Press Counsel

Latitude festival - Music Additions - John Grant, Angus & Julia Stone, Frightened Rabbit ...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:57:00 +0000

27th April 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA

~ John Grant ~

THE WORD ARENA

~ Angus & Julia Stone ~ Frightened Rabbit ~ Villagers ~
~ School of Seven Bells ~ Rox ~

SUNRISE ARENA

~ Lissie ~ These New Puritans ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

The eclectic Latitude Festival continues to hold its position as a strident and unique summer event with a bill that defies the traditional. Upon the backdrop of the incomparable Suffolk countryside, Latitude incorporates the very best of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for a memorable weekend of bliss and adventure as well as inspiration and education. Four music arenas are to host a tantalising blend of musical talent from new bands, rising stars and a global outlook, whilst the arts programme spills over into thirteen arenas and areas providing something for everyone – no matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find it; once again making Latitude the finest destination for your summer.

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts, this year will be no different. Heading the bill are Florence + the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend while the likes of Empire of the Sun, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Laura Marling, The Temper Trap, Hockey, Frank Turner and The Strange Boys provide an impressive array of talent. Joining this incredible line-up is:

As the frontman of mid-nineties US alt rock band The Czars, who were one of Bella Union’s first signings, John Grant made a name for himself. As a result, after their disbandment, John Grant has played in bands such as Midlake and The Flaming Lips. He recently released his debut album 'Queen of Denmark', recorded with his sometime bandmates Midlake, who were happy to return the musical favour. The album contains a lush landscape of acoustic instruments which boasts John's striking voice blended with haunting falsetto, another tantalising prospect for Latitude.

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

Under the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly where you’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. With The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear adorning the top of the bill and Richard Hawley, The Feeling, The Coral, Kristin Hersh and Black Mountain spread across the weekend, it'll be hard to tear yourself away. Just added:

Australian siblings Angus & Julia Stone are returning to our shores clutching their second full-length album 'Down The Way'. Their whimsical, folk-addled strains and elegant harmonising have spurred them to number one in their native homeland, while their support of Martha Wainwright in Europe has honed their live performance making them a definite highlight in Latitude's bill.

Nowhere near as timid as their name suggests, Scottish heroes Frightened Rabbit are currently ensnaring a growing global audience. The critical acclaim garnered by the brutal truthfulness of second album 'The Midnight Organ Fight' spurred the band into Biffy Clyro support slots and end of year lists. New album 'The Winter of Mixed Drinks' shares a lyrical snap with a rousing anthemic musical direction, meaning they've hit the upper half of the US Billboard 200 and continue to grow in stature in the UK, especially in a live capacity. Their deafening singalongs at Latitude will echo resoundingly across the lake and greenery of the festival’s surrounds.

One of Domino's latest slew of excellent signings, Villagers are a Dublin quartet whose gentile, yet robust strummed musings bring to mind Devendra Banhart and the hugely successful Mumford & Sons. They were placed sixth in The Irish Times ‘50 Best Irish Acts Right Now’ last April, toured with the Tindersticks in March and recently appeared on Later...With Jools Holland. They're sure to top all of that with their summery set for Latitude.

New York three piece School of Seven Bells will be heading to Latitude festival bringing with them their gentle guitars and jagged beats; with silky vocals hiding behind grumpy, alien synthesizers they'll bring insidiously catchy music to The Word Arena on Saturday. Dipping into tracks from their debut album 'Alpinisms', they'll surely take everyone in to the fantasy world of dream-pop and abstract beauty.

Soundtracking Rimmel adverts and signing to the UK's premier independent label Rough Trade certainly hasn't done South London singer Rox any harm. Having already toured with Daniel Merriweather and Mark Ronson and highlighted in the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, Roxanne Tatei is in good stead for the release of her debut album before her Latitude performance. With her slinky soul pop capturing the attention of a wide range of music fans, we'd expect a healthy, eager audience for this rising star.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

A deliciously unexpected treat awaits within the fragrant woods on the other side of the lake. The Sunrise Arena is host to a splendid foray of new acts and is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. Girls, Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez headline this woodland retreat and joining them are the diverse sounds of First Aid Kit, Jesca Hoop and Egyptian Hip Hop. Adding to this exciting bill is:

All the way from the banks of the Mississippi River, Lissie will be sharing her smokey vocals (which have drawn comparisons to Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde) and her finely etched songs with us. Fuelled by tequila, tomato juice and a broken heart, her eagerly anticipated debut album 'Catching A Tiger' is soon to hit the streets and includes the single 'In Sleep' which has stunned critics.

These New Puritans were never going to make things easy for us or them. Second album 'Hidden' was written partly on bassoon, with six foot Japanese taiko drums and Foley recording techniques jammed into the recording sessions. Their dark, warped merging of urban music's samples, beats and rasped vocals, guitar trickery and hitherto unimagined clashes of classical and electronica is a vicious, exceptional force. Returning to Latitude after a year's absence, TNP will be looking to mesmerise more, bringing them into their unforgiving yet infinitely rewarding vortex.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy, among many other things: the comedy stylings of Emo Philips, Phill Jupitus & Friends Improv Show and Richard Herring; literary musings from the ever-popular Robin Ince’s Book Club with Kevin Eldon, Jo Neary, Robyn Hitchcock, Josie Long & Gavin Osborn as well as a playwriting session with Polly Stenham; leftfield poetry from Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke and Eddie Argos; dramatic performances courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House, Bush Theatre and Sadler’s Wells to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Laura Solon and Idiots Of Ants; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As and discussions, with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed.

It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400 / info@presscounselpr.com

The Xcerts - Release new single ‘Slackerpop’ from their forthcoming Mike Sapone produced album and headline the Xtra Mile Recordings tour!

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:06:00 +0000

THE XCERTS have just returned from the US where they have been recording the follow-up to 2009’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’. The band’s new album was produced by Mike Sapone (Brand New, Public Enemy, Crime in Stereo…) at his home studio in Long Island and mastered by Emily Lazar (whose recent credits include this year’s UK and US chart topping album ‘Contra’ by Vampire Weekend). The first fruits of their labour, single ‘Slackerpop’ will be released on 7th June through Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, Reuben, Far…) with the album following later in the year.

The Xcerts second record shows an angrier side to the band’s music which harks back to the early days of 90’s Grunge. It has a brilliantly sinister, dirty and earthy quality without turning its back on the pop-sensibilities and catchy melodies that the band captured so well with their debut. ‘Slackerpop’ and its video which depicts the band dismembering mannequin torsos is a perfect, if not slightly twisted, example of this.

In support of the single release The Xcerts will be headlining the Xtra Mile High Club Tour and a special Xtra Mile Night at the Great Escape on 13th May at Fortune of War, Brighton. Catch them at the following venues alongside label mates Crazy Arm, Straight Lines and Fighting Fiction:

MAY
13th – Great Escape, Fortune of War, Brighton – Xtra Mile Night
14th – Great Escape, Pav Tav. Murray solo show
15th – Great Escape, Pav Tav.
19th - Tolbooth Striling
20th - UWS Festival, Paisley
21st - Club NME, Trent Uni Pulse Bar, Nottingham

Xtra Mile High Club Tour
22nd - The Cavern Exeter
24th - Cellars Portsmouth (support CA + SL)
25th - Borderline London (support CA + SL)
26th - The Forum, Tunbridge Wells (support CA + SL)
27th - New Slang, Hippodrome, Kingston (support CA )
28th - Roadmenders Northampton (support FF)
29th - West End Centre Aldershot
30th - Joiners Southampton

JUNE
4th - Inn on The Square, Barnstable supporting King Blues

JULY
16th - 2000trees Festival, Cheltenham
24th - Rhythms of the World Festival, Hitchin

Support: CA = Crazy Arm / SL = Straight Lines / FF = Fighting Fiction

www.myspace.com/thexcerts
http://www.xtramilerecordings.com/ & www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

The Xcerts debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings! Here’s what the press had to say:

“Charged with youthful hope and exuberance, every riff and anthemic chorus points to a bright future for these talented lads." - Kerrang! 4/5
“...this debut is inch-perfect, merging heartstring-tugging delicacy with buoyant distortion... If you're searching for pop with balls but no bullshit, look no further.” - Rock Sound 8/10
"'In The Cold Wind We Smile' is a triumphant, life-affirming classic" - Big Cheese 5/5

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com / 0207 792 9400

Latitiude - Arts additions - Phill Jupitus, Jeremy Hardy, Hanif Kureishi...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:48:00 +0000

ARTS ADDITIONS 23rd April 2010

LITERARY ARENA
~ Hanif Kureishi ~
~ Robin Ince’s Book Club with Kevin Eldon, Jo Neary, Robyn Hitchcock,
Josie Long & Gavin Osborn ~
~ Julie Burchill and Garry Mulholland ~
~ The Mark Thomas Community Pub Quiz ~
~ Kristin Hersh ~ Jim Bob ~ Olly Hicks ~
~ 5x15: with Zoe Margolis and Tristram Stuart ~

COMEDY AT LATITUDE
~ Phill Jupitus & Friends Improv Show ~ Jeremy Hardy ~
~ Micky Flanagan ~ Craig Campbell ~ Andi Osho ~ Marlon Davis ~

CABARET ARENA
~ The Razzle presented by Christopher Green ~
~ Frisky & Mannish ~
~ Sounds Familiar Music Quiz ~ Musical Bingo ~

THEATRE ARENA
~ Cartoon De Salvo: Pub Rock ~
~ Tangled Feet ~ Bad Physics ~

POETRY ARENA
~ Eddie Argos ~
~ Laura Dockrill and The Word Orchestra ~

LITERARY SALON
~ Write To Play with Polly Stenham ~

DJs
~ Swap-A-Rama ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend and once again, it has created a line-up like no other.

Spread throughout the site, just waiting to be discovered, expect the highest calibre of art with over 700 performers to be announced over the coming months. Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 promises to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend; another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.

The full length press release, with details on all acts appearing at Latitude so far, is available to download from:

www.latitudefestival.co.uk/press

~ LITERARY ARENA ~

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. For both book worms and casual readers, the best authors and special guests will all congregate under the canopy of the arena and take you on a journey to the far reaches of your imagination. Joining Sebastian Faulks, Bret Easton Ellis, Adam Foulds and Jon Ronson, to name but a few, are:

Oscar nominated and Whitbread Prize winner Hanif Kureishi will be reading from his first novel, ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ with musical accompaniment from Lola Perrin. The novel is a tour de force of comic invention, a bizarre, often hilarious and totally original picture of the life of a young Pakistani growing up in 1970s Britain. Karim lives with his Mum and Dad in a suburb of south London and dreams of making his escape to the bright lights of the big city. But his father is no ordinary Dad, he is 'the buddha of suburbia', a strange and compelling figure whose powers of meditation hold a circle of would-be mystics spellbound with the fascinations of the East. Among his disciples is the glamorous and ambitious Eva, and when 'the buddha of suburbia' runs off with her to a crumbling flat in Barons Court, Karim's life becomes changed in ways that even he had never dreamed of. ‘The Buddha of Surburbia’ was dramatised by the BBC in 1993. Kureishi has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and is the prolific author of novels, story collections, plays, screenplays and essay collections.

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis. Joining Robin Ince this year are: the supremely versatile actor and comic Kevin Eldon whose instantly recognisable wide eyed, malleable and quizzical face has been a feature on shows such as Brass Eye, Big Train, I’m Alan Partridge and Jam; Brighton-based British comic, writer and actress Jo Neary whose solo, character-based stage shows won her a Perrier Best Newcomer Award nomination in 2004; singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock who has risen to legendary cult status with his surreal and comedic songs of English eccentrics and melancholy depictions of everyday life; British comic and winner of the Best Newcomer in the if.comeddies Awards for her solo Edinburgh debut, Josie Long will be dissecting books in between her show in the Comedy Arena and finally, taking time out from his performance with Daniel Kitson on The Waterfront Stage, Gavin Osborn will bring his unique musical talent for funny yet heart-rending songs to these book readings with a difference.

Two of the nations most revered and feared writers and journalists join the Literary Arena bill. Julie Burchill and Garry Mulholland come together to share a wealth of stories, talk about their long and illustrious careers and of course share their opinions on anything and everything to do with popular culture.

Julie Burchill, 'the Queen of the Croucho Club' in the 80's and 90's made her name writing for the NME about the emerging punk movement. Since then her freelance work has led her to write candidly and often contentiously about politics, film, drugs, society, fashion and religion for publications including The Times, Guardian and Mail On Sunday. She is also a best-selling novelist with her 2004 lesbian-themed novel for teenagers ‘Sugar Rush’ made into a TV programme aired on Channel 4.

Author of the acclaimed ‘This Is Uncool, Fear Of Music’ and his most recent book ‘Popcorn’, Garry Mulholland is a leading writer on music and film. Contributing frequently to the Observer and Time Out, he is known for his witty and insightful reviews and enthusiasm for what is good rather than what is deemed fashionable. ‘Popcorn: Fifty Years Of Rock 'n' Roll movies’ delves into this strange world of rock 'n' roll films, from Blackboard Jungle to Quadrophenia, from 8 Mile to Abba: the Movie. Find a spot in the arena, get comfortable and listen to two literary legends deftly dissect, divulge, discuss and dismiss.

Sometimes there’s no finer way to spend an evening than pitching your knowledge of trivia against that of complete strangers in a truly competitive pub quiz. Delving deep into your memory banks to remember where those lyrics came from, which film won that Oscar and who did what in that year, funny man/political activist Mark Thomas will be hosting this Great British pastime with his very own Community Pub Quiz. Having just won £1200 compensation after being illegally stopped and searched by the Metropolitan Police at an anti-arms rally in 2007, Thomas is on a roll. Will you be a winner in Latitude’s Literary Arena?

Kristin Hersh is a songwriter, guitarist and the founder of seminal art-rock band, Throwing Muses. Over the course of her two-decade career as a musician, she has released over twenty critically acclaimed albums, including nine solo albums and three with her newest project, 50FootWave. In what is being called "a publishing first", Kristin is releasing her new album ‘Crooked’ as a book - an "album book" to be precise. The book contains art photos, lyrics and essays – all wrapped up in a hard-covered 60 pages, about the size of a standard paperback. Further, the ‘Crooked’ book includes access codes unlocking a media-rich online platform loaded with music and other interactive content. The publication date is June 11, 2010. This year will also see the publication by Atlantic Books of Kristin's memoir, ‘Paradoxical Undressing’. The story of a particularly intense and significant year in the life of a young woman. Be sure to make sure you see Kristin doing her reading in the Literary Arena, as well as seeing her perform at The Word Arena on Sunday.

Ex-Carter USM frontman and solo artist Jim Bob, famed for his clever, pun-tastic lyrics has turned his attention to novel writing and for this, his first major book he wonders; where do old pop stars go to die? His answer in ‘Storage Stories’ is they go to work in self-storage, where they meet interesting people and make new friends. Friends who look like French movie star Juliette Binoche and others who look like criminals and perform horrific surgery procedures on themselves. ‘Storage Stories’ is a darkly comic rollercoaster ride full of thrills and spills. A fictional autobiographical novel and collection of short stories told in words and pictures that, if nothing else, finally solves the mystery of what happened to all those long-forgotten boybands.

Record-breaking adventurer and local Suffolk boy Olly Hicks will be educating and entertaining the audience in the Literary arena with stories and pictures from his many expeditions which have take him far from the Sunrise coast. Hicks has almost done it all from cycling Land’s End to John o’ Groats at 17 to running the 150-mile Marathon des Sables at 21; from finishing fifth in the Yukon River Quest in 2004 (the world’s longest canoe race) to becoming the youngest person ever to row the Atlantic, taking 124 days in a second hand boat in 2005. Hicks has a reputation for succeeding where others have given up or been defeated by overwhelming odds and his tales at Latitude are bound to amuse, astonish and captivate everyone.

5x15 brings together five outstanding individuals to enlighten, entertain and inspire, as they tell the story behind their personal histories, most innovative ideas, grandest achievements, and deepest obsessions - all in just 15 minutes. This is non-fiction story telling at its best - completely unscripted and PowerPoint free. 5x15 launched earlier this year in London to rave reviews and packed out auditoriums and is the brain-child of Eleanor O’Keeffe, Rosie Boycott and Daisy Leitch. This is mind-expanding entertainment that gets you thinking about far-ranging topics from unusual perspectives. Without doubt those fifteen minutes will be informative, lively and packed full of thought-provoking sound. Confirmed so far are:

Speaking candidly about sex and women, Zoe Margolis is a Girl With A One Track Mind.
Based on her hugely popular sex blog, Abby Lee's ‘Girl With a One Track Mind’ was a publishing phenomenon. Unfortunately for Abby, her true identity was revealed shortly after publication and her private life - now public - was thrown into disarray. Suddenly all her friends, family and colleagues knew her most shockingly intimate secrets. In her follow up book she details how she coped once the whole world knew she was Britain's most famous sex diarist, and reveals her attempts to lead a satisfying sex life once more.

Tristram Stuart lifts the lid on the amount of produce that ends up in landfills around the world with is award-winning book, ‘Waste And The Global Food Scandal’. With shortages, volatile prices, environmental disasters and nearly one billion people hungry, the world has a food problem - or thinks it does. Combining front-line investigation with startling new data, Stuart’s work shows how the way we live now has created a global food crisis - and what we can do to fix it.

~ COMEDY AT LATITUDE ~

Year after year, Latitude boasts an unrivalled and exciting comedy line-up that includes household names and up and coming talent that provide the laughs all weekend long. With Emo Philips, Rich Hall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Tommy Tiernan, Arthur Smith and Marcus Brigstocke all confirmed – this year is no different. The following comedy luminaries join this stellar cast:

Nevermind The Buzzcocks team captain Phill Jupitus and his inspired brand of improvisational comedy will join the Comedy Arena’s highly laudable bill this year. Jupitus’ comic pedigree has never been in question and is most easily displayed by his appearances on panel shows like QI. From political poetry to BBC 6Music DJ, Jupitus is ubiquitous with comic and musical culture in the UK and his improv shows are already legendary.

