London band Deadletter also appear on Sunday as their profile continues to grow, with recent releases and touring activity cementing their reputation for sharp, emotionally charged post-punk driven by propulsive rhythms and incisive lyricism, and Maria Somerville continues to develop her immersive dream-pop sound following recent releases and acclaimed live performances.
Another final day act, Good Health Good Wealth arrive with a growing catalogue that pairs socially conscious lyricism with high-energy delivery, while Irish ensemble Madra Salach continue to explore genre-blurring territory, drawing on folk tradition, experimentation and contemporary alternative music, and were enjoyed at Latitude on Friday.
Rising London‐based multidisciplinary artist Hugo Hamlet appears at Latitude on Saturday amid a period of creative momentum, having toured the UK in 2025. Known for his eclectic blend of alt-pop, performance art and genre-fluid songwriting, Hamlet combines introspective lyrics, vivid visual identity and dynamic live shows into a distinct stage presence
Post-punk outfit Bleech 9:3 brought a tightly wound, high-intensity performance on Friday as they continue to build on recent releases, while Bristol-based collective Adult DVD arrived Friday amid growing attention for their hybrid live-and-club performances, blending experimental electronics with dancefloor energy. Raynor, an artist this magazine tips for big things, joins the lineup on Sunday with bold, genre-fluid production shaped by recent work, while lo-fi indie artist Pollyfromthedirt will be here on Saturday with raw, emotionally direct songwriting rooted in DIY practice, closing out a Sunrise Arena lineup that champions artists pushing boundaries and shaping the future
The 2026 comedy lineup honours two decades of groundbreaking programming. Twenty years ago, Latitude became the first festival to place comedy on equal footing with music, and today, the Comedy Arena remains the summer’s most prestigious comedy destination.
Comedy legends Jack Dee, Jen Brister, and Ross Noble headline an exceptional bill. In a UK festival exclusive, Sir Lenny Henry joins as a very special guest.
For more than 25 years, Ross Noble has redefined stand-up with his legendary improvised chaos—performances that are never the same twice. His return is particularly special: in 2008, he led a 3,000-strong conga line across the festival site to a vegan food stall, creating one of Latitude’s most joyously absurd and unforgettable moments.
Jen Brister brings razor-sharp observational comedy and fearless honesty. One of the UK’s most distinctive comedy voices, Jen’s brilliantly frank material about parenting, politics, and modern life combines personal storytelling with fierce intelligence and impeccable timing.
Jen said, “I’m delighted to be headlining the Comedy Arena at this year’s Latitude Festival. I was the very first act on at the very first festival back in 2006 and I’m thrilled to be headlining its 20th anniversary.”
Master of deadpan comedy Jack Dee returns to Henham Park with his signature dry wit and impeccable timing. A true Latitude favourite who performed at the festival’s 10th anniversary, Jack’s return for the 20th edition is particularly poignant. A household name for three decades, his intelligent observational comedy and sardonic style make him one of British comedy’s true greats.
Jack said, “I am delighted to be performing at this year’s Latitude Festival. As always at my shows, the dress code is formal and I very much hope that the audience will observe this. If you’re simply planning on drinking cider and getting stoned for 3 days, then instead I suggest that you attend one of the many pop concerts that will be available for people like you. Thank you.”
In a UK festival exclusive, Lenny Henry brings his legendary presence to Latitude’s 20th anniversary on Saturday. A true icon of British entertainment with over five decades at the pinnacle of comedy, acting, and broadcasting, Sir Lenny’s appearance marks a rare festival performance from one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.
Lenny commented,”I’m delighted to be bringing ‘Still At Large’ to Latitude for their 20th anniversary, and it’s the only music festival I’ll be performing at this year, so this really is a special one. Latitude has built this wonderful reputation for comedy over the years, and that means a lot to me. This show is my celebration of five decades in this business, from standing up in working men’s clubs as a teenager to playing an elf in Middle-earth!
“I’ll be sharing stories about the characters I’ve played, the people I’ve met, and the moments that have stuck with me from The Lenny Henry Show and Chef! to Othello and everything in between. There’ll be plenty of laughs, a lot of heart, and hopefully some surprises along the way. It feels like the perfect place to celebrate not just Latitude’s incredible twenty years, but my last five decades. Can’t wait!”
Armed with his children’s keyboard and endearingly awkward stage presence, multiple Edinburgh Comedy Award winner David O’Doherty brings his unique brand of whimsical, musical comedy to Suffolk on Sunday; charming audiences worldwide with perfectly crafted songs about everyday absurdities.
Josie Long returned on Friday with her distinctive blend of political passion, personal storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm. A trailblazer who won the BBC New Comedy Award at just 17, Josie has spent two decades establishing herself as one of the UK’s most important comedy voices. In addition to her Comedy Arena performance, Josie also returns to the Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science and Culture, which is back for 2026 in expanded form.
A true Latitude legend, Marcus Brigstocke returns on Saturday with his distinctive blend of political satire and sharp observation. Marcus holds the extraordinary distinction of having performed at the festival more than any other comedian, appearing every single year. A Radio 4 favourite and familiar face from Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week, and QI, his intelligent performances have made him a festival favourite.
Multi-award-winning comedian Rosie Jones brings her cheeky, joyful, brazen stand-up to Latitude’s anniversary celebrations on Saturday. A household name in British comedy, Rosie has fronted her own Comedy Central series Out of Order, led the BAFTA-nominated travel series Trip Hazard, and created and starred in Channel 4’s 2025 comedy-drama Pushers. A familiar face on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and The Last Leg, her fearless comedy has earned her the 2025 DIVA Queer Comedian of the Year Award among numerous accolades. Her latest show I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying has been drawing massive crowds across the UK.
