Glasvegas, Seasick Steve and more for Latitude Festival 2011

With four bespoke arenas dedicated to music, Latitude offers an incredible array of sonic brilliance, bands and artists hand-picked to create the perfect soundtrack to the perfect weekend. Whether it’s the hottest new band or the once in a life-time chance to see a legend perform; if it’s rock or pop, folk or blues, electro or dance, Latitude’s music arenas have it all. With The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede headlining the Obelisk Arena; Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals and Eels headlining The Word Arena and a whole wealth of musical talent playing across the weekend, Latitude once again boasts an exciting and unique line-up.

And whilst the best bands play, Latitude’s unrivalled arts programme features the very best from the worlds of theatre, poetry, literary, comedy, cabaret, dance, art, fashion and film. All of these performances come together to create one spectacular weekend. Visually stunning, awe-inspiring and mind-expanding – Latitude Festival just gets better and better with these new additions:

The roaring down tempo swarm of Scottish quartet Glasvegas seduced the world in 2008 with their critically acclaimed and platinum selling eponymous debut album which received a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize a year after its release. They also played Latitude in the same year where new fans Blondie watched in awe from the sidelines. They return this year armed with second album ‘EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \ ‘ which sees the band incorporate spoken word into their cresting, shoegaze-inspired rock. This long awaited return will be a soaring and phenomenal comeback.

America’s most famous former busker Seasick Steve has been spinning yarns upon impulsive-sounding 12-bar blues since his pre-teens. Drawing on his early life (before hitting the big time in the UK after his appearance on Jools Holland’s ‘Annual Hootenanny’ in 2006) his ramshackle blend of rock and blues using old and homemade instruments has hit a chord with a huge audience. Following last year’s stop gap EP ‘Songs For Elisabeth’, Seasick Steve is due to release his fifth album ‘You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks’. Be sure to be part of the crowd and join in the boot-stomping frenzy!

Singer songwriter Samuel Beam, or Iron & Wine to his legions of fans, has consistently delivered a fine body of hush-voiced folk and Americana. From his debut on legendary label Sub Pop, ‘The Creek Drank the Cradle’, to this year’s excellent ‘Kiss Each Other Clean’, each album is soaked in lantern-lit strums and Samuel’s throaty whisper. This year’s release sees lilting melodies coming more to the fore, with less of the organic twang of the past and more of the propulsive simplicity that will grasp an audience and throw them into a spontaneous choir, perfect for Iron & Wine’s soothing lullabies.

Dog Is Dead hail from Nottingham; formed in 2007 the band has played various festivals and supported bands of the calibre of Ok Go, Cajun Dance Party and One Night Only. They released their first two singles last year with a third – ‘River Jordan’ to complete the trilogy in March. Both ‘Glockenspiel Song’ and ‘Young’ have been featured on popular E4 drama ‘Skins’. Their almost gospel like, vocal-led indie is uplifting and harmonious making these new kids on the block ones to look out for!

Also playing in the Music Arenas over the weekend is a fantastic mix of burgeoning acts and household names including: one of the final performances by Bright Eyes, the euphoric noise of Deerhunter, Bellowhead, Everything Everything, Wanda Jackson, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, the magnificent Eels, Esben & the Witch, Gold Panda, French soundtrack master Yann Tiersen and The Cribs to name just a few.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Esther Freud, Jo Shapcott, Simon Armitage, Sarah Dunant, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; top comics Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Jason Byrne and a festival debut of Never Mind The Buzzcocks; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Bourgeois and Maurice; and BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&A’s, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’.

With DJ’s, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.