With a notoriety arising from angering conservatives, Perrier Award winner Jeremy Hardy has long used his comedy alongside his strong socialist politics. From the early 80’s Jeremy has been a radio and TV fixture, as well as previously having a column in The Guardian. From his work on The News Quiz and his own monologues titled ‘Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation’, to a cameo in Blackadder Goes Forth and more recent TV appearances on Mock The Week and QI, Jeremy Hardy's forthright opinions and sharp tongue make for a compelling combination.

Univerisity educated Eastender Micky Flanagan has been touted as a rising star by critics and this was confirmed by a Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007. A regular on TV and radio shows such as Out to Lunch on BBC 2, Michael McIntrye’s Road show on BBC 1 and the Arthur Smith Show on BBC Radio 4. Splitting his shows between the observational and comic tales of his working class upbringing (where alphabetti spaghetti was a luxury); Flanagan is a self-deprecating, but intellectual and hilarious cockney.

Internationally acclaimed grizzled storyteller Craig Campbell may have settled in deepest Devon but he's Canadian at heart. In full Canuck character, Craig has a knack for compelling and amusing narratives taking in an awed viewpoint of unfamiliar cultures – such as ours. Campbell has appeared as headline guest on numerous Canadian Shows such as Jim Carrey Live, The Dennis Miller Show and Just for Laughs as well as working and appearing with such British greats like Al Murray and Frankie Boyle, the latter of whom he is currently supporting Boyle on his huge UK tour.

From TV production, to acting and now comedy, Andi Osho has taken the opposing route to most other comics. Plaistow born Osho has co-presented Channel 4 comedy entertainment show Tonightly, she recently made an appearance on the ever-popular satirical comedy programme Mock The Week and has been in BBC 1 drama Paradox. After a mere four months and forty gigs she had already won the Nivea Funny Women 2007 Award as well as being nominated for several other awards including the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2007. Catch the multi-talented and award-winning Andi Osho in the Comedy Arena.

As winner of the FHM Search for a Stand-Up Hero last year, Marlon Davis has found himself thrust into the glaring eye of the comedy-scrutinising public. Davis is not only a bright young comedian, but can boast acting, improvisation and presenting to his ever growing CV. His glinting eye mischief which colours his topical material keeps his sets buoyant while his delivery is fresh and wide-eyed, making skilful observations throughout his shows. From his own sketches on MTV's Brown Eyed Boy to well-received shows across the UK, this emerging talent has a lot to give.

~ CABARET ARENA ~

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. Already confirmed are: Duckie, The Crack, Idiots of Ants and Jon Hicks plus many, many more…

Christopher Green's homage to the working man’s club comes to the unlikely surrounds of the Cabaret Stage. For one night only you are invited to party like it’s 1979 at the premiere nitespot in town, The Razzle Club. With a stereotypically northern feel, The Razzle provides clichéd entertainment revelling in Green's unique comical panache. Joined by a heap of guests including Barbara Nice and an appearance of his very own stage hypnotist and magician character Derek Diamond (formally trading as Baz Vegas, but no longer allowed to perform under that moniker for reasons that would be sub judice to explain). Derek Diamond runs a tight ship where entertainment is the ocean and all you have to do is ride it like a dusty donkey on bracing beach. Throughout the night there are various interactive activities including a meat raffle, karaoke, and tombola. This quirky subversion of expectation will delight and surprise in equal measure.

Twisted pop cabaret comes to Latitude courtesy of the Austrian born duo, Frisky & Mannish who were brought up in the travelling community and united at a German music college. At least that's the story, as Laura Corcoran and Matthew Jones tell it. Frisky & Mannish have been garnering comedy awards nominations all this year thanks to their amusing music hall numbers and outrageous delivery.

Anything but a mere music quiz, the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz hosted by compere DJ Al and quizmaster MC Quizzical will be rounding up the eager punters for a few rounds including 'Does Liking This Record Make Me Uncool?' and 'This is What's Wrong With Silly Love Songs'. This highly sought after outfit use live mash-ups and a damned fine sense of humour to keep the attendees consistently amused and challenged.

Musical Bingo - It's all in the name: bingo with a musical twist; and how horrendously addictive it is. Records are spun, ears twitch and cards are marked once the tune is identified. Knowing your chops is important to winning as it may be that initial few seconds of the intro which leaves someone else to snatch the victory. Muso fun for all.

~ THEATRE ARENA ~

~ POETRY ARENA ~

~ LITERARY SALON ~

New to last year’s edition of the festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests. Joining School Of Life and Raindance Film Festival Workshop is:
Award-winning playwright Polly Stenham takes the reigns in this exploratory educational workshop on composing script prose, narrative, dialogue and realisation. Her debut play ‘That Face’ won the Evening Standard's Charles Wintour 2007 award, the Critic's Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright and the Best New Play Theatrical Management Association Award also in 2007. Budding writers or interested fans would do well to listen up.

~ DJs ~

As the day’s festivities draw to a close and the night’s adventures unveil themselves, don your best worst outfit and make your way to the Comedy Arena for the musical chairs of club nights: Swap-A-Rama. The concept is simple. Go dressed to impress and dance the night away to the best disco and club anthems. When the music stops, you swap an item of clothing with whoever you’re next to and then carry on busting your best dance moves until the klaxon sounds. You could start the night with a perfectly matching 60’s inspired mini-skirt and boots and end the night in a wedding dress with wellies. Who knows! Who cares! It’s the funniest, craziest club night around and a must for all fancy-dress, fashion fans at the festival.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, over Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas festival goers can enjoy Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend headlining the Obelisk Arena, as well as performances by Empire Of The Sun, The National, The xx, Grizzly Bear, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela, James, Richard Hawley, The Horrors and Jónsi. The Sunrise Arena will showcase a wealth of musical talent from both emerging and established bands such as Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez with many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A place like no other; Latitude Festival is an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

The full length press release, with details on all acts appearing at Latitude so far, is available to download from:

www.latitudefestival.co.uk/press

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400 / info@presscounselpr.com

FAR - 'At Night We Live' released on Xtra Mile Recordings

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:47:00 +0000

“Tune of the week” - Daniel P. Carter - BBC Radio 1 – April 2010

Far

- Jonah Matranga (vocals/guitar) - Shaun Lopez (guitar) - John Gutenberger (bass) - Chris Robyn (drums) -

New album ‘At Night We Live’ released on 24th May through Xtra Mile Recordings

Post-hardcore legends FAR are set to return with their first original material since 1998’s ‘Water and Solutions’. The band originally disbanded shortly after the album’s release but the record’s melodic appeal and classic song writing lived on to inspire an entire scene a the turn of the century and the band are increasingly cited as an influence by bands such as Biffy Clyro, Jimmy Eat World, Hundred Reasons, Funeral For A Friend and Thursday to name but a few. Far’s brand new album ‘At Night We Live’ is released on 24th May through Xtra Mile Recordings proceeded by the download single ‘Deafening’ a week earlier.

The release of ‘At Night We Live’ follows the band’s low key limited 7’’ single release ‘Pony’ originally by American hip-hop artist Ginuwine. The cover originally demoed as a bit of fun between friends encouraged huge unexpected radio play and over 4 million plays on MySpace.

Far’s fifth studio album was recorded at The Airport Studio and produced by guitarist and founder Shaun Lopez whom during the band’s hiatus has recorded albums for Will Haven, Giant Drag and friends the Deftones (the title track of ‘At Night We Live’ being written for bassist Chi Cheng).

Track listing of ‘At Night We Live’:

1. Deafening
2. If You Cared Enough
3. When I Could See
4. Give Me A Reason
5. Dear Enemy
6. Fight Song #16,233,241
7. At Night We Live
8. Burns
9. Better Surrender
10. Are You Sure?
11. The Ghost That Kept On Haunting

www.thebandfar.com
www.myspace.com/far
www.xtramilerecordings.com
www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

“Excited is not the word.” – Rock Sound
“In their absence their legend mushroomed…” – Kerrang!
“One might say that Far were ahead of their time…” – Drowned In Sound

For more information please contact info@presscounsel.com – 020 7792 9400

Latitude festival - Music Additions - The Strange Boys, The Coral, The Big Pink...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:33:00 +0000

20th April 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
~ The Strange Boys ~

THE WORD ARENA
~ The Feeling ~ The Coral ~ Kristin Hersh ~
~ Black Mountain ~ The Big Pink ~ The Kissaway Trail ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ Tokyo Police Club ~ First Aid Kit ~ Jesca Hoop ~ Egyptian Hip Hop ~
~ Middle East ~ Joe Worricker ~ Delta Maid ~ The Liberty Vessels ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

A festival like no other, Latitude stands alone as a bold and pioneering event with a line-up like no other. In the stunning Suffolk countryside, Latitude incorporates the very best of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for a truly unique weekend of fun and adventure as well as inspiration and education. Four arenas are dedicated to an exciting selection of musical talent from emerging bands, international stars and homegrown heroes, whilst the arts onsite command no less than thirteen arenas and areas providing something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires; once again making Latitude the place to be this summer.

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena has been the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances over the years and with headlining performances from Florence + the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend this year will be no different. Also playing are Empire Of The Sun, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Temper Trap, Laura Marling, Hockey and Frank Turner and joining this stunning line-up is:

Texan four-piece The Strange Boys wield a fantastic blend of early days Rolling Stones with a modern twist. Back to basics scuzzy rock ’n’ roll with primal blues rock riffs and soulful swagger, their disharmony is matched with a sensitive and melodic side. Formed in 2004 they have already gained a devoted following, but with their latest album ‘Be Brave’ making waves over here, their set at Latitude’s Obelisk Arena will help spread the word further.

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

Inside the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena lies an amazing set of alternative artists, crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. With The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear headlining and The Horrors, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Richard Hawley plus many more already confirmed - this is a line-up that is not to be missed.

Just confirmed are:

Sussex, an unlikely hotbed of pop talent, gave rise to The Feeling - five lads whose Number one album success made them one of our biggest intelligent boy bands for the latter half of the decade. Massive top ten hits ‘Fill My Little World Right Up’, ‘Never Be Lonely’ and ‘I Thought It Was Over’ sealed their position as the streamlined radio constants you couldn't help but love. With their as-yet unnamed third studio album due for release this summer, The Feeling will be a natural fit on The Word Arena's exhilarating bill.

Merseyside troupe The Coral return to Henham Park will. Following their captivating acoustic set on Latitude's second stage two years ago, the five-piece return with a full band performance in The Word Arena. With four Top Five charting albums, a Top Ten ‘Best Of’ collection and timeless top ten singles, ‘Don't Think You're The First’, ‘Pass It On’ and ‘In The Morning’, their long-awaited re-emergence will remind everyone of the acidic melancholy they deal in so well. Nostalgia laced melodies and skittering and ramshackle rhythms will spin from their well of songs, bolstered now by the material from their forthcoming fifth album.

As the former leader of the inimitable Throwing Muses, Kristin Hersh has achieved an almost legendary status as a prominent singer songwriter in her own right. Having recorded her eighth studio album of solo material – ‘Crooked’, due out later this year – along with a second album of Appalachian folk songs, Hirsch brings her hazy, resonant folk works to The Word Arena. With an enormous amount of solo and band material to draw from, this is one set guaranteed to hit the mark.

Psychedelic Canadians Black Mountain have risen their heads again and Latitude will feel the full force of their musical assault. Little has been heard since the release of 2008's incredible 'In The Future', the band's second record of thick, impenetrable riffs and melodic mantras. Whispers tell of the completion of their fabled third album. Throughout their time together, they've garnered plaudits - from nominations in Canada's Polaris and Juno album prizes, to being asked to contribute a track to the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. It’s has been quiet recently, yet The Word Arena will be anything but once they hit the stage with the power and starkness of a military barrage.

Electro-rock duo The Big Pink, comprising of multi-instrumentalist Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell, have already won the prestigious NME Philip Hall Radar Award for ‘Best New Act’ since they were signed in 2009. Their gritty beats, droning guitars, abstract effects and dreamy vocals create a soundscape which is arty yet tuneful, perfectly demonstrated on big hit ‘Dominos’ featured on their debut album ‘A Brief History of Love’ released in September 2009.

Bella Union stalwarts and Danish five-piece The Kissaway Trail have started the year well with a North American tour support slot with The Temper Trap and the release of their triumphant second album ‘Sleep Mountain’. Soaring vocal harmonies and amassed orchestration not only fit The Word Arena's epic line-up, but also give bands like Arcade Fire a run for their money.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

A deliciously unexpected treat awaits within the fragrant woods on the other side of the lake. The Sunrise Arena is host to a splendid foray of new acts and is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year Girls, Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez are headlining the arena. Also confirmed on the Sunrise Arena line up are Nadine Shah, Kurran and the Wolfnotes and Lupen Crook. With plenty more bands to still be announced there will be many tasty treats for those who like to be at the start of something very special.
Following the success of 2006's debut EP 'A Lesson in Crime' - a rapid-fire barrage of wide-eyed post-punk - the Canadian four-piece Tokyo Police Club have been earning their hype and praise with a string of hard-hitting singles and a hectic international touring schedule. This year sees them release their second album 'Champ', a matured offering from their first 'Elephant Shell', full of soaring guitars, driving backbeats and irresistible sing-a-longs and their performance on the Sunrise Arena is the perfect backdrop to get in on the act.

Swedish duo First Aid Kit return to Latitude for a serene set at the Sunrise Arena. Their soulful folk makes them sound mature beyond their teenage years, wielding a fine knack for storytelling whilst producing sweet melodic acoustic songs. Having just released their debut album ‘The Big Black and The Blue’ to much critical praise this sibling duo are on course for a fantastic career – make sure you see these rising stars in the intimate surroundings of the Sunrise Arena.

From being the nanny for Tom Waits' kids to moulding her own odd-folk stylings, Jesca Hoop has had an interesting start to her career. Having released her second album ‘Hunting The Dress’ late last year, Jesca's deft vocal acrobatics, shimmering sounds and rhythmic hiccups are captivating. It’s clear Jesca is forming her own path upon which to tread and that's precisely where she'll lead us to the leafy Sunrise Arena.

Wandering experimental indie group Egyptian Hip Hop may have a misleading name, but it's as appropriate as any when you hear the aural putty they're playing with. This youthful Manchester quartet are garnering a large buzz similar to sonic adventurers and friends Late of the Pier. Definitely worth catching at this very early stage.

The next antipodean success story is likely to be Queensland natives, The Middle East. They look set to succeed by plying us with sweet, slow-burning melodies bubbling with charm and positivity. Two of these startling ballads have been part of the ‘Hottest 100’ last year on Australia's influential radio tastemakers ‘Triple J’ despite being over two years old. With high profile performances booked this year and opening for Grizzly Bear in their homeland, these youngsters are hoping to translate that success over here, starting with Latitude.

Recent Rough Trade signing Joe Worricker coasts upon sparse yet blossoming arrangements with a voice being compared to a male Amy Winehouse. With a low tone and disarming range, Joe's soulful pop has a spice to promote the undeniable astonishment guaranteed to rise from his impassioned vocal musings. Nestled in the woods on the Sunrise Arena stage, Joe’s silky soulfulness will help warm up the crowd in the early afternoon.

Described by the NME as, “the Joni Mitchell for the new folk generation”, Delta Maid has a remarkable voice. Blending mesmerising psyche folk with country blues her music is turning heads and hearts all over the place. Citing Hank Williams and Patsy Cline together with Blues legends like Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Stevie Ray Vaughan as her influences, her music is soaked in nostalgia. Come witness this rising musical talent as she shines at the Sunrise Arena on Friday.

Smartly dressed Liverpudlian teens The Liberty Vessels mix and match chiming guitar lines with a familiar rumbling wail. Comparisons with a certain infamous Hulmerist is inevitable, but it's this dark and playful contrast which makes them so compelling. They supported Echo and The Bunnymen last year and are all set to make an impact with their performance at Latitude.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy exciting theatre and dance productions presented by the Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre and Sadler’s Wells to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Laura Solon and Idiots Of Ants; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As and discussions , with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed.

With many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect setting for the summer.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846

Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400 / info@presscounselpr.com

Jaakko & Jay - Debut album - 'War Is Noise'

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Finnish duo Jaakko & Jay release their debut album ‘War Is Noise’ on 24th May, through Xtra Mile Recordings.

Embodying the spirit of punk with an acoustic, stripped-back folk approach, Jaakko & Jay have earned a cult following in their home country as well as throughout Europe with a near constant touring schedule. Armed with just one mic, a beaten up acoustic guitar, and a single snare and ride drum set up, travelling in a hired motor-home, J&J have taken their infectious, good-time folk punk to the masses and the masses are starting to take note.

Hailing from the region most famous for Santa Claus and reindeer, Jaakko & Jay are more jolly than Father Christmas and more hearty than reindeer steaks. The music throws a high-latitude spin on classic punk themes like drinking, revolution, drinking, making music, drinking, acute social commentary, drinking, and drinking - acoustic songs that shed their simplicity in a live situation by taking the audience in, melting their frosty cynicism, and putting smiles on every last person down to the bouncer.

Gaining popularity around the UK and Europe supporting Frank Turner, Mariachi El Bronx, Gaslight Anthem, Billy Talent and Chuck Ragan they were also discovered by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens at this year’s Eurosonic. With plenty of summer festivals and tour dates to be announced for later this year, including a slot at Brighton’s premier showcase festival, The Great Escape - their popularity is set to rise even further.

All tour details to follow.

www.myspace.com/jaakkonjay

"punked up, acoustic songs with gusto" Kerrang!
"ferocious and impassioned and funny" Distorted Magazine
"Jaakko & Jay come from Finland and are a punk rockin' drums and guitar duo. Their chugging riffs were awesome live” Huw Stephens, BBC1

Latitude - Music and Arts additions - Daniel Kitson & Gavin Osborn, The Unthanks...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:07:00 +0000

8th April 2010
ARTS and MUSIC ADDITIONS
Latitude Festival proudly presents…

THE WATERFRONT STAGE
~ Daniel Kitson & Gavin Osborn:
Stories for the Starlit Sky ~

Also just announced across the weekend...