One of the fastest-rising names in comedy, Kyla Cobbler first gained attention through viral Instagram reels before her first open mic in May 2021. Just four years later, the Cork-born comic has built a global following with over 825,000 Instagram followers. Her fearless appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show in April 2025 catapulted her into the national spotlight. Known for her raw storytelling, razor-sharp crowd work, and unfiltered honesty, Kyla has sold out Cork Opera House, Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre, and London’s Leicester Square Theatre. She graced the comedy arena stage Friday.
Chloe Petts also brought the laughs on Friday with her observational comedy – A rising star with critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe shows and a growing television profile, her sharp material about modern life and identity marks her as a comedian to watch. With his everyman charm and relatable humour about relationships and everyday life, Scott Bennett is familiar from Roast Battle and The Russell Howard Hour. He does his thing on Sunday.
Musical comedy duo Flo & Joan pulled a huge crowd on Friday, and returned with their wickedly funny songs and impeccable harmonies. The Dempsey sisters have taken the comedy world by storm with their savage wit and brilliantly crafted songs that skewer everything from romance to social media. Blank Peng was the first female winner of the Top Secret Comedy Gong and a finalist in major competitions including Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, she has quickly established herself as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging comic talent, and drops in on Saturday.
Fatiha El‑Ghorri brings her sharp observational comedy and fearless perspective to Latitude on Saturday, drawing on her Moroccan heritage, British Muslim identity, and lived experiences to challenge stereotypes with humour and insight. A breakout star of Taskmaster Series 19 and an award‑winning stand‑up, she has graced stages from the Royal Albert Hall to the London Palladium and appeared on Live at the Apollo, The Russell Howard Hour, The Jonathan Ross Show and more.
Known for his razor-sharp wit and viral videos, Josh Baulf has been hailed by Rob Beckett as “you must see live,” and is at Latitude on Saturday. Maia Tassalini was a BBC New Comedian of the Year 2024 finalist and Pleasance Reserve 2025 alum; rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices in comedy as the audience found out on Friday at Latitude.
Having supported Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, and Suzi Ruffell, Matt Bragg brought seven years of comedy circuit experience to Henham Park on Friay, combining classic observational comedy with effortlessly stylish delivery. Ricky Gervais called him “classic observational comedy, delivered with effortless style.” Preston-born Phil Ellis brings his chaotic, high-energy comedy to the festival on Saturday. Phil appeared in Series 20 of Taskmaster. He created and starred in three series of the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Phil Ellis is Trying.
Fresh from conquering major comedy festivals in Edinburgh, Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, Thomas Green joins the bill on Sunday, having supported Mo Gilligan, Jason Manford, and Russell Kane. Thomas has earned his reputation for being outrageously funny. Mo Gilligan calls him an “incredible comic. One of my favourites to watch live!”
The Comedy Store brings its legendary brand of improvised comedy to Henham Park. Since 1979, the club has been synonymous with excellence in stand-up, hosting over 3,500 attendees each week and launching countless careers.
The Chortle Student Comedy Award Finalists showcase brings the best emerging talent from UK universities, representing the future of British stand-up.
Fresh from her triumph at the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition, Madeleine Brettingham makes her Latitude debut on Saturday. The competition has launched careers including Hannah Gadsby, Peter Kay, Aisling Bea, and Sarah Millican, marking Madeleine as one of the UK’s most exciting new talents.
Today on the second stage, a band who deserve a mention was Overpass. While not filling the second stage area completely, they pulled a big crowd for an early slot on. There is a buzz about this band’s prospects, deservedly so based on their set here. Also doing a good job was Florence Road performing at Latitude for the first time.
Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx band bound onto the second stage throwing salutes to the crowd. This band has lots of energy and the crowd instantly lights up with joy. There seems to be a wide range of ages to their fan group, with many younger ones singing along and many sat on their parent’s shoulders. Big response to “Sea Shanty”, Nathan encouraging the crowd to sing along – the song that gained them fame on TIKTOK.
This set was upbeat and fun with much of the crowd dancing the whole way through. They also performed a cover of “Cotton-Eyed Joe”, the trad’ American country folk song which was a hit by Rednex in 1994; the song prompting some in the crowd linking arms and dancing. They also delivered a decent take on The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”.
The Second stage big top lacked the capacity to hold the number of people swarming to catch Tom Grennan’s excellent set. Many seemed to be choosing to watch Tom instead of the end of David Byrne’s main stage headline set. The tent was packed and more than double that number stood outside.
Probably the biggest crowd of the day was pulled by The Last Dinner Party on the main stage. Many of the crowd had secured their places well before the start of the set. The band entered to screams from the crowd as they took their places on stage and began playing their instruments, which added to the anticipation for the entrance of lead singer Abigail.
Abigail talks about how they first performed at Latitude about three years ago when they were on the Sunrise Stage in the woods. She asks the crowd if anyone had seen them, to loud cheers. It seems many had. The band make good use of the stage with their theatrical performance. Abigail made a couple of trips down from the stage running along the barrier in the “pit” and interacting with the fans. An excellent set which they closed with “Nothing Matters”.
Now, some may wonder why we do not show any photos of David Byrne with this review. Unfortunately the assembled accredited photographers were advised he was not allowing photographs for this show, for some unknown reason. But his set went down well it seemed.
- On our third year covering Latitude, it is apparent that they have marked out walkways this year to improve access towards the main stage and along the back, which is a good move. They’ve also banned chairs within a certain radius of the main stage, again a good thing.
- Those hoping for a dip in the Latitude site lake will be sadly disappointed this year, with toxic ‘blue-green’ algae levels too high for swimming. However, we did hear there is the option of a cold plunge bath and sauna in the Zen area, and reports that their massages were on-point.
**** Check out our coverage of Saturday and Sunday in the “Live Zone” ****
Recent Comments