Among the UK’s summer festivals, Latitude is a crowd favourite.
The family-friendly event pulls in people of all ages; with grandparents and millennials raving alongside teenagers, toddlers and anyone up for having a good time, and this year was no different.
The 2022 line-up has been a mixed bag with unexpected highs and lows, with artists taking the stage last weekend (22-25 July). Among the biggest names were much-anticipated British rock band, Foals, Saturday’s top headliner.
Unfortunately, while frontman Yannis Philippakis and his crew did their best – and the sound itself was top-notch – they forgot one key thing: always connect with the audience. Compared to last year’s electric Chemical Brothers set, which saw Henham Park’s main arena packed to the brim, the performance was lack-lustre.
Over on the BBC Sounds stage however, electronic music group Groove Armada, celebrating 25 years of touring this year, saw revellers spilling out of the tent and served up an impressive light show.
Another great act was British-Jamaican singer Mahalia, who first performed at Latitude 10 years ago, when she was just 14, and was spotted dancing in the forest with fans into the early hours. The artist shared not only her incredible voice, which sounds just as good live as it does on her latest album, but also revealed a personal experience connected to her tune ‘Whatever Simon Says’, which she said is about an abusive relationship with an ex.
Meanwhile, on the comedy side, Britain’s lockdown darling, Munya Chawawa, who went viral during the pandemic, made a surprise appearance by opening for Frankie Boyle, who left the audience howling with laughter with his distinct dark humour.
Latitude also had some brilliant activities for festival-goers including the annual swim in the lake, with people desperate to cool off in the hot weather, a ‘mushroom experience’ (you put on a mushroom hat and listen to the ‘sounds’ of the fungus while walking among the trees), yoga classes, family fun and so much more.
An unexpected treat was a Daft Punk tribute in Trailer Park and newcomer Joe Unknown in the Alcove tent, with a random (and oh-so-fun) mosh pit for the older crowd.
The 2022 line-up might have on occasion been disappointing but Latitude presented by cinch isn’t all about the music; it’s a full-on experience and on that end, the festival always delivers.
Let’s see what next year brings… but for now, here’s a selection of snaps from the big weekend.
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