CABARET ARENA
~ The Crack presents: Miss Behave, Phil Kay, Paul Zenon, Kalki Hula Girl, Raymond and Mr. Timpkins, Tom Flanagan and Jon Hicks ~

POETRY ARENA
~ John Stammers ~ THePETEBOX ~

FILM AND MUSIC ARENA
~ The Kominas ~

COMEDY at LATITUDE
~ Funny Women Awards Showcase ~
~ Terry Alderton ~

OBELISK ARENA
~ The Unthanks ~ Race Horses ~

THE WORD ARENA
~ Jonathan Jeremiah ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15th-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.
Dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend, Latitude has once again, created a line-up like no other.

Spread throughout the site in specially created arenas as well as using the beautiful outdoor spaces, the highest calibre of performers are now being confirmed. Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 is looking likely to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend; another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.

~ ARTS ~
~ THE WATERFRONT STAGE ~

Latitude is bursting with excitement to proudly announce that Daniel Kitson and Gavin Osborn will be performing their trilogy of shows, ‘Stories for the Starlit Sky’, across all three nights of the weekend.

Three separate, but interlinked stories for three separate summer nights, each one starting at midnight and lasting a little over an hour. Voices will soar from between trees to paint tears on the face of the moon, words, like fire in the night, laughter exploding through the dark. The day not done, not yet, the air thick with magic on the cusp of tomorrow. The sky alight with stories of love, stories of hope and stories of the night.
There is just one trifling concern.
Will anybody actually come to The Waterfront Stage, at midnight, for an hour, to listen to a story?

Daniel Kitson (Comedian, Loves Snorkelling) and Gavin Osborn (Musician, Owns Wellies) are powerful agents of art in their own right, but when combined the pair become an unstoppable, mind-blowing juggernaut of whimsical glory. For what will be your only chance to catch the pair this year make sure you head along to The Waterfront Stage at midnight on either, or indeed all of, Friday, Saturday or Sunday for your own bedtime story under the Starlit Sky.
Also just announced across the weekend…

~ CABARET ARENA ~

Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live and Miss Behave present: ‘The Crack’ – an explosive combination of stand-up, variety and side-splitting comic performance. Celebrating all that is funny, diverse and truly original in live comic entertainment and brought to you by crowd dominatrix and Guinness World Record holder Miss Behave, who is part of the team behind Olivier Award-winning sensation La Clique (Best Entertainment 2009), will be reigning in the chaos with trademark sass and sparkle, and spectacular stunts. This anarchic, chaotic, and fun-filled show will have you amazed and entertained with an absolutely stellar cast of comic geniuses and variety virtuosos.

Multi-award winning, legendary Scotsman, Phil Kay, the original comic brave-heart, will also be onboard. This effervescent comedy troubadour darts around the room powered by far-out philosophic ramblings, delivered as fun-sized brain filth.
Lounge wizard and snake-oil salesman Paul Zenon is the UK's leading comedy magician, with performances in around thirty countries and appearances as presenter and pundit on over three hundred television shows. Whether it’s onstage to a bunch of drunks, as a guest on countdown or hosting one of his own TV specials, this man will have you howling with laughter and wondering how on earth he did that.

Naughty, nice and very highly skilled, hula-hooping sensation Kalki is at turns both comic and absurdly sexy with her hilarious take on rock star attitude. A lesson in entertainment multi-tasking, she does things with hula hoops, and a bottle of vodka that will have you crying with laughter and whooping for more.

If you like music and if you like comedy, then this is the act for you. Music with hilarious visual and verbal gags at rapid fire, Raymond and Mr. Timpkins are the best in musical comedy. You’ll be left trying to catch your breath from laughing too hard.
Star of The Tom Tom Club and Circus Oz, Tom Flanagan is a crazy acrobatic who will dazzle you with breathtaking stunts and have you in stitches with his knockabout slapstick

Variety’s answer to Picasso, Jon Hicks will enthrall with a high-skill repertoire of artistic oddities, including his legendary rapid fire, outsized paintings. Delivered with incredible dexterity, bad-boy attitude and immaculate timing and all to a killer soundtrack. Seeing is believing in this unique ‘Painting Beyond Numbers’ act performed with stylish aplomb by a true variety master.

~ POETRY ARENA ~

Award winning poet John Stammers joins the Poetry Arena line-up. With his first collection ‘Panoramic Lounge-bar’ winning the Forward Prize for Best First Collection in 2001 he has since been shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize and Forward Prize for Best Collection in 2005 for his second book ‘Stolen Love Behaviour’ and won third place in the 2009 National Poetry Competition. His poetry of love and romance is full of plaintive, self-mocking with a lilt and sheen that has won him many fans including August Kleinzahler declaring that Stammers writes, “some of the most memorable love poetry of his generation”.

Radio 1 Beatbox Champion and Channel 4 Talent Award Winner THePETEBOX is one of the word’s finest human beatboxers, crafting a whole new approach using his skills to make music. Creating each layer of his tracks live using a loop pedal THePETEBOX's shows lead the audience through a journey of real time music production which builds up and delivers a full frequency spectrum of sound, from deep bass, to high pitched trumpets, to multiple vocal harmonies - all made with his mouth. His breathtaking ability to create many styles of music such as hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, jazz, house, garage and rock, have led him to support legends such as Grandmaster Flash, Will Smith, Pendulum, The Automatic, Grooverider and Tim Westwood to name a few.

They join a line up that already boasts performances from: Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Blake Morrison, Luke Wright, Spoken Word All Stars, WordTheatre, Angry Sam, Brigitte Aphrodite, Byron Vincent, Chris Hicks and Clare Pollard.

~ FILM & MUSIC ARENA ~

Straight from Boston, Massachusetts to Henham Park, Suffolk, The Kominas will be playing live in the Film & Music Arena following the screening of Taqwacore’s: The Birth Of Punk Islam. This desi-punk outfit comprised of four brown sons of South Asian parents released their debut album ‘Wild Nights in Guantanamo Bay’ in 2008 causing the mainstream media to sit up and listen with their provocative and suggestive music and lyrics. With songs such as 'Suicide Bomb The Gap' and 'Rumi Was A Homo' they push boundaries and challenge stereotypes making them an important tour de force.

The band take a starring role as the film follows Michael and his real-life kindred spirits, The Kominas, on their first U.S. tour. Taqwacore observes as they incite a riot of young hijabi girls at the largest Muslim gathering in North America, then travels with them to Pakistan where The Kominas, bring punk to the streets of Lahore. The band will be playing in the Film & Music Arena after the showing of Taqwacore’s film creating a truly spectacular visual delight, submerging the audience in a full surround sound experience. A panel discussion on music in Iran and the film will take place after the performance so be sure to stay around and get fully involved in all of the interactive elements.

~ COMEDY AT LATITUDE ~

Latitude has earned a fierce reputation for presenting the searingly sharp edge of comedy and this year Latitude will not disappoint with an incredible wealth of talent throughout the bill.

Funny Women is at the vanguard of nurturing and promoting female comedy talent, both new and established. Its annual talent competition, the Funny Women Awards, has introduced many new performers on to the comedy scene. Now in its eighth year, the Awards make their debut at Latitude. The show will be hosted by Carrie Quinlan and feature a line up of new acts competing for a place at this year’s prestigious national final in London at the Leicester Square Theatre on Monday 20th September. See the future of female comedy with the Funny Women’s Awards Showcase in Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. (Cabaret Arena) Ex-Southend goalkeeper turned comic, Terry Alderton comes to Latitude this year. Hurtling through an ad-libbed riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy, full of extraordinary caricatures and acute impressions; his hi-octane performances have led him to recently work with Joan Rivers and Eddie Izzard who proclaimed him to be a “very funny comic with a fantastic comedy mind, but someone who really ought to seek some sort of professional help”. (Comedy Arena)

These new additions join such comic turns as the fantastic Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall, Tommy Tiernan, The Early Edition with Marcus Brigstocke, Andre Vincent and Guests, and Arthur Smith as well as many, many more in what is once again a huge and varied bill of comic splendour occurring all across the site.

~ MUSIC ~
~ OBELISK ARENA ~

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

Flying the flag for late 60’s/70’s soul Jonathan Jeremiah’s debut album ‘Fool In Love’ is full of laid-back semi-acoustic soul with orchestral touches and a folk tinge. Gaining influences from touring the highways of America with his guitar, Jeremiah composed, performed and produced the record himself, recruiting the help of Bernard Butler and members of James Brown’s legendary band the The J.B.’s. The result is a record which sounds wiser than his 29 years which will transfix The Word Arena on Friday afternoon.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy exciting theatre and dance productions presented by the Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre, and Sadler’s Wells to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Idiot Of Ants and Laura Solon; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As, discussions and workshops with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed. Over Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend, Empire Of The Sun, The National, The xx, Grizzly Bear, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela, James, Richard Hawley, The Horrors and Jónsi are all confirmed. With many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect setting for the summer.
A place like no other; Latitude Festival is an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be, whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: http://www.festivalrepublic.com/ • http://www.seetickets.com/ • http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400
info@presscounselpr.com

Fighting Fiction - Brand new single – ‘We Will Not Forget’

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:24:00 +0000

Brand new single – ‘We Will Not Forget’
Out 3rd May 2010 on Xtra Mile Recordings

Jacob Glew – Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
Matt Roffe – Guitars/Bass/Backing Vocals
Andy Cooke - Guitars/Bass/Backing Vocals
Adam Wells – Drums/Percussion

Emerging indie-punk four-piece Fighting Fiction release their brand new single ‘We Will Not Forget’ on 3rd May 2010 through Xtra Mile Recordings. A politically aware call to arms, it’s no coincidence that this single release will coincide with the forthcoming general election.

Not intended as a two-fingered salute to the establishment in the traditional sense of some punk music, rather as a way to incite some pride and anger into a generation coming of voting age. The stress is on the power of the vote in this song, it’s not a call to Anarchy; rather a call of responsibility. To put your politics into action, whatever they might be.

Fighting Fiction formed late 2007 in Bristol when the four lads met at University. Bourne of a mutual passion for energetic live performance, their sound is a powerful collision of Indie-rock guitar riffs, reggae tinged punk and socially aware lyrics. These are songs written with anger and sung with passion. They evoke an honest and fundamentally English sound that is reminiscent of the brooding reggae guitar hooks of 'London Calling' era Clash, the lyrical wordplay and vocal delivery of Billy Bragg, and more recently, the acoustic guitar based sing-along sensibilities of Frank Turner and the King Blues.

Produced by Mark Williams (Biffy Clyro, Bloc Party, Million Dead, Oceansize), ‘We Will Not Forget’ is the bands most aggressive offering to date and will include a free acoustic download ‘Turning Rebellion Into Money.’

To date, the band have released their debut EP ‘A Lesser Of Two Evils’ (November 2009); completed two UK-wide tours, securing slots at both the Isle of Wight and Isle of Man TT festivals, and have played support to the likes of This Town Needs Guns, Crazy Arm, Sam Isaac, Floors and Walls, Laura Marling and The Automatic.

Fighting Fiction hit the road again this April/May on a 20 date UK tour in support of their new single release.

APRIL
6 The Railway Winchester
7 Talking Heads Southampton
8 The Fawcett Inn Portsmouth
10 Fighting Cocks London
13 Mentholmans (@West Street Live) Sheffield
14 Harrys Bar Stoke on Trent
17 The Royal Oak Ipswich
18 Juiced - Liquid/Envy Crawley, London
22 Square Harlow
23 Lincoln Arms Dorking
26 Croft Bristol, Southwest
29 Prince Albert Brighton
30 Junction Cambridge
MAY
5 Moles Club Bath *Single release party*
7 Frog and Fiddle Cheltenham,
JULY
4 Keynsham Music Festival - Time out stage
SEPTEMBER
25 Frog Fest @ Frog and Fiddle Cheltenham

"Stormin' Norman! Tight punchy playing and production with warped off-kilter lyrics in the great English tradition of songs like Arnold Layne and Tracy Jacks. A storming track." - Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music)

“Raucous and energetic, this is the stuff to lift the roofs off venues in a wash of raised beers and raised voices.” - Rocklouder 4/5

www.myspace.com/fightingfiction
http://fightingfictionuk.wordpress.com

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com / 0207 792 9400

Latitude 2010 - Press Accreditation

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:02:00 +0000

15th - 18th July 2010
Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk

LATITUDE 2010 - PRESS ACCREDITATION

We are now taking press requests for Latitude Festival 2010. If you are a member of the press and would like to attend/review the festival please complete a Press Ticket Request Form below and email it to info@presscounselpr.com.

DOWNLOAD PRESS TICKET REQUEST FORM - WORD DOCUMENT
DOWNLOAD PRESS TICKET REQUEST FORM - PDF

For further Press info contact: 020-7792-9400
info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude festival - Music Additions - Laura Marling, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mumford & Sons...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:20:00 +0000

31st March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA

~ LAURA MARLING ~ HOCKEY ~ CORINNE BAILEY RAE ~ HERE WE GO MAGIC ~
~ MUMFORD & SONS ~ SWEET BILLY PILGRIM ~ KASSIDY ~

SUNRISE ARENA

~ GIRLS ~ NADINE SHAH ~ KURRAN AND THE WOLFNOTES ~
~ MATTHEW P ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

With Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend all headlining the Obelisk Arena this year and with a wealth of musical talent from emerging and established bands and acts playing across three other music stages, Latitude can once again boast a unique and exciting music line-up.

Whilst the hottest bands play throughout the weekend, Latitude will also be home to the very best from the worlds of theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret all coming together for one glorious weekend. Standing alone as a truly inspiring and pioneering festival, Latitude provides something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires and will be the place to be this summer.

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts including Empire of the Sun, The Maccabees, James, The Temper Trap, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Frank Turner as well as the stunning headliners, the following acts are a welcome addition to an already exciting line-up:

Currently riding high in the Top Ten Album Chart with her second offering ‘I Speak Because I Can’, folk songstress Laura Marling joins the Obelisk Arena. Cutting her teeth as a member of Noah And The Whale she left the band in 2008 and went on to release her debut album ‘Alas I Cannot Swim’, which received a Mercury Music Prize Nomination. In the subsequent two years, this shy performer has matured into a captivating show-woman and a formidable songwriter and storyteller. Her set at Latitude will be a definite highlight of the weekend for sure.

Through their relentless touring of the UK you could be forgiven for thinking that Hockey are British but they actually hail from Portland, Oregon. Probably best known for their hit anthem ‘Song Away’ lifted from the band’s debut ‘Mind Chaos’, their contagious indie-pop anthems have won over the nation’s hearts. With big sing-a-long choruses to get the crowds going, Hockey will be sure to walk away with a victorious performance at Latitude this year.

Corinne Bailey Rae shot to fame in 2006 with the release of her self-titled debut Number 1 album. The singles ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’ became smash hits round the world and the album made the Billboard Top 20 in the US – making her the first British female singer-songwriter to do so in decades. Now, four years and four-million album sales later and showcasing songs from new album ‘The Sea’, Corinne will be wowing crowds on Saturday afternoon on the Obelisk Stage at Latitude.

Brooklyn's Here We Go Magic are set to make their Latitude debut in July. The brain child of front man Luke Temple, who has previously released two records under his own name, the band released their self-titled debut in the UK in February. Rolling Stone described the album "as collection of songs that even the most jaded anti-folk hipster could catch himself humming on the street" it’s a record full of psychedelic, hazy, electronic indie and will have the Obelisk Arena crowds falling in love with them.

Mumford & Sons are currently flying the flag for a new wave of folk invading the mainstream. Equipped with catchy songs, acoustic guitars and banjos, their debut album 'Sigh No More' entered the album charts at Number 11 when it was released in October last year and gained praise from all corners of the music industry. With their beautifully arranged melancholic musings sounding fresh, sunny and infectious, singles such as 'Little Lion Man' and 'The Cave' will get the crowd dancing at Latitude's Obelisk Arena.

Receiving critical praise with their Mercury Music nominated second album ‘Twice Born Men’, Sweet Billy Pilgrim have been slowly gathering a cult following since they formed in 2003. Embodying the spirit of DIY, both their albums have been self-funded and recorded in a garden shed; their experimental indie has earned praise for its multi-layered, perfectly crafted songs. With band members swapping instruments between songs, their musical talent and gorgeous songs will win over audiences at Latitude too.

Hirsute Glaswegian four-piece Kassidy bring their harmony soaked traditional indie rock to Latitude’s Obelisk Arena. Armed with catchy hooks, their mainly acoustic set-up is supplemented with box drums and the occasional touch of accordion for a folky, Fleet Foxes-esque sound as witnessed on their Rubbergum EP released last year. With Kassidy’s debut album due out later this year, this will be the perfect place to see the band before they go on to superstardom.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy, it is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to sample something very special. Joining the first wave of acts to be confirmed for the Sunrise Arena are:

Winning the hearts and minds of the American public are San Franciscan up and coming indie pop outfit Girls. Their sunshine bathed psychedelic rock ’n’ roll has been receiving critical acclaim with their debut album ‘Album’ rated by Pitchfork as the 10th best album of 2009. Having broken free from the Children Of God cult, frontman and songwriter Christopher Owens has written free-spirited, youthful and expressive pop songs, sure to bring a slice of the Golden State to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena.

British born by way of Norweigan and Pakistani descent, Nadine Shah is a vocalist/pianist from a small North East town called Whitburn. The harsh, cold coast of the North Sea have shaped her songs into brutally honest, melancholic musings that have attracted the attention of Tom Robinson on 6Music. Nadine has already played such impressive venues as Shepherd's Bush Empire, The Sage Gateshead and the legendary Ronnie Scott’s even before the release of her debut EP (due out in spring.)

Newcomers to the vibrant and flourishing British new-folk scene, London-based Kurran and the Wolfnotes possess a genuine and heart-rendering sincerity in their harmony-drenched traditional sounds, while also coming armed with a slew of hugely catchy pop songs at their disposal. With debut single ‘Whatabitch’ gaining critical acclaim, check out this exciting new band on the rise.

Local Suffolk boy Matthew P has just released his debut EP ‘Swimming’ on Fiction Records but has already caused a stir with his honest, heart-warming and humble acoustic folk. Honing his skills whilst on tour with West Country rockers Reef this spring, Matthew P is worth checking out for some happy summer vibes.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and Royal Opera House to name but a few, cabaret performances from Rich Fulcher, Idiot Of Ants and The Crack; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with Q&As, discussions and workshops with award-winning director Paul Greengrass already confirmed. With DJ’s, balls and late night parties found throughout the site, it really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Latitude festival - Arts Additions - 30th March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:27:00 +0000

30th March 2010

ARTS ADDITIONS

FILM & MUSIC ARENA
~ BAFTA: Q&A with Paul Greengrass ~

~ Mark Lamarr presents God’s Jukebox: The Skatroniks, Noel McKoy and The Mummers ~
~ TAQWACORE: THE BIRTH OF PUNK ISLAM plus Panel Discussion: ‘DON'T PANIC, WE'RE ISLAMIC!’ ~
~ Aldeburgh Music’s Faster Than Sound featuring:
Mira Calix, Larry Goves, Simon Fisher Turner and the London Contemporary Orchestra ~

LITERARY ARENA
~ Sebastian Faulks ~ Peter Hook ~ Howard Jacobson ~

LITERARY SALON
~ Raindance Film Festival Workshops ~

COMEDY at LATITUDE
~ Mark Watson ~ David O’Doherty ~
~ Josie Long ~ Angelos Epithemiou ~ Jimmy McGhie ~ Chris Ramsey ~
~ The Al Pitcher Picture Show ~ Colin Hoult: Carnival Of Monsters ~
~ Tom Basden ~ Deborah Frances-White ~
~Pros From Dover ~ Richard Dedomenici ~

CABARET ARENA
~ Showstopper! ‘The Improvised Musical’ ~

THEATRE AT LATITUDE
~ Lyric presents: Midsummer Night’s Dream ~
~ Lyric presents: The Island by The London Snorkelling Team ~
~ The Factory ~ Theatre503 ~ Forest Fringe ~

THE WATERFRONT STAGE
~ Sadler’s Wells ~
~ Derevo – Wolves’ Tango ~

POETRY ARENA
~ Angry Sam ~ Brigitte Aphrodite ~ Byron Vincent ~ Chris Hicks ~ Clare Pollard ~
~ Dean Parkin ~ Hannah Walker ~ Helen Mort ~ Inua Ellams ~
~ Jay Bernard ~ Joe Dunthorne ~ John Osborne ~ Kate Tempest ~ Richard Tyrone Jones ~~ Kriss Foster ~ Martin Figura ~ Molly Naylor ~ Musa Okwonga ~ Niall O Sullivan ~
~ Paul Lyalls ~ The Dead Poets ~ El Crisis ~ Joel Stickley ~ Josh Idehen ~ Matt Harvey ~
~ Ross Sutherland ~ Steve Larkin ~ Tim Clare ~ Tim Turnbull ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15th-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend and once again, it has created a line-up like no other.

Spread throughout the site, just waiting to be discovered, expect the highest calibre of art with over 700 performers to be announced over the coming months. Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 promises to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend; another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.

~ FILM & MUSIC ARENA ~

A heady mix of visual and aural pleasure, the Film & Music Arena is home to some of the festival’s most mesmerising performances. Bringing together the worlds of alternative cinema and music, the arena will showcase a jam-packed programme of award-winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions and discussions alongside musical treats and thrilling visuals.

BAFTA is will be bringing another excellent programme of Q&As and discussions helping audiences access industry expertise and celebrate quality in film and television. First to be announced is pioneering British film director and screenwriter Paul Greengrass. Famed for his signature use of hand-held cameras, Greengrass is a leading and award-winning film maker specialising in dramatisations of real-life events. He has covered topics such as SAS actions in the Gulf War with his TV film ‘The One That Got Away’, institutional racism in the police force with ‘The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence’ and the 1972 shootings in Northern Ireland in his documentary styled ‘Bloody Sunday’. Greengrass won the BAFTA award for Best Director at the 60th British Academy Film Awards and received an Oscar nomination for Achievement in Directing at the 79th Academy Awards, as well as earning the Writers Guild of America Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Original Screenplay for his for quasi-documentary-styled film ‘United 93’, a film based on the September 11th hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93.

Greengrass has also enjoyed Hollywood success with the 2002 sequel ‘The Bourne Identity’ and its follow-up ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac who realises he was once a top CIA assassin who is now being pursued by his former employers. Most recently, Greengrass returned to directing duties with Matt Damon in Green Zone – in which a U.S Army officer discovers covert and faulty intelligence causes him to go rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region.

The Film & Music Arena will also be home to some of the best retro music around courtesy of radio DJ, presenter and all-round music aficionado Mark Lamarr. Presenting his renowned Saturday night Radio 2 show - God’s Jukebox - Lamarr will be DJ-ing a mix of his top tunes from soul, ska, reggae, country, gospel and rap as well as introducing five specially selected bands and performers to the Film & Music Arena. Having already announced legendary American R&B singer Geno Washington and big beat rock ‘n’ rollers The Jim Jones Revue, Lamarr is excited to announce that The Skatroniks, Noel McKoy and The Mummers are joining in the fun.

Rising from the ashes of the acclaimed Jazz Jamaica Allstars big band (Radio
3's "Best Band of 2002") come The Skatroniks featuring ASWAD's Clifton Bigga Morrison. The rhythm section is a blend of reggae, jazz, ska, mentoe and electronica, mixing technology with live instruments including a full horn section. With a broad repertoire, drawn from the five Jazz Jamaica albums as well as new Skatroniks material, the extended line up and guest musicians and DJ’s are set to bring hours of pure ska and reggae to Suffolk this summer. The Skatroniks blend the old and the new of Jamaican and Caribbean dance music, with quality jazz improvisation – get your dancing shoes ready!

As the frontman of 80’s acid-jazz pioneers James Taylor Quartet, and with a career at the front line of the British soul scene dueting with Mica Paris, Juliet Roberts, Beverley Knight and Vanessa Simon, Noel McKoy is the genuine godfather of British soul. Now an acclaimed singer-songwriter with a voice like honey he has recently released his debut album ‘Brighter Day’ to rave reviews. On it, McKoy draws on a host of influences from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to Chaka Khan and The Beatles as he weaves an impressive collection of soul, gospel, funk and northern soul into a cohesive masterpiece.

The Mummers, a.k.a Raissa Khan-Panni from Brighton create orchestral pop perfection with extraordinary, quirky and romantic vocals. Her debut album ‘Tale to Tell’ which came out last year was full of exquisitely otherworldly songs centred on fairytales, escapism and atmospheric pop. Her Björk-esque style has gained her an increasing fan base and with her second album due out later this year, her performance in the Film & Music Arena will be unmissable.

TAQWACORE: The Birth Of Punk Islam will be screened in the Film & Music Arena at Latitude this year followed by a panel discussion chaired by UK filmmaker and Journalist Hammad Khan entitled DON'T PANIC, WE'RE ISLAMIC! following the screening, which will include journalist Kaleem Aftab and more to be confirmed, discussing issues raised in the film.

Boston’s The Kominas belt out an anthem for a new generation of young Muslims in a basement of a decrepit Chicago punkhouse, with a mob of like-minded Islamic misfits sneering along. In the summer of 2007 these Pakistani punkers have arrived at the last stop of their U.S. tour and are celebrating with tourmates and fellow bands: Vote Hezbollah featuring an Iranian kid from San Antonio; the all-girl Secret Trial Five featuring a Pakistani lesbian from Vancouver; Al-Thawra who pound heavy metal beats into Arabic drones, plus East London’s own Riz MC who gives his Taqwacore support. At the centre, pumping his fists in the air and shouting, is a white American convert named Michael Muhammad Knight; the Islamic punk music scene would never have existed if it weren’t for his 2003 novel, The Taqwacores, in which Michael imagined a community of Muslim radicals such as Mohawked Sufis, riot grrrls in burqas, and skinhead Shi’as. Although the book and its characters were entirely fictional, the movement they inspired is very real. The film follows Michael and his real-life kindred spirits on their first U.S. tour, where they incite a riot of young hijabi girls at the largest Muslim gathering in North America, then travels with them to Pakistan where The Kominas, bring punk to the streets of Lahore.

Aldeburgh Music’s Faster Than Sound featuring Mira Calix, Larry Goves, Simon Fisher Turner and the London Contemporary Orchestra.

Faster Than Sound continues a long tradition at Aldeburgh of giving artists the space and opportunity to experiment and work in new ways. It explores possibilities for forging innovative collaborations between the worlds of classical and electronic music, players and composers and new technologies. For Latitude we have put together a unique showcase with some of the most exciting talent in contemporary classical and electronic music. London Contemporary Orchestra will collaborate with Simon Fisher Turner, a self-confessed ‘extreme sound freak’ and acclaimed composer. We will also premiere two Faster Than Sound co-commissioned works written in collaboration by composers Mira Calix and Larry Goves as part of their “exchange and return” project performed by players from LCO. A unique score-based programme including John Woolrich, Claude Vivier and John Adams performed by the LCO conducted by Hugh Brunt will form the centerpiece of this performance. The groundbreaking 2008 commissioned AV piece “Natures” by Quayola and Mira Calix will be screened throughout the event. Faster Than Sound is generously supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. www.fasterthansound.com

Also taking place in the Film & Music at Latitude this year are performances by MC legend Riz MC, concert pianist James Rhodes, Adam Buxton’s hilarious homage to music videos: BUG, Popcorn Comedy and the truly offensive but side-splittingly funny Modern Toss.

~ LITERARY ARENA ~

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. Stories are told, books are dissected, discussions are had and debates fought over; these are book readings with a difference so sit back and enjoy Latitude’s fun-filled library by the sea.

Bestselling author Sebastian Faulks joins the literary luminaries at Latitude this year. His latest novel ‘A Week In December’ is a major Sunday Times bestseller, selling more than 120,000 copies already and currently being adapted for a four-part serial to be shown on Channel 4 in 2011. One of Britain's most popular novelists, Faulks effortlessly blends modern history of England, France, and America with elements of romance for his novels with his strong background in national newspaper journalism also showing through in his narrative fluency and his ability to convincingly fictionalise aspects of recent history within his works.

In the summer of 2006, Sebastian Faulks was approached by the family of the late Ian Fleming and asked if he would write a one-off James Bond novel to mark the centenary of Fleming’s birth. Entitled ‘Devil May Care’ (2008) it went straight to number one in the UK bestseller lists and is the fastest selling hardback in Penguin’s history.

Now added to the line up is renowned Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook. Back in 1982, Peter ‘Hooky’ Hook along with the rest of New Order and Factory Records owner Tony Wilson opened the infamous nightclub the Haçienda, the birthplace of the acid house and Madchester scenes, as well as countless gigs and parties that are now the stuff of legend. However, with the free party spirit came the gangs, the drugs, the violence and the police; the club slipped into a long a painfully expensive decline, it constantly lost money and finally came to an unceremonious end in 1997. In his frank and hilarious book ‘How Not To Run A Club’, ‘Hooky’ recounts the successes, the fun, the history, the parties as well as the bad management, the stupid deals and eventual bankruptcy that have shaped this glorious story of what not to do.

Celebrated and award winning Jewish novelist Howard Jacobson comes to Latitude this year. With his discursive and humorous style Jacobson has become a prominent author winning the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize for comic writing for his 1999 book ‘The Mighty Walzer’. With that and for both his 2002 ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ and 2006 ‘Kalooki Nights’ he was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and with his most recent offering ‘The Act Of Love’ (2008) being another fantastic slice of ebullient wit; his appearance in the Literary Arena will surely be a highlight of the weekend.

Catch these new additions along with those already confirmed; Bret Easton Ellis, Adam Foulds, Natasha Walter, Jon Ronson and of course Robin Ince who will be hosting his now legendary Book Club with specially created shows featuring incredible guests.

~ LITERARY SALON ~

New to last year’s festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests.

For budding filmmakers, directors, writers, producers and anyone fascinated with the workings of the film industry, the Literary Salon will play host to the Raindance Film Festival who will be presenting a series of their famous workshops for Latitude goers this year. Aiming to give individuals the tools to get out there and start shooting, Raindance combine the best film-making traditions with new digital technology to give a great insight into the world of film. Learn from a team of experts dedicated to fostering any new talent itching to break through and help continue the growing independent film industry in the UK.

~ COMEDY AT LATITUDE ~

~ CABARET ARENA ~

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. We are very excited to announce the following acts:

Showstopper! ‘The Improvised Musical’ does exactly what it says on the tin! The group of actors perform an extemporised musical which will bring the very best elements of Latitude festival (music and the arts) together in the Cabaret Arena. Never afraid of a challenge and with a constantly revolving cast this will prove to be a performance not to be missed.

Confirmed already for the arena is comedian Rich Fulcher presenting his hilarious ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore’ show; London pop and performance peddlars Duckie: ‘The Crack’ - an explosive show of stand-up, variety and side-splitting comic performances presented by Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live and Miss Behave and 2010 winners of the Best Sketch or Character Act at the Chortle awards – Idiots of Ants.

~ THEATRE AT LATITUDE ~

Showcasing performances from the nation’s leading theatre houses, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House, Bush Theatre and Lyric as well as work from the most significant companies of the future like nabokov and Paines Plough, Latitude brings contemporary, physical, classical and performance theatre to a brand new audience. Gaining an unrivalled reputation for its breadth and quality of programming, the calibre of theatre on offer this year is unrivalled and with more to be announced over the coming months, there will be unique and exciting work just waiting to be discovered.

Resonant with the diverse output of Latitude Festival and sure to astound with special and unique pieces work adhering to their values of evocative and esoteric performances, the Lyric are bringing two truly inspiring and exciting performances to Latitude this year:

In a world premiere created exclusively for Latitude, Sean Holmes (Artistic Director, Lyric) and Filter Theatre Company present a new version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ condensed into one magical hour. Well-known for their unique take on classic texts, with previous works including Three Sisters, Twelfth Night and Caucasian Chalk Circle, these former collaborators will be joined by the visionary band The London Snorkelling Team to create Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.

As well as showing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ inside the Theatre Arena, Lyric will use Latitude’s natural beauty and enchanted forests for the production set in the woodland and in the realm of fairlyland. Don’t miss this truly spellbinding performance with a twist on the inside show brought to the Outdoor Theatre.

Lyric will also be presenting The London Snorkelling team's show ‘The Island’, based on their new record entitled ‘Audio Recording and Map’. This release consists of a CD with 16 tracks and a Map of a fictional coast line on a fictional island created by animators Tom and Mark Perrett who also join the band live to create short animations using a classroom overhead projector. The musicians and animators are joined by performers Will Adamsdale and Ed Gaughan live. Ed is an unreliable scientist and amateur radio broadcaster - Dr. Inshiquin who lives on the island and is a sort of MC for proceedings. Will Adamsdale is an aristocratic magician - "The Great Braeburn Valmont" whose magic is also less than reliable. As the hour or so unfolds, the audience is let into the world of the island and all its quirks, culminating in a magic trick of epic proportions. The show uses music, comedy, theatre and cartoon to tell its story so make sure you get there early to save your seat.

Unique and very special Outdoor Theatre performances can be found throughout the Latitude site, on the banks of the lake and deep within the forest. Taking inspiration from the beautiful countryside in which it is set, performances vary from beat-boxing to classical orchestra and from musicals to Shakespeare. As previously said, the Lyric will be using Latitude’s outside spaces for their second production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and the lively and spontaneous theatre house The Factory will also be using the site as its muse.

Dubbed “the super cool company” by The Independent, The Factory is bringing ‘Round 2’ to Latitude, a growing collection of daring short plays written to an almost impossibly challenging brief. The Factory continues to explore its thirst for spontaneity, danger and revelation by pitching its actors against each other to tackle pieces that reveal more about themselves with each showing. All the plays are multiply cast, allowing the actors to play different roles each time. Both actors and audience renew relationships and meaning at each showing. To this end, the actors have been Factory trained, but not rehearsed, so that they have to thrash out their virgin choices before an audience. ‘Round 2’ is like no other new writing event.

Joining the programme is Theatre503. The home of fearless, irreverent, brave and provocative new plays will be presenting two works onsite: PLAYlist and The Epic. Working with many of the foremost artists of their generation, they push the boundaries of what theatre can be and pose the unanswerable questions of our time.

Taking "pop theatre" to its logical conclusion, PLAYlist will be a Festival edition of our semi-regular sell-out event at Theatre503. Up to ten sizzling writers are invited to create a play inspired by a piece of music. The only rule is that the play must be as long as the piece of music that inspired it. The writers will take their inspiration from the back catalogue of the artists performing at Latitude. And with such diverse artists, the scope is massive. The Epic is a surprising new play exploding the unexplored, the unexplained and the unknown. Under wraps, under canvas and under the night sky it will be all the more surprising for the fact that Theatre503 are keeping the details a closely guarded secret. "All I'll say is that it's going to be something you wouldn't expect to see at a festival" Theatre503's joint artistic director Tim Roseman explains, "and very different from what we are usually able to programme at Theatre503, but with our trademark approach to creating fearless work with the best new writing talent around". This year you can expect something truly unique and vital from this leading new writing theatre company.

The miniature festival within a festival, Forest Fringe is coming to Latitude’s Theatre Arena bringing both ‘Travelling Sounds Library’ and ‘Motor Vehicle Sundown’. The unique library was born out of a desire to celebrate audio experiences created by artists, bringing together a diverse array of independent audio shows into a satisfyingly rich and exciting collection. The library exists as a series of hollowed-out hard back books, each containing an mp3 player and a little programme detailing the work available to listen to. A librarian is on hand to recommend specific pieces meaning you simply pick up a book and immediately find yourself in a world of beguiling audio encounters. Already a number of artists have contributed to the library, including Stan’s Café, Blast Theory, Unlimited Theatre and SHUNT’s Mischa Twitchin. The library will continue to grow and new pieces are currently being created by Duncan Speakman, Coney and Chris Thorpe.

‘Motor Vehicle Sundown’ by Forest Fringe is a self-contained audio installation for two people at a time in a parked car. The two audience members decide who will be driver and who will be passenger and then take their seats. The car is littered with coke cans and cigarette packets. A miniature street corner sits on the dashboard. A crackling radio plays an old song. A recorded voice tells them that they are sitting in the last car left in the world and that this is their chance to experience what it must have really been like to drive a car. Through breathless descriptions from this hidden narrator they are transported to quiet suburban driveways and long empty highways; to drive-ins and teenage romance. They take the steering wheel. They play their part. Quickly though things begin to fall apart. It becomes clear that a crash is coming. This experience is an attempt to explore the relationship between America and the car. How the history of the two is so intertwined. And how much longing we have for those dreams of wide open spaces and roaring engines. For a world that is coming to a crashing end, if it ever really existed.

~ THE WATERFRONT STAGE ~

Latitude’s stunning floating platform will once again stage some staggering dance productions over the weekend.

Continuing with their dedication to bringing the most exciting and thrilling dance to Latitude Festival, leading dance theatre Sadler's Wells return to the picturesque Waterfront Stage with a special double bill of work for both Saturday and Sunday. Previously, Sadler's Wells have brought us an all female show by Hofesh Shechter, a ballet excerpt from Swan Lake and freestyle hip hop from Psycho Stylez as well as running a dance club to help any budding dancers learn a few steps. Once again the UK’s number one venue for dance, will dazzle and delight with a diverse range of performances many of which have involved exciting cross-artform collaborations and have broadened our perception of what dance can truly be.

The breathtaking ‘Wolves‘ Tango’ by Derevo will also feature atop the floating stage on the lake. Inspired by Butoh by using the diverse range of techniques, movements and activities for dance performance; multi award-winning, Russian-German 21 strong dance collective, Derevo will be bringing their anarchistic refreshing well-calculated physical dance production, together with their visually awe-inspiring set to Latitude. Expect atmospheric lights, fire and passion from this truly remarkable group who have performed throughout Europe, Russia and the UK and at festivals in the USA, Japan, Brazil and South Korea.

~ POETRY ARENA ~

Over the past four years, the Poetry Arena at Latitude has grown into one of Europe’s leading poetry events in its own right, boasting the hottest slam poets, spoken word, storytelling, comedy sketches, rappers and much, much more. Laugh, cry and become enlightened with the following poets just confirmed for the weekend:.

Performance poet Angry Sam more than lives up to his stage name with his intellectual rants and raves delivered in fiercely acerbic verse. As the London Area Co-ordinator of Spoken Word and Slam event, Hammer and Tongue, "the best poetry gig in Europe, hands-down", he’s no stranger to commanding the stage and his audience. Witness this rising poetry star in action at Latitude this summer.

Treading the line between genius and madness perfectly is the quirky, glittery, fun Brigitte Aphrodite. Her one woman show combining music comedy and poetry entitled ‘Brigitte Aphrodite in Suburban Hell’ is a fantastical biographical view of her life so far,. Her utterly bizarre thoughts and experiences are woven together to form a heart warming yet explosive firework of a show. This David-Bowie-meets-Tinkerbell hybrid with a unique and sensational voice has audiences wrapped round her glittery finger.

With poems such as ‘Kevin’s an 'Erbert’ and ‘Never Buy Drugs At A Festival’ amongst his repertoire, Byron Vincent’s subversive brand of barking doggerel has taken the UK poetry scene by storm. His poetry veers between humorous and moving confessional tales to passionate observational studies of contemporary counterculture. It’s a winning formula that makes him a highlight of the Poetry Arena line-up.

Member of the poetry collective Aisle16, Chris Hicks has the finest legal mind in poetry. His sharp, analytical ability shapes his political caustic slam poetry and makes for intellectual, clever and witty performance poetry. As explosive performing solo as he is with his Aisle16 crew, Hicks is one of the finest performance poets around and his set at Latitude is not to be missed.

Leading female poet and recipient of an Eric Gregory Award in 2000 Clare Pollard comes to Latitude. Her brand of intellectual yet youthful and edgy poetry has been published in three collections - 'The Heavy-Petting Zoo', 'Bedtime' and her latest, 'Look, Clare, Look!' which is about backpacking around the world. She has also written a play, 'The Weather' about a shopaholic, the end of the world and a poltergeist - which was staged by the Royal Court.

Experienced poet Dean Parkin must be the first poet to appear on television reading a poem on the loo as well as have a piece of work featuring pubic hair, nestling nicely between Ruth Padel and Tom Paulin in the Forward Anthology. Winner of an Escalator Live Literature Award in 2009/10 to develop a one man show called ‘Ducks, Trains & Other Tracks’; he has given readings at festivals, colleges, pubs and has run workshops in prisons, schools and on a NATO base in Germany. More recently he has been working in collaboration with London Sinfonietta on the Surf N Turf Project in two schools in Suffolk, generating words and poems to be set to music.

Longlisted for the Bridport prize in 2006 Hannah Walker has an acerbic, cerebral style to her poetry which has been published in New Writer, Fuselit, Lota, The Ugly Tree and Nth Position. Hosting a range of literary events in Newcastle and Norwich she is currently working towards her first collection called ‘You Interrupt My Brain Sweetheart’ excerpts of which will be presented at Latitude’s Poetry Arena.

Winner of Foyle’s Young Poet of the Year Award on five occasions between 1997 and 2004, Helen Mort is an emerging poet. Her pamphlet, ‘The Shape of Every Box’ published in 2007 showcases her tender and intriguing work that’s filled with subtle yet memorable images. She received an Eric Gregory Award in 2007 and won the Manchester Young Writer Prize in 2008. Her latest pamphlet ‘A Pint for the Ghost’ has been selected as Poetry Book Society pamphlet choice for Spring 2010.

Inua Ellams is an acclaimed performance poet who will be bringing his new show ‘The 14th Tale’ to Latitude this year. ‘The 14th Tale’ shares stories of his upbringing, his schools, friends and family and of his move to Europe following a childhood in Nigeria as he awaits news in a hospital waiting room. Combining comic dialogue with poetry and prose, the autobiographical account encapsulates the trials of adolescence and depicts Ellams' life as a young, black male in London today.

Having been the recipient of a Foyle’s Young Poet of the Year Award Jay Bernard is a rising talent. Her first collection of poems entitled ‘Your Sign Is Cuckoo, Girl’ was selected as the Poetry Book Society‘s pamphlet choice for summer 2008 and she has read her work on various radio and television shows including ‘The Verb’ and ‘The Culture Show’. Don’t miss this poet on the rise.

Literary heavyweight Joe Dunthorne is no stranger to Latitude’s Poetry Arena and his hilarious comic prose has won him critical and commercial acclaim over the past few years. His debut novel, ‘Submarine’ won the Curtis Brown Prize and was shortlisted for the Bollinger Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction. His poetry has been published in various magazines, including Poetry Review, New Welsh Review and Magma, and he has written for The Independent and the Guardian.

John Osborne’s every day musings on life’s highs and lows make his poems funny and articulate. Influenced by Simon Armitage and Jon Hegley, he is a member of Aisle 16, the UK's most sought after poetry collective. Osborne has recently had his first book published - 'Radio Head', which is about British radio in the 21st century and includes interviews with Mark Radcliffe, Stuart Maconie and Nicholas Parsons.

Kate Tempest is a rapper, poet and playwright and has performed consistently and comprehensively since she began competing in battles at 16. Since then she has continued to develop her skills as a writer and a performer, and has made a name for herself in the UK hip hop, spoken word and live music scenes. Renowned for her passionate delivery and intelligent content, her work is influenced equally by a love of hip hop and a love of great literature; her heroes include William Blake and Gza from the Wu-Tang Clan. She has played with her band Sound of Rum all over London, from the Jazz Café to Brixton’s Jamm, as well as gigs in Bristol, Brighton and Liverpool.

A wide-ranging and versatile poet, writer, host, workshop leader and literary event organiser, Richard Tyrone Jones’ material ranges from the downright daft, through to the witheringly self-deprecating to the poignant and formal, always cut through by a strong vein of sardonic humour, a strident voice and a deft touch. He recently staged his own funeral, inviting friends and family to attend and present eulogies, organising a bamboo coffin, picking the music and being carried off to his own wake. Expect more bold leaps of imagination from this madcap poet.

Kriss Foster is a performer from Lancaster armed with an acoustic guitar and a leopard suit. His catalogue of catchy comedy songs has left audiences bemused, intrigued and consistently hysterical. Whether it's feral children, train stations, hammer attacks or fizzy Vimto, Kriss Foster has sung about it, he even has a song about Dale Winton.
He’s performed with Bear Suit, Misty's Big Adventure, Nizlopi and Arthur Smith.

A scouser who reached the rank of Major in the army before sacking it all off to become a photographer and poet, Martin Figura is an acclaimed master of words and visuals. He has had three collections of poetry published, ‘The Little Book of Harm’ (2000), ‘Ahem’ (2005) and ‘Whistle’ (2009) and is a member of the poetry group The Joy Of Six who have performed at festivals and happenings all over the world from New York to Norfolk.

Molly Naylor is a poet, puppeteer, scriptwriter and educator. Her poems have been featured on BBC Radio and she has performed at a variety of festivals and events in the UK and internationally. She is taking her new solo spoken word show ‘Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think Of You’ on a nationwide tour which, luckily for us, also includes the Poetry Arena at Latitude Festival.

Oxford graduate, lawyer, poet and football fanatic Musa Okwonga is an emerging literary genius who has won the Junior Bridport Prize for fiction in 1994, for poetry in 1995 and the WH Smith Young Writers competition in 1996. His recent book ‘A Cultured Left Foot’ is an insightful and amusing study into the finer points of the world’s favourite game. With testimony from across the world of football, from players to managers, pundits to some of the Greats themselves, Musa Okwonga isolates and discusses the key virtues that, when combined, create the perfect player.

Irish born poet, writer and promoter Niall O’Sullivan, with his original voice and a keen eye for comic irony, has become a 20th Century poetry bestseller with his collections ‘You’re Not Singing Anymore’ and ‘Ventriloquism for Monkeys’. Niall is probably best known to many Londoners as the current host of Poetry Unplugged, London’s biggest weekly open mic at Covent Garden’s Poetry Cafe.

Paul Lyalls is a funny, fast-moving, hip, accessible, rhythmic and clever poet who has performed at the new Wembley Stadium. He has run hundreds of workshops in primary and secondary schools, youth projects and prisons as well as having performed at 10 Edinburgh Festivals and many other prestigious venues in cities such as New York to Belfast.

The Dead Poets Poetry Band breathes new life into the words of dead poets through original, melodic composition, often sung in three-part harmony, always performed with an ear toward exposing something in the poetry that you may not have heard before. And if you've never heard The Dead Poets in performance, you're in for a treat. They’ve done Wordsworth's ‘Daffodils’ as a doo-wop a cappella; Plath's ‘Mirro’r as a polka, Wilcox's ‘Solitude’ as a bossa nova, and Longfellow's ‘Snow-Flakes’ as a haunting ballad. Poetry as you’ve never experienced before – this is a must see.

El Crisis’ style of poetry and performance is truly unique. He combines an hypnotic mixture of rap, spoken word, song and chant, speaking from a height, the knowledge of an ancient wisdom and a spiritual connection with his ancestors that can be felt among his audiences. Rapping, singing, chanting and reciting spoken word poetry Crisis relates to his experiences and stories with a street style philosophy of the world and society today. Combined with an angelic voice of staggering range and depth, Crisis’ performances are enlightening, extraordinary and unforgettable.

A regular on the poetry circuit, Joel Stickley is an acclaimed writer and performer. He has appeared all over UK radio and television as well as at a clutch of festivals and is the co-author of the book ‘Who Writes This Crap?’ with Luke Wright which the Guardian described as “an inspired piece of parody.” He blogs at How To Write Badly Well (”A must-read” – Metro.co.uk) and teaches the Advanced Creative Writing course at the Open University.

Joshua Idehen is a lively and mercurial poet, founder of the highly acclaimed poetry group A Poem Between People and leader of ‘fro-funk band Benin City - a new project inspired by a wide range of folk artists such as Grizzly Bear, Jono McCleery and My Brightest Diamond. With a more intimate sound and subject matter, think Rufus Wainwright meets Roots Manuva and you’re on the right track. He has performed his spoken word at many prestigious events such as Onetaste, Poetry N Motion, The Cellar, Shortfuse and the John Betjeman Festival in Cornwall, to name a few, and will this year add Latitude to that list.

Poet, performer, enemy of all that’s difficult and upsetting, Matt Harvey is a veteran of the poetry circuit performing his hilarious yet tender and truthful poetry up and down the country at festivals, cabarets, conferences and colleges. A regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live he has also written the Desktop Poetry slot in the Guardian for the past two years. He is also the creator of Empath Man – a contemporary superhero with advanced listening skills and the ability to stay open and vulnerable in a tight situation – and who recently had a mini-series on Radio 4. “Very funny, very satirical” The Times.

Aisle16 co-founder Ross Sutherland will be bringing his quick-wit and free-wheeling lyricism to the Poetry Arena. Included in The Times' list of Top Ten Literary Stars in 2008, Ross has co-written eight live literature productions, including the critically acclaimed Poetry Boyband (Time Out Critic’s Choice of the Year 2005). Last year he had four productions touring throughout the year: ‘Found in Translation’, ‘Infinite Lives’, ‘The Dead That Never Lived’ and ‘The Shallowing Shovel’. He also found time to publish his debut solo collection, ‘Things To Do Before You Leave Town’ to critical acclaim.

Steve Larkin is a rare talent. He is best described as a poet though he is invariably described as a comedian or a rapper. A lively and energetic performer who has to be experienced live to fully appreciate his extraordinary ability of expressing political and philosophical concepts or opinions, whilst being hugely entertaining. He has been described as: “Leeds’ hybrid answer to Spike Millighan and Eminem…” by Vanguard-Online and as “a poet-philosopher disguised as club entertainer. Lacing profundity with profanities, deep tracks with cheap gags." Jim Thomas (The Ecologist)

Fellow Aisle16 member, Tim Clare is a writer, stand-up poet and musician. His filthy hyperkinetic doggerel continues to baffle and appal audiences all over the UK. His autobiographical book about thwarted ambition and growing up, ‘We Can’t All Be Astronauts’, came out last year to much acclaim with The Bookseller rating him as "A fantastic writer—his prose contains both the bumbling charm of Jon Ronson and the splenetic bile of Charlie Brooker."

Ex-lumberjack turned poetic genius Tim Turnbull has wowed audiences around the country. Turnbull has received critical praise with the release of his collection called ‘Caligula on Ice and other poems’ - a unique theatrical experience that blends sublimely crafted poetry, caustic comedy, a ghost story, a skewed take on the folk song, a raucous music hall turn, parody, pastiche and bitingly accurate satire. He also released the fantastic Extended Play Pop Compact Disc, “A-side, B-side, Seaside” with Scarborough absurdists Mormonhead.

This extensive list of poets that are already confirmed to read in the Poetry Arena are Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Blake Morrison, Luke Wright, Spoken Word All Stars, WordTheatre with David Soul and Amber Tamblyn and Jacob Polley.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, over Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas festival goers can enjoy Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend headlining the Obelisk Arena, as well as performances by Empire Of The Sun, The National, The xx, Grizzly Bear, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela, James, Richard Hawley, The Horrors and Jónsi. The Sunrise Arena will showcase a wealth of musical talent from both emerging and established bands such as Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez with many more acts still to be announced, Latitude will provide the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A place like no other; Latitude Festival is an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend ticket prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only
Credit Card line: 0871 2310846

Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400
info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude festival music additions - Temper Trap, James, Spoon, Frank Turner...

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:42:00 +0000

26th March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
~ THE TEMPER TRAP ~ JAMES ~ SPOON ~ MIDLAKE ~
~ DIRTY PROJECTORS ~ FRANK TURNER

THE WORD ARENA
~ WILD BEASTS ~ NOAH AND THE WHALE ~ YEASAYER ~ CHIEF ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ DARWIN DEEZ ~ ARCHIE BRONSON OUTFIT ~ LUPEN CROOK ~ ACTIVE CHILD ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend, Latitude stands alone as a truly inspiring and pioneering festival with a line-up like no other. With four differing arenas devoted to showcasing a diverse selection of music, Latitude provides something for everybody – no matter what your tastes or desires. Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend are all headlining the Obelisk Arena and with a wealth of musical talent from both emerging and established bands and acts still to be announced, Latitude is once again the place to be this summer.

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

The Obelisk Arena is the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances and with a line up that boasts some superb acts including Empire of the Sun, The Maccabees and Rodrigo y Gabriela as well as the stunning headliners, the following acts are a welcome addition to an already exciting line-up:

If you were to run off a list of the musical success stories of last year then The Temper Trap would certainly be one of them. Their song ‘Sweet Disposition’ has been used on many commercials and hit TV series Skins seeing them turn into household names with many sold out shows under their belt. The band’s summery sounds will be the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon in front of the Obelisk Arena.

Indie forefathers and Manchester legends James are coming to Latitude this year. With a career spanning three decades, they have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity recently with sold out worldwide tours and frontman Tim Booth back in the line-up. With a back catalogue that includes such classic anthems as ‘Laid’, ‘Sit Down’, Born Of Frustration’, ‘Come Home’, She’s A Star’ plus many more, their set will be a veritable sing-a-long.

Texan indie rock outfit Spoon will make their first Latitude appearance this year on the Obelisk Arena. Their continuous musical output dating back to 1996 coupled with their ability to stay true to what they believe in has earned them a cult following. Both 2005's 'Gimme Fiction' and 2007's 'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga' earned them the No. 1 spot in the US Independent Album Chart.

Comprised of four former jazz students, Midlake’s early material, ‘Milkmaid Grand Army’ EP and debut album ‘Bamnan and Slivercork’, relied on warped analogue synths. Their excellent follow-up ‘The Trials Of Van Occupanther’ saw a greater sweep of classic rock textures and moods which leads us to this year’s ‘The Courage of Others’. This Top 20 album is downtempo, grizzled and rustic. Their outlook has been entrenched in maudlin beauty; perfect aural accompaniment for lounging around at Latitude.

Brooklyn-based Dirty Projectors will make their Latitude debut on the Obelisk Arena in July. The experimental rock band led by Dave Longstreth began in 2002 with the release of Longstreth's first album, ‘The Graceful Fallen Mango’ before later creating the moniker Dirty Projectors.

Frank Turner’s meteoric rise in success shows no signs of waning. Last year he played a host of festivals, embarked on a sold out tour of the UK and saw single ‘The Road’ playlisted on Radio 1 and XFM. Currently touring new album ‘Poetry of the Deed’ at further sold out shows all over the UK, his appearance at Latitude festival’s Obelisk Arena will prove the perfect opportunity to catch him before he goes on to headline London’s Brixton Academy later in the year.

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

Under the large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. With The National ,The xx and Grizzly Bear all headlining as well as performances from Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Horrors also confirmed, you’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum at The Word Arena.

This year Latitude is excited to welcome back Wild Beasts to Suffolk's Sunrise Coast. Thoroughly unique and addictively off-kilter, they have somehow turned theatrical falsettos and baritones into engaging musical devices in themselves. The quartet have released two critically acclaimed albums (‘Limbo, Panto’ and ‘Two Dancers’) to their name and have been "tipped for the top” by the NME. Make sure you catch Kendal's finest export since the town’s Mint Cake as they are bound to deliver a pretty sweet performance. Expect an incredible performance from one of the UK’s best and most innovative young guitar bands.

As main players in the current folk revolution, Noah And The Whale have been wowing audiences up and down the country with their catchy melodic indie/folk. Since their debut album ‘Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down’ stormed the Top Ten Album Chart in 2008 the band have enjoyed huge successes both on UK soil and around the world. Having further cemented their hold on the mainstream with follow-up album ‘The First Days of Spring’ last year, Noah And The Whale will be delighting audiences with their odes of perfectly crafted lovelorn songs in The Word Arena this summer.

Brooklyn based afro-pop sensation Yeasayer come to Latitude this year. Having successfully rippled the waters with their 2007 debut ‘All Hour Cymbals’ - especially storming psychedelic-laced track ‘2080’ - their warped and celebratory follow up ‘Odd Blood’ has led to strong critical reception and sell out shows. The likes of ‘O.N.E.’ and ‘Ambling Alp’ are already consistent floor-fillers at indie clubs throughout the country, and it won't be long before the infection reaches Henham Park's audience.

Chief are set to bring their shimmery indie anthems to The Word Arena at Latitude this summer. Although from Santa Monica the band’s sound has an air of British-ness about it harking back to the classic pop sensibilities of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Make sure you catch this quartet’s early appearance before they rise to the top.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy, it is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to be at the start of something very special.

Having just been added to the NME Radar tour in April and with new single ‘Radar Detector’ currently all over the radio, Darwin Deez are a band everyone is talking about. Darwin will be bringing his infectious radio-friendly indie band/impromptu dance to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena. With this arena firmly established as a launch pad for new talent playing host to The Joy Formidable, Passion Pit and Little Boots in previous years it looks like Darwin Deez could also be heading skyward!

Archie Bronson Outfit’s story is somewhat magical with the band being discovered by the boss of Domino Records playing in his local pub. Fast-forward seven years and the band have released three albums through the label with second album 'Derdang Derdang' being voted fifth best album of 2006 by Mojo magazine. Make sure you catch Archie Bronson Outfit at Latitude where they will be offering the fruits from their latest album ‘Coconut’.

Singer/song writer Lupen Crook already has three critically acclaimed albums to his name in four short years. His latest, ‘The Pros and Cons of Eating Out’ shows a willingness to explore both himself and his relationship with the world around him coupled with an ability to communicate those experiences in a direct and lyrical way. Catch Crook and his band of long-term collaborators in Latitude's stunning Sunrise Arena.

Up and coming act Active Child (aka Pat Grossi) will be bringing his atmospheric and haunting melodies to the Sunrise Arena this summer. Active Child recently released his debut single 'She Was A Vision' through Filter Recordings in the US and we are sure it won't be long before he is making strides this side of the pond.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre and Royal Opera House to name but a few, plus a wealth of cabaret, film, DJ’s, workshops and late night parties found throughout the site. It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Latitude festival music additions - Richard Hawley & Jónsi

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:31:00 +0000

19th March 2010
MUSIC ADDITIONS
THE WORD ARENA

~ Richard Hawley ~

~ Jónsi ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret together for one glorious weekend and once again, it has created a line-up like no other. Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend are all headlining the Obelisk Arena with performances by Empire Of The Sun, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriela also confirmed. And with a wealth of diverse musical talent from both emerging and established bands and acts still to be announced, Latitude’s four dedicated music arenas will provide the perfect soundtrack to the weekend’s festivities

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

With The National (Friday), The xx (Saturday) and Grizzly Bear (Sunday) announced as headliners for the weekend, and Charlotte Gainsbourg and The Horrors also confirmed, The Word Arena will once again boast an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum within The Word Arena.

Joining the headliners on Friday is Sheffield’s favourite lovelorn crooner Richard Hawley. The delicate and impassioned strains found on his recent sixth album ‘Truelove’s Gutter’, with lithe string and gently imparted guitars, continue where the Mercury Music Prize nominated ‘Cole’s Corner’ and Top 10 gracing ‘Lady’s Bridge’ left off. As the title suggests, this darker foray into Hawley’s personal style is poignant and devastating, yet clearly hit a chord with the public as it hit the UK Top20 upon its release last year. The former Longpigs and Pulp member has also worked with some of our finest indie heroes from Arctic Monkeys to Elbow further cementing his influence and popularity with peers and fans alike. As his songs sail upon the air across the hills of Suffolk, it will be a difficult task attempting to find somewhere as relaxing and romantic anywhere else on the site while he commands The Word Arena.

As the incandescent voice and heart behind Icelandic orchestral post-rock band Sigur Rós, Jónsi Birgisson has already made a significant impact on Latitude’s history with the band’s incendiary headline performance in 2008. Jónsi returns to Henham Park this time as a solo artist. The follow up to last year's critically successful album ‘Riceboy Sleeps’ with partner and artist Alex Somers, ‘Go’ continues the acoustic and stringed arrangements of his first solo album with similar sparse, subtle and ultimately beautiful effect. Jónsi will have the audience falling at his feet in The Word Arena on Sunday night.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Wendy Cope, John Cooper Clarke, Bret Easton Ellis and Arthur Smith; top comics Emo Philips, Ardal O’Hanlon, Rich Hall and Tommy Tiernan; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Royal Shakespeare Company, Bush Theatre and Royal Opera House to name but a few plus a wealth of cabaret, film, DJs, workshops and late night parties found throughout the site. It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee

Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee

Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping

Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846

Online: www.festivalrepublic.com • www.seetickets.com • www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For further Press info contact: 020-7792-9400

Straight Lines - Announce SXSW Festival appearances alongside Melissa Auf de Maur, Motorhead & Twin Atlantic

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:12:00 +0000

- Tom Jenkins (Vocals/Guitar) - Dane Campbell (Drums/Backing Vocals) - James Pugh (Guitar) - Todd Campbell (Bass/Backing Vocals) -

Welsh quartet Straight Lines can now confirm their plans for the SXSW festival in Texas that will see them perform alongside Melissa Auf de Maur, Twin Atlantic and recent touring comrades Motorhead. The band will be performing at the following shows:

17th MARCH – AUSTIN MUSIC HALL – with Voivoid, Melissa Auf de Maur and Motorhead (onstage 7.15pm)
18th MARCH – LATITUDE (off 6th Street) – Welsh Day Party– with Cate Le Bon, Sweet Baboo (onstage 3pm- 6pm)
18th MARCH – OPAL DIVINE'S 700 West 6th Street – SXSW SHOWCASE with Fall of Troy and Twin Atlantic (onstage 12midnight)

Straight Lines have just completed a hugely successful 2-month tour of the UK in support of their incredible debut album ‘Persistence In This Game’. Their debut single ‘Runaway Now’ released in support of the tour, gathered plays on XFM's Rock Show and X-Posure, Kerrang! Radio, BBC Radio 1 and scored the band a BBC Introducing Session at the legendary Maida Vale studios.

Once back in the UK, Straight Lines will support The Automatic at the Relentless Garage, London on 30th March.

‘Persistence In This Game’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, The Xcerts, Reuben…). Here’s what the press had to say:
"Sure to follow in their friends' footsteps, Straight Lines are heading straight up." - 4/5 Big Cheese
“...passion bleeds from the speakers from the word go; from the machine gun riffery of opener Versus The Allegiance, to mature ballad Set Me On Fire. It's accomplished stuff...” – 3/5 Kerrang!
“Runaway Now' and 'Say It For Your Sake' will smash into your memory within seconds, while the aggressive riffs will carry the package into your heart.” - 8/10 Rocksound

www.myspace.com/straightlines
www.xtramilerecordings.com
www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com – 020 7792 9400

Latitude 2010 - Line-up announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Celebrating its fifth year, Latitude continues to lead the way as a bold and pioneering festival cherry-picking the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret and bringing them together for one glorious weekend. It is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Building on its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season, 2010 promises to be an inspirational and entertaining, sophisticated and scintillating weekend. Day and night, Latitude will boast an eclectic array of acts spread throughout the site with all manner of unexpected pleasures hidden around every corner. With over 700 performers to be announced over the coming months and a wealth of other weird and wonderful delights to be discovered – it is shaping up to be another spectacular slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure.

Festival Republic Managing Director, Melvin Benn says:

“Five glorious years on and Latitude Festival continues to be everything I wanted it to be. The breadth and calibre of programming across the arts and music consistently astounds me and I am delighted that Latitude has earned its place as a festival of choice for many. With an incredible wealth of talent joining us at Henham Park year on year, Latitude holds its unique position in the festival season.
It is indeed a very special weekend.”

~ MUSIC ARENAS ~

Showcasing a wealth of diverse musical talent, Latitude’s four dedicated arenas provide a unique and perfect soundtrack to the weekend’s festivities. Across the Obelisk, The Word and Sunrise Arenas and the Lake Stage, the very best in both emerging and established bands and performers will play throughout the weekend. In the past Latitude has seen such spellbinding performances from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Tindersticks, Sigur Rόs, Arcade Fire, Blondie, Amadou & Mariam, dEUS, Glasvegas and has helped propel up and coming acts like The xx and Marina & The Diamonds into the spotlight. Across the four arenas, audiences can expect everything from rock to pop, indie to folk, electro to dance and world to jazz – whatever your taste, Latitude has it all.

Jon Dunn, Music Arenas Booker says:

“Year five…The first four Latitude festivals have left me with many highlights..Antony & Johnsons, Patti Smith, Arcade Fire, The Rapture, The Mars Volta, Blondie, Foals, White Lies, Thom Yorke, Joanna Newsom and Sigur Ros…..
I’m excited and honoured that such acts as Florence and the Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend will be headlining our main stage, meanwhile I feel that in The Word Arena we have the real essence of Latitude in The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear, acts that carve out their own niche and journey and who are taken on the brilliance of their music..”

~ OBELISK ARENA ~

~ Florence + The Machine ~ Belle and Sebastian ~ Vampire Weekend ~
~ Empire of the Sun ~ The Maccabees ~ Rodrigo y Gabriela ~

The Obelisk Arena has been the focal point for many of Latitude’s most memorable performances. Thom Yorke’s mesmerising Sunday noon set, Grace Jones’ blazingly colourful headlining slot, Regina Spektor’s whimsical elegance and Doves’ epic street-swept triumph are all highlights from last year’s main stage line-up. Once more you’ll be watching this year’s exceptional cast assembled under the sun or the stars, which lends to the natural ambience so many have come to expect from Latitude.

This year – Latitude’s music headliners are:

Florence + The Machine, led by flame haired songstress Florence Welch, had an incredible 2009. Beginning with winning the Critics’ Choice award at the Brits, Florence won the coveted South Bank Award, graced NME covers and was a constant visible presence throughout the year at festivals and other award ceremonies. Her stunning debut album ‘Lungs’ released in June last year was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and has since won another Brit for Best British Album. ‘Lungs’ reached Number 1 in January this year, having been in the Top 40 since its release. On a heady wave of popularity that shows no sign of stopping, her effortless rise sees her top the bill on Friday night at Latitude 2010 – in what will be Florence and her mighty Machine’s very first festival headline performance. With her potent, soaring anthems and confident stagecraft, Florence will light up the Obelisk Arena.

With barely contained excitement, it’s a pleasure to announce the end of these legendary Scottish heroes’ hiatus. Belle and Sebastian haven’t played live together since September 2006 and it’s been a long four years without them. The quirky and humorous songwriting of this indie collective is widely celebrated and the band is highly revered by their fervent fanbase. They were voted Scotland’s greatest ever band via a poll by The List magazine back in 2005, assuring their beyond-cult status. With a brand new album, the follow up to 2006’s ‘The Life Pursuit’, soon to arrive, 2010 is bound to be a big year for Stuart Murdoch and co. It’s sure to be topped off, no doubt, by their Saturday night headline slot - one of Latitude’s most highly anticipated performances so far.

Literate New York quartet Vampire Weekend have exceeded all expectations with the release of their second album ‘Contra’, in January. It did the unthinkable and reached the top of the US Billboard Chart, a phenomenal success, coming only four years since their inception. Their afro-beat inspired tropical jangle, synonymous with a new breed of intelligent collegiate pop, has now reached mainstream success. With two inspired pop records under their belt plus a reputation for scintillating live shows, Vampire Weekend have earned their headline slot and we are proud to announce them as Latitude’s Sunday bill topper.

Luke Steele’s electronic synth-pop outfit Empire of the Sun has been embraced by a wide range of fans, young and old, with its timeless and infectious feel. Taking time away from his usual day job, The Sleepy Jackson, Luke has crafted a debut album of futuristic carnival ditties with elegantly crafted melodies and warped keyboard soundscapes. Empire of the Sun’s slot on the Friday night is sure to entice and enrapture with selections from their debut, Walking on a Dream.

Brighton’s finest The Maccabees join the Obelisk Arena’s line up for Saturday night. This indie-rock five-piece have gone from strength to strength in the three years since their debut album ‘Colour It In’ hit the Top 40 charts. Their youthful and vibrant music has won them a legion of fans and their recent second album ‘Wall of Sound’ released last year earned them critical acclaim from Steve Lamacq, Zane Lowe and NME.

The spellbinding musical brilliance of Rodrigo y Gabriela comes to Latitude Festival, to play the Obelisk Arena on Sunday night. Specialising in fast, rhythmic acoustic guitars, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero are masters of fret-board wizardry straddling both world and rock with obvious Hispanic influences. Passionate yet melodic, the fire in their playing comes from their life-long love of metal music and they often cover Metallica and Led Zeppelin in their live performances. Gaining a burgeoning cult following since their inception in 2001 their recent album ’11:11’ has pushed them further into the mainstream prompting appearances on American TV and Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. Their performance at Latitude will be an absolute must!

~ THE WORD ARENA ~

~ The National ~ The xx ~ Grizzly Bear ~
~ Charlotte Gainsbourg ~ The Horrors ~

Inside the deceptively large canopy that comprises The Word Arena will be an amazing set of alternative artists crossing genre boundaries seamlessly. You’ll discover a host of fresh and exciting acts from across the spectrum. Last year included the lavish melodies of Bat For Lashes, a wall of light and sound created by the incredible Spiritualized, the spiky post-punk thrash of Magazine and the tribal drum passion of husband and wife duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums. The Word Arena is bound to satiate both the esoteric music fan and the casual passer-by as they enjoy these introductions to their new favourite sounds.

Latitude is proud to welcome Brooklyn-based indie rock outfit The National to The Word Arena. The Friday night headliners’ unmistakable sound coupled with lead singer Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone vocal and a career now spanning over a decade will make this a must-see performance. With a new record to be released in May you can expect the band to have reached even greater heights when this headline performance comes to pass.

The xx have to be one of the success stories of Latitude’s short but prominent history. The Wandsworth three-piece performed an early afternoon set on The Lake Stage in 2009 and this year sees their return headlining The Word Arena on Saturday night. With the band’s debut album ‘xx’ only arriving in August of last year NME has already placed the record at #2 on their ‘50 Best Albums of 2009’ with Rolling Stone also placing it at #9 in their ‘Best of the Year’ list in 2009. Catch one of the fastest rising acts of the moment at The Word Arena.

Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear are set to bring their psychedelic folk/pop to Latitude closing The Word Arena on Sunday night. The headliners will be showcasing old favourites and material from 2009’s critically acclaimed ‘Veckatimest’ album which has brought the band mainstream success with its accessible pop overtones reaching a Top Ten position on the US Billboard 200 chart. Their ambitious, symphonic pop will be the perfect way to bring Latitude 2010’s Word Arena to a triumphant close.

The velvety vocals of French actress and singer-songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg will be soothing Latitude’s crowds with songs straight from her recent critically-acclaimed release IRM. As part of her very first tour, this performance will be exceptionally special as she brings her European chic and unshakable melodies drawn from renowned US songwriter Beck. Gainsbourg has also recently starred in the controversial and vivid Lars Von Trier masterpiece Antichrist.

Originating from Southend-on-Sea, black-clad quintet The Horrors formed in the summer of 2005 and quickly gained notoriety around London for their look, sound, and brief but frantic live shows. They released their debut album Strange House in 2007, reaching number 37 on the UK Albums Chart, and not long after that a world tour followed. Their second album Primary Colours was released in 2009 and saw the band opt for a very different sound, mixing shoegaze, post-punk, and goth. The album reached number 25 in the UK album chart and was nominated for the 2009 Mercury Prize. NME later gave the album first place in the 50 Best Albums of 2009.

~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

A deliciously unexpected treat waits within the fragrant woods on the other side of the lake. The Sunrise Arena, situated along the nature trail spattered with flourishes of art and decadent spirit, is host to a splendid foray of new acts. Some of them will have been on the hushed lips of dedicated gem hunters for a while and others will be on the rise already, about to break for all to enjoy. With the likes of Band of Skulls, First Aid Kit and Local Natives rising steadily after last year’s appearances, The Sunrise Arena is the place to discover tomorrow’s stars today. This year will see plenty of tasty morsels for those who like to be at the start of something very special.

~ LAKE STAGE ~
curated by Huw Stephens

A few metres away from the crystal waters of Latitude’s central landscape feature, The Lake Stage provides tantalisingly early glimpses of Huw Stephens’ freshest tips. Latitude audiences are treated to a full parade of diverse and exhilarating bands about to be splashed across magazines up and down the country. Last year, critics’ favourites such as Golden Silvers, Bombay Bicycle Club and Pulled Apart By Horses have since enjoyed mainstream successes, proving Latitude is the perfect place to catch such rising stars. Take the opportunity to absorb the sounds of next year in the surrounds of Latitude’s exquisite Lake Stage.

~ ARTS ARENAS ~

With the arts very much at its core, Latitude Festival brings every fraction of the arts together in one place, providing the ideal environment to discover new passions and explore things that you may have never encountered before. Ground-breaking, exciting and inspiring actors, writers, poets, authors, DJs, comics, dancers, choreographers, film-makers and visual artists will all be performing across the dedicated arts arenas and throughout the festival site. With an unrivalled programme running from Thursday evening to Sunday night, Latitude’s arts arenas will keep you enthused and entertained all weekend long and beyond.

Tania Harrison ~ Programmer of the Arts Arenas says:

“Booking the arts stages for Latitude is an incredible experience and my head is spinning with the huge talent, possibilities and ideas that will shape each arena. Latitude has far exceeded any of my dreams and it's such an honour to book the highest calibre of comics, film directors, writers, poets and artists and to work with some of the country's leading arts organisations including The Opera Group & London Sinfonietta, BAFTA, The Bush and Royal Shakespeare Company. This year we have extended our imagination into The Faraway Forest and the Royal Opera House will be staging a very special show deep in the heart of it. I am very excited too about the Masked Ball and a Bacchanalian party that we have planned there, plus I have quite a few more surprises that I'm working on for the arts arenas. I think this year Latitude will be a bit more devilishly decadent so prepare to unleash your wild side!”

~ COMEDY at LATITUDE ~

~ Emo Philips ~ Ardal O’Hanlon ~ Rich Hall ~ Tommy Tiernan ~
~ Marcus Brigstocke: Early Edition with Andre Vincent and Guests ~
~ Arthur Smith ~ Richard Herring ~ Russell Kane ~ Holly Walsh ~
~ Sara Pascoe ~ Seann Walsh ~ Kevin Bridges ~ Charlie Baker ~
~ Doc Brown ~ Mark Olver ~ Joe Bor ~
~ Robin Ince’s Book Club ~ Adam Buxton: BUG ~ Popcorn Comedy ~
~ Rich Fulcher ~ Laura Solon~ Jonny Sweet ~
~ Pappy’s ~ Idiots of Ants ~ Cardinal Burns ~ Golden Lizard ~

Latitude has earned a fierce reputation for presenting the searingly sharp edge of comedy and this year Latitude will not disappoint with an incredible wealth of talent throughout the bill. One of the festival’s most enduring and prestigious fixtures, the Comedy Arena, sees a huge and varied bill of comic splendour. Vastly lauded by all who spend time within its bosom, you’re likely to have to hold back some energy in preparation as you’ll be expelling it in laughter and mirth for the duration of your visit. But don’t be mistaken, comedy magic will be sprinkled all throughout the programme in the Cabaret, Literary and Film & Music Arenas to name a few, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. Taking in the finest names on the stand-up comedy roster as well as emerging acts on the cusp of widespread success, there are sure to be many unmissable moments this year.

With his unique take on the personality of the comic, the falsetto fantasist Emo Philips is a massive coup for the comedy bill at Latitude this year. Latitude regulars will be ecstatic when they discover this hugely popular and sought-after comic is bringing his show to Latitude’s Comedy Arena this summer for his first UK appearance for several years. Emo has over 6,000 live performances across the English speaking world under his belt. His inventive delivery and punchline trickery he is a maverick who puts ease into unease. Described by Jay Leno as ‘the best joke writer in America’ this is a rare chance to see the phenomenon that is Emo Philips this side of the pond. (Comedy Arena)

Bursting into the hearts and minds of the nation as the profoundly clueless Father Dougal in nineties hit TV series Father Ted, Ardal O’Hanlon has continued to make crowds and audiences laugh with sold out stand-up performances and a varied TV acting career. His stand-up routine showcases his trademark bewildered look at the world around him and exasperation as a husband and father, all delivered with a grumpy charm that will have you rolling in the aisles. (Comedy Arena)

Sketch and panel show regular, playwright, actor and stand-up comedian Rich Hall has long been coaxing laughter from his spouting of undeniable truths. Whether it’s the generic work of Tom Cruise or the civility of Londoners compared to American citizens, Rich Hall’s acerbic and direct humour sails over boundaries and all without a hint of a smile from the man himself. The former Saturday Night Live writer/performer has previously won the 2000 Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe as his uncle alter ego Otis Lee Crenshaw and is the most regular victor of all the visiting panellists on BBC 2’s QI show. He’s also been described as an inspiration for The Simpsons character Moe Szyslak. (Comedy Arena)

Multi Award Winning Irish Superstar Comic Tommy Tiernan is a huge addition to Latitude’s comedy bill. A fearless force of energy, Tiernan is inspiring and one of the few comics to take his audience on a genuine emotional journey elevating the soul through rich, honest laughs, Tiernan has an instinctive way of crafting words to bring his anecdotes to vivid life and make the jokes truly resonate. Performances are high intensity, high octane, a no holds barred roller coaster ride as Tommy continues his constant interrogation of the big ideas - Sex, Religion, Family through the lens of his quirks, personal demons and sense of outrage. (Comedy Arena)

A festival favourite Marcus Brigstocke brings his Early Edition to Latitude with Andre Vincent and other special guests. Dissecting the daily newspapers with sharp political wit the show interviews politicians, campaigners, pundits and experts with a satirical and honest look at the world’s current affairs. A Latitude regular, Brigstocke has emerged over the last five years as a major comedy, writing and broadcasting talent appearing on countless TV and radio shows including debate show ‘Argumental’ and his hit Radio 4 programme ‘I’ve Never Seen Star Wars’ which has now transferred to TV. (Comedy Arena)

“My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax” has been Arthur Smith's opening line at hundreds of his legendary stand-up comedy performances and provides the title of his hilarious new autobiography ‘An Evening with Daphne Fairfax’. He reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a roadsweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. As he guides us through his eventful memoirs, expect tales of turning down a Perrier Lifetime Achievement Award and losing a bet to writer Tony Hawks which resulted in him having to sing the Moldovan National Anthem naked on Balham High Road. A life less ordinary will make for an excellent storytime listen.
(Literary Arena)

Lauded comic and writer Richard Herring has been described by the British Theatre Guide as "one of the leading hidden masters of modern British comedy.” He has written and performed in a host of live one-man comedy shows including the acclaimed Talking Cock and the resulting book of the same name. He has also enjoyed a recent collaboration with Andrew Collins, initially on the radio comedy series Banter, on Collins' BBC 6 Music show and the well-received Collins and Herring Podcast. His most recent stand-up show, Hitler Moustache, received universal critical approval selling out for the entire Edinburgh Festival in 2009. (Comedy Arena)

Described as “one of the finest young performers around” by Time Out and an “inspiring and brilliant stand-up…perfect” by Chortle, Russell Kane is a rising comic star. In the past four years he has been nominated for the If.Comedy Awards (formerly the Perrier) three times, performed his hour-long Fakespeare play ‘The Lamentable Tragedies of Yates’s Wine Lodge’ at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and performed at the Apollo Theatre for the BBC’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ show. He is currently in a new Fakespeare play as well as touring a new stand-up show called ‘Human Dressage’. (Comedy Arena)

The winner of the Chortle Awards’ 2008 Best Newcomer, Holly Walsh has managed to keep herself busy since joining the comedy circuit full time. With her irreverent but topical humour combined with her sardonic delivery, she’s been a perfect fit on shows like Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats. With popular short comic ‘opinion’ videos on issues like the smoking ban, the credit crunch and her excellent short-lived attempt at becoming a hand model, her no nonsense, dry style is sure to keep the crowd entertained. (Comedy Arena)

Latitude is very proud to showcase the best of the established comedy talent whilst championing the hottest aspiring comic stars on the circuit. The first of these to be confirmed for the festival are: Sara Pascoe - named as one of Time Out’s Rising Stars of Comedy 2008, Sara has appeared in numerous shows such as Free Agents, The Thick of It and Being Human, and is described as “a cocky-cum-quizzical comic that resembles Russell Brand minus the libido" by the Evening Standard; Seann Walsh who delivers observational comedy with an affable charisma and charm; Glaswegian stand-up Kevin Bridges who, at 22, has already been nominated for the Breakthrough Act at the 2010 Chortle Awards; Charlie Baker and his Cornish comic timing spliced with his very accomplished jazz croon and Doc Brown, the younger brother of author Zadie Smith, whose eloquent, personal rapping style earned him third place in the English Comedian of the Year Award 2009. (Comedy Arena)

Bristolian Mark Olver has been a constant fixture on the TV warm up and comedy circuit in the last decade. His most recent Edinburgh show ‘Ramble On’ was based around a 500 mile walk from Bristol to the Scottish capital illustrated hilariously with road signs, maps and inspirational quotes from friends and families. Audience participation at his shows, whether willing or otherwise, is compulsory - positively encouraging heckling and friendly banter. His warm up for the massively successful ITV show Deal or No Deal have honed a rapier wit and shaped an interesting comic worthy of checking out. (Comedy Arena)

Joe Bor is an energetic observational character comedian, whose act consists of anecdotes from working in a school to his impressions of rugby players. He has acted in many short films for the BBC and written for TV and theatre including Newsrevue (Canal Cafe), The Comedy Business (Paramount Comedy) and Animus (Paramount Comedy). He has been the winner of Comedy Store Gong Show, Comedy Cafe New Act Night and Jewish Comedy Factor Award in 2007. "Hugely talented character comic, very funny and memorably charismatic." The Scotsman (Comedy Arena)

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis. (Literary Arena)

Feast your eyes – and, of course, your ears – as comedian, writer, video director and general music video enthusiast, Adam Buxton brings a special edition of BUG to Latitude’s Film & Music Arena. BUG promises to bring you a programme of the weird, the wonderful and the truly great music videos from around the world this year. This special edition of BUG promises more outstanding clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam. (Film & Music Arena)

Popcorn Comedy is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz, Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. The Film & Music Arena is the perfect rostrum for you to enjoy this creative revolution and laugh until you fall over. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critics’ Choice’ and has been featured on the BBC’s Culture Show. (Film & Music Arena)

Comedian Rich Fulcher – famed for his Boosh characters Bob Fossil, Kodiak Jack and cheesehead Tommy Nooka and co-star of the cult sketch show Snuff Box - will be bringing one ‘woman’ show, ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore [USA]’ to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. Self-professed rock and roll ‘tour whore’ who recently appeared as Howard’s lover in The Mighty Boosh, Eleanor has lived a life most people scream about. Now the woman who claimed to make Neil ‘young’ and put the ‘wood’ in Woodstock – tells all through poetry, song, dance and confessional monologues that have been known to leave the audience feeling freshly molested. Prepare to get a pounding like you’re yesterday’s beef! (Cabaret Arena)

Having found her feet in character comedy, after being only the second solo female to win the Perrier Comedy Award (2005), Laura Solon will bring her acute observations and killer one-liners to the green fields of Suffolk. In the past she’s worked with comic TV stars Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield and most recently worked with Al Murray on Multiple Personality Disorder. (Cabaret Arena)

Jonny Sweet is a talented actor who won the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for his show ‘Mostly About Arthur’ (directed by Stefan Golaszewski), which Nica Burns of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards described as: "a delicious hour of character comedy...unexpected, highly original, very funny. Watch out for him." He also appeared in Tom Basden's new play ‘Party’ at the Edinburgh Festival which won a Fringe First award. He recently appeared as a young David Cameron in ‘When Boris Met Dave’ which recently aired on More 4. (Comedy Arena)

"The funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe" (The Scotsman) Pappy’s will be providing the madcap fun in the Literary Arena. Pappy's is a comedy team made up of trio Ben, Matthew and Tom - a tour de force of fun and laughter. Formerly a four piece, Pappy’s have steadily risen to fame since 2007 receiving nominations for Chortle's Best Newcomer and for the If.Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Festival. Their third Edinburgh show, Funergy, garnered further critical praise, and during early 2009 they toured Britain and Ireland with the hit show. This year sees them embark on their largest ever tour to date including Latitude, so expect wall to wall sketches and non-stop entertainment with this trio of comedic talent. (Literary Arena)

Formed in 2007 and after a sell-out Edinburgh Festival debut, Idiots of Ants have gone on to perform all over the UK. Idiots of Ants; Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, James Wrighton and Benjamin Wilson, will be bringing their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the festival’s Cabaret Arena – a performance that will no doubt be jam-packed with intelligent wit and wonderfully timed observational comedy. Following three sell-out Edinburgh Festivals, an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination (formerly Perrier) and hot off the heels of the Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival the Ants (BBC1, E4, Radio 4) bring their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the Latitude Festival. (Cabaret Arena)

Favourites on the UK live comedy circuit and two-thirds of If.Comedy nominees Fat Tongue, Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns will be bringing their imaginatively daft sketches to the Cabaret Arena this year. The Times has called them “the most original sketch act around”. If you are a fan of comedic preposterous stereotypes this double act will be right up your street! (Cabaret Arena)

Comedy’s future is in good hands with a fantastic new breed of comic stars emerging from the underground. Hotly-tipped turns Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker - alongside the sketch collective Superclump of which they are members – are leading the pack. Wozniak won an If.Comedy Best Newcomer nomination in 2008, with Paker’s aloof stand-up persona winning him the 2008 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Together, they recently wowed audiences at the Leicester Comedy Festival with their hilarious play ‘Golden Lizard’, a fantastically funny play that they are bringing to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena.

~ THEATRE AT LATITUDE~

~ Royal Opera House ~ Royal Shakespeare Company ~
~ The Opera Group and London Sinfonietta ~
~ Bush Theatre ~ Lyric Hammersmith ~
~ Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough ~
~ Northern Stage and Company of Angels ~
~ English Touring Theatre ~ Les Enfants Terribles ~ Soho Theatre ~ nabokov ~
~ Red Shift Theatre Company ~ Shatterbox Theatre Company ~ Mouth to Mouth ~

Showcasing performances from the nation’s leading theatre companies as well as work from emerging talent, Latitude has brought contemporary, physical, classical and performance theatre to a brand new audience, gaining an unrivalled reputation for its breadth and quality of programming. The calibre of theatre on offer has meant that Latitude now rivals such established theatre events as Edinburgh Festival and Manchester International Festival, and with more bespoke productions created especially for Latitude, there will be unique and exciting work to be unearthed and discovered with, undoubtedly, something for everyone.

We are very excited to announce that the Royal Opera House will be presenting performances of its latest commission ‘Pleasure's Progress’ by director and choreographer Will Tuckett. A fusion of dance, opera and music, Pleasure's Progress explores the vistas and vision of the English painter, printmaker and satirist William Hogarth (1696 - 1764). Tuckett brings Hogarth’s dark pictorial narratives right up to the current day, drawing on material from some of his most celebrated work including - A Rake’s Progress, Marriage à la mode, A Harlot’s Progress, Four Stages of Cruelty and Beer Street and Gin Lane, combining a vivid slice of historical Covent Garden with contemporary urban life. With a cast of dancers, singers and musicians, a witty libretto by Alasdair Middleton, beautiful music by Paul Englishby and contemporary designs by Jon Bausor this new production promises wit and wonder, fun and frolics and an irreverent take on the darker side of society. ‘Pleasure’s Progress ’will be performed in The Faraway Forest, the perfect place for such a magnificent addition to the bill. (The Faraway Forest)

The Royal Shakespeare Company will bring an anarchic theatrical event to the Suffolk countryside at Latitude this year. No tights, no skulls (and no burning witches or zombies this year) this is a new show created just for the festival. Details are currently under lock and key, fiercely guarded by this year’s playwright Carl Grose. Apparently there are weird and wonderful rumours racing through the RSC. Something extraordinary is brewing in Stratford-upon-Avon. Carl is keeping quiet. Whatever it is it will emerge, fully formed, in Suffolk at some point 15-18th July…and we cannot wait! (Theatre Arena)

The Opera Group and London Sinfonietta present composer George Benjamin’s, 21st century masterpiece, ‘Into the Little Hill’, which garnered rave reviews in its London premiere at the Royal Opera House in 2009. Into the Little Hill tells the tale of a morally bankrupt politician, who, desperate to shore up a flagging public vote, promises to exterminate a town’s plague of rats. A faceless stranger arrives and offers his services; but when the Mayor refuses to pay, his actions have terrible repercussions for the town’s population. Into the Little Hill features acclaimed international singers Susan Bickley (mezzo-soprano) and Claire Booth (soprano) who play all the roles in the story. Franck Ollu conducts the London Sinfonietta. Into the Little Hill appears at Latitude in an Aldeburgh Music/London Sinfonietta/ROH2/The Opera Group co-production. Latitude is delighted to be presenting this outstanding opera in the Theatre Arena.
‘Every piece of music leaves its own particular silence in its wake: the silence left after this work's last notes sounded was exquisite.’ – Independent. (Theatre Arena)

Bush Theatre presents ‘The Great British Country Fete’, a play dedicated to the British institution of the village fete. Home to Olympic jam makers, mammoth marrow growers, anarchist Brownies and enough bunting to cause a national fabric shortage; the fete is a pillar of country life, a melting pot of personalities, and the British summer wouldn’t be the same without it. Join the Bush for a day at the fete – as the tombola rolls and the skittles fall, battles are fought, victories (and prizes) won, loves lost and found, and we meet the characters behind this irreplaceable and irresistible British tradition. Stories and songs combine in this summer treat, featuring three actors playing a multitude of roles as the tea flows and the drama unfolds. London-based, The Bush is a world-famous home for new plays and an internationally renowned champion of playwrights. Discovering, nurturing and producing the best new playwrights from the widest range of backgrounds, The Bush presents exciting new voices that tell contemporary stories with wit, style and passion. (Theatre Arena)

Resonant with the diverse output of Latitude Festival, the Lyric Hammersmith is sure to astound with a special and unique work adhering to their values of evocative and esoteric performances. Bringing an eclectic selection of artistic disciplines – writers, visual artists, dancers, actors – to collaborate on crossing the boundaries between high art and populism, their unpredictable brand of storytelling is bound to be a highlight of the exceptional theatre programme at Latitude. (Theatre Arena)

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough present ‘Tiny Volcanoes’ by Laurence Wilson. Since they joined together in 1999, the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse have been on a remarkable journey, described as “a theatrical renaissance on Merseyside” (The Observer). Paines Plough is an award-winning, nationally and internationally renowned theatre company specialising exclusively in commissioning and producing new plays. Tiny Volcanoes is a new work by Wilson, who has previously been voted Writer of Liverpool Daily Post’s Play of the Year 2004, for Urban Legend. (Theatre Arena)

Northern Stage and Company of Angels co-production, ‘Apples’, adapted by John Retallack from the novel by Richard Milward, is an electrifying collision of Irvine Welsh and Virginia Woolf set on a Middlesbrough council estate. Returning to Latitude following 23 year old author Richard Milward’s reading from this, his debut novel last year in the Literary Arena, Apples depicts the brutal insecurities of adolescence; a world where the adults are absent, drugs are everywhere, sex is desperate and life is both terrifying and thrilling. The characters feed every stereotype currently applied to young disaffected people; they are violent, shameless, ruthless, and their horizons reach only to their next night out. And yet they challenge our prejudices because Milward reveals their brave, complex and profound inner lives, battling for self-esteem. “...Streaming with gorgeous language, a frighteningly recognisable glimpse into a particular experience of adolescence.” (The Guardian). (Theatre Arena)

The English Touring Theatre Company presents ‘Lovesong’ a stunning one-man play on a piano, written and directed by Che Walker and performed by British soul singer, Omar.
Che Walker is an actor, director and award-winning playwright – scooping both the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright and Arts Council England Writer’s Award for Drama in 2003 for his play ‘Flesh Wound’. Last year, Che brought the soul/funk musical ‘Been So Long’ which featured Omar in the cast. This year they team up for a more intimate performance showcasing Omar’s staggering vocal and musical talents. Omar is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician – his most well-known song was the Top 20 debut single ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ in 1991.
As one of England's foremost theatre companies, ETT creates theatre of outstanding quality, imagination and ambition that is both emotionally and intellectually engaging. (Theatre Arena)

Les Enfants Terribles invite you to The Empire Music Hall for ‘Vaudevillains’ a night you’ll never forget. Charlie the owner is dead – but whodunnit? Could it be nervy knife thrower Ray the Blade; sexy Siamese striplets; The Cerberus Sisters; deranged ventriloquist Albert Frog; macabre mime artist Gaston Gasteau; or perhaps the mystifying magician – The Great Mephisto… Murder, mystery and mayhem combine with Les Enfants Terribles dark, twisted wit and inventive theatricality as they present their brand new musical extravaganza. After the show join the party as the Empire’s doors stay open and the band plays on into the night... (Theatre Arena)

London’s Soho Theatre presents ‘The Experiment’ a stunning play written and performed by Evening Standard award-winning playwright Mark Ravenhill. Included in last year’s Terror season at the Southwark Playhouse, this short horror transfers to Latitude’s Theatre Arena to shock, terrorise and torment. Not for the faint-hearted this is: “Shocking good horror.” (Michael Coveney – Whatsonstage.com) (Theatre Arena)

New writing theatre company nabokov presents ‘Amplified’ – a stag night set at a festival. Expect the traditional male mayhem of a group of friends celebrating a groom’s last night of freedom. nabokov is a company dedicated to commissioning, developing and producing backlash theatre; new work for the stage that offers an antagonistic response to contemporary agendas, trends and events. (Theatre Arena)

Discover the incredible ‘Invisible Show’ presented by Red Shift Theatre Company – a live theatre event embedded in the crowd audible via wireless headphones. Conceived, written and directed by Jonathan Holloway, The Invisible Show is a live theatre event embedded in the crowd, almost invisible, but audible via wireless headphones. It’s a celebration of frailty, a reassurance that we’re all rubbish at this thing called life. The dialogue is uncompromising as an estranged father and son duo meet, a couple discuss separation, lovers squirm sexed-up and desperate for privacy, a sick mother worries into her phone and ex-partners eye one-another with curiosity. Except for the smallest tell-tales the crowd is ignorant of these eddies of emotion.… unless they have the headphones, and then the live soundscape reveals itself. Search it out or just listen. The Invisible Show will be performed once a day over all four days of the Festival. Will you see it? (Pandora’s Playground)

Shatterbox Theatre Company bring their ‘Fair Trade’ project to the Theatre Arena at Latitude. Fair Trade tells the remarkable stories of two very different female survivors of the British sex slave trade. Their journeys – from their separate home countries to London – are told in a powerfully honest and unsentimental way. Inspired by the Journey Against Sex Trafficking (the 2007 art installation in Trafalgar Square made up of seven shipping containers each representing an aspect of the suffering experienced by trafficked women) of which Emma Thompson was a major collaborator, writers Anna Holbek and Shelley Davenport based their script on the survivors’ verbatim accounts. In full support of their work, Emma Thompson enthusiastically came on board as Executive Producer. The play's content is based on the real-life experiences of Elena and Samai, both trafficked women. While showing the harsh reality of the women’s experiences the play is careful to avoid sentimentality. It takes a farcical approach to a prostitute’s arrest in the style of a Punch and Judy show, a comical M.C. delivering facts about the sex trade and a human auction. Shatterbox is a young and exciting theatre company dedicated to new writing, with particular emphasis on awareness-raising, issue based work. (Theatre Arena)

Unique and very special Outdoor Theatre can be found throughout the Latitude site, on the banks of the lake and deep within the forest. Taking inspiration from the beautiful countryside in which it is set, performances vary from beat-boxing to classical orchestra and from musicals to Shakespeare.

One of East Anglia’s most inspiring local theatre companies, Mouth To Mouth take up their residency in Latitude’s outdoor spaces to bring their unique take on one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays. Under the guidance of Artistic Director, James Holloway, Mouth To Mouth will brave the British summer weather to perform ‘The Comedy of Errors’ – a farcical story of mistaken identities and slapstick. After their festival stealing performances of The Taming of The Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor at previous editions of the festival, the company bring their idiosyncratic and crazy take on playing the Bard back this year. (Outdoor Theatre)

~ FILM & MUSIC ARENA ~

~ BAFTA ~
~ Mark Lamarr presents God’s Jukebox with Geno Washington,
The Jim Jones Revue and more to be announced ~
~ Riz MC MICroscope ~ James Rhodes ~
~ Adam Buxton: BUG ~ Popcorn Comedy ~ Modern Toss ~

A heady mix of visual and aural pleasure, the Film & Music Arena is home to some of the festival’s most mesmerising performances. Bringing together the worlds of alternative cinema and music, the arena will showcase a jam-packed programme of award-winning films, documentaries and shorts with Q&A sessions and discussions alongside musical treats and thrilling visuals.

BAFTA is delighted to be returning to the Latitude Festival for the fourth year. Latitude continues to provide a fantastic platform from which BAFTA can fulfil its mission of helping audiences access industry expertise and celebrate excellence in film and television, and we very much look forward to joining the party again this year. Coverage of BAFTA’s activity at Latitude will be hosted on www.bafta.org shortly after the festival.

The Film & Music Arena will be home to some of the best retro music around courtesy of radio DJ, presenter and all-round music aficionado Mark Lamarr. Presenting his renowned Saturday night Radio 2 show - God’s Jukebox - Lamarr will be DJ-ing an eclectic mix of his top tunes from soul, ska, reggae, country, gospel and rap as well as introducing five specially selected bands and performers to the Film & Music Arena. The first to be announced are: legendary American R&B singer Geno Washington and punk rock ‘n’ rollers The Jim Jones Revue.

Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band rose to fame in the sixties with two of the biggest selling UK albums of the decade. ‘Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky Butt Live’ was in the album charts for 48 weeks of the year in 1966 and was only out-sold by The Sound of Music and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Immortalised by Dexy's Midnight Runners in their 80's hit Geno - his high energy live performances were, and still are to this day the stuff of legends.

The Jim Jones Revue are an epiphany of velvet waistcoats, sideburns, quiffs and great shoes – and wouldn't be out of place in a Tombstone gin joint. Melding the best of old school traditional forms with the fire of punk, they create an exciting hybrid referencing Jerry Lee's 50's blueprint and the crash-clatter chaos of The Cramps, MC5 and The Birthday Party.

Hailed as a conceptual event which includes music, a bit of theatre and a whole lot of hype, fans of Riz MC will unite as the legendary MC/Actor does what he does best, entertain a crowd. MICroscope promises to be a mad ‘immersive and interactive gig experience’ – think audience participation, improvisation, and some experimental lyrical gymnastics. Riz Ahmed shot to fame with his hip hop debut single ‘The Post 9/11 Blues’ causing controversy across TV, radio and newsprint. Since then he has been championed by BBC Radio 1, toured the USA, and played shows from Fabric to the Royal Festival Hall with the likes of Massive Attack, Nitin Sawhney, Dizzee Rascal, and Mos Def. As an actor his screen credits include, the multi award winning ‘Road to Guantanamo’, BAFTA nominated ‘Dead Set’, and the BAFTA winning and Emmy nominated ‘Britz’. He was nominated for Best Actor at the 2008 BIFA Awards for his performance in the title role in ‘Shifty’ opposite Jason Flemyng and Daniel Mays. Forthcoming screen appearances include Sally Potter’s ‘RAGE’ alongside Jude Law and Judy Dench, ‘Centurion’ with Michael Fassbender and Dominic West.

James Rhodes is known as the classical pianist with a rock-star attitude. His second eagerly-awaited album ‘Now Would All Freudians Please Stand Aside – Bach Busoni Beethoven’ has recently been released on the award-winning independent classical label Signum Classics. “The centrepiece of this recital, a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in E major Op 109..stands comparison with the finest on record and knocks those of more self-consciously highbrow pianists into a cocked hat.” The Telegraph. Rhodes will be in the Film & Music Arena to invite you to join him in an evening of Bach, Beethoven and banter. For classical junkies, virgins and everyone in between. “Bursting through the era of political correctness in a haze of Byronic romanticism, James Rhodes, is swiftly making himself a name as the wild man of the keyboard.” Classical Music magazine.

Feast your eyes – and, of course, your ears – as comedian, writer, video director and general music video enthusiast, Adam Buxton brings a special edition of BUG to Latitude’s Film & Music Arena. BUG promises to bring you a programme of the weird, the wonderful and the truly great music videos from around the world this year. This special edition of BUG promises more outstanding clips rarely seen on a big screen (or even a TV screen) and some incredible online discoveries – with insightful and hilarious contributions from Adam.

Popcorn Comedy is a comedy show created by Jon Petrie and Holly Walsh in January 2009. It presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz, Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. The Film & Music Arena is the perfect rostrum for you to enjoy this creative revolution and laugh until you fall over. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critics’ Choice’ and has been featured on the BBC’s Culture Show.

The hilariously foul-mouthed Modern Toss present groundbreaking work featuring a newly recorded narration and a freshly tailored soundtrack to enhance specially-edited highlights of their two Channel 4 animation series, featuring sweary signwriter Mr Tourette, Drive-by Abuser, Space Argument and Alan. Jon Link and Mick Bunnage are the writers, cartoonists and animators behind the stylish and hilarious cult comic Modern Toss and the TV series of the same name. A mixture of blunt-talking, animated characters with bizarre and surreal live action, their two series of the Modern Toss cartoon sketch show were broadcast on Channel 4 and nominated for a Rose D'Or award in 2009. The second series was broadcast in the U.S in 2009.

~ LITERARY ARENA ~

~ Robin Ince’s Book Club ~ Word Theatre ~ 5 X 15 ~
~ Bret Easton Ellis ~ Adam Foulds ~ Natasha Walter ~
~ Jon Ronson ~ Arthur Smith ~ Jon McGregor ~ Samantha Harvey ~
~ Philippa Perry ~ Jane Bussmann ~ Anthony Cartwright ~ Louise Stern~
~ Pappy’s ~ The School of Life ~

The best literary event of the summer, Latitude’s Literary Arena celebrates the written word in all its fabulous glory. For both book worms and casual readers, the best authors and special guests will all congregate under the canopy of the arena and take you on a journey to the far reaches of your imagination. Stories are told, books are dissected, discussions are had and debates fought over; these are book readings with a difference so sit back and enjoy Latitude’s fun-filled library by the sea.

Latitude’s literary regular and house master of the written word, Robin Ince reprises the Book Club for Latitude’s Literary Arena, with specially created shows featuring incredible guests from the worlds of comedy, literature and science. A comic genius Robin succeeds in bringing both good and bad books to life, dissecting the themes, narratives and storytelling with hilarious observations and analysis.

The Literary Arena is set to sizzle with WordTheatre's line-up of renownedactors from Hollywood and the UK, performing short stories by world-classauthors. Among the notable actors scheduled to perform are the originalHutch - David Soul, Amber Tamblyn from 'The Sisterhood of the TravellingPants', CSI's Gary Dourdan, Harry Potter's Professor Quirinus Quirrell - IanHart, Brian Cox ('The Bourne Supremacy'), Sally Hawkins (‘Happy Go Lucky), John Schwab ('The Complete Works of William Shakespeare'), Chris McDonald ('Thelma and Louise' & 'Requiem for a Dream') and Ben Miller ('Armstrong and Miller'). Over in the Poetry Arena WordTheatre presents David Soul reading Pablo Neruda accompanied by classical guitarist Hugh Burns and Amber Tamblyn will read from her highly acclaimed book of poetry 'Bang Ditto'. Produced by Cedering Fox and Kirsty Peart and directed by Cedering Fox.

5x15 brings together five outstanding individuals to enlighten, entertain and inspire, as they tell the story behind their personal histories, most innovative ideas, grandest achievements, and deepest obsessions - all in just 15 minutes. This is non-fiction story telling at its best - completely unscripted and PowerPoint free. 5x15 launched earlier this year in London to rave reviews and packed out auditoriums and is the brain-child of Eleanor O’Keeffe, Rosie Boycott and Daisy Leitch. This is mind-expanding entertainment that gets you thinking about far-ranging topics from unusual perspectives. Without doubt those fifteen minutes will be informative, lively and packed full of thought-provoking sound.

Latitude is delighted to welcome notorious modern day American novelist Bret Easton Ellis for a reading and discussion of his brand new novel, ‘Imperial Bedrooms’. In his own inimitable style the characters from the successful and highly acclaimed debut ‘Less Than Zero’ are brought into the present day – 25 years later. Bringing the vivid and brittle disaffection of middle age into the picture, art imitating life won’t be far from the passionately inscribed words. Bret Easton Ellis gained notoriety after the murderous pulp fiction of 80’s satire novel ‘American Psycho’, a novel that has since become a cult classic as well as a cherished movie starring Christian Bale. ‘Imperial Bedrooms’ follows 2005’s ‘Lunar Park’, an excellent pastiche-esque riff on autobiographical fiction, which only fuelled intrigue about this spectacular talent.

With his debut novel ‘The Truth About These Strange Times’, Adam Foulds won a Betty Trask award and was made Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year in 2007. For the follow up Adam crafted a narrative poem entitled ‘The Broken Word’ (2008), which detailed fictional events during the Mau Mau Uprising and again gained several accolades. Last year’s ‘The Quickening Maze’ saw a return to standard prose, this time focusing on the Victorian mental asylum where the poet John Clare was held. This work was nominated for the Booker Prize. With an undeniable pedigree arising from such a small body of work so far, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing talent.

Writer and campaigner Natasha Walter will be presenting readings from her new book ‘Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism’ which is out this Spring. The follow-up to the inspirational and critically applauded book ‘The New Feminism’ which came out in 1998, Walter examines today’s society and shines a light on the way the dreams of young women are being restricted by our hypersexual culture and by the resurgence of biological determinism. Reviewer, columnist and feature writer at the Independent, the Observer and the Guardian, Walter is also a regular broadcaster particularly on BBC2's Newsnight Review and BBC Radio 4's Front Row. She has been a judge on many literary prizes, including the Booker Prize in 1999, is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and children who seek asylum in the UK, and in 2006 she founded the charity Women for Refugee Women.

Not afraid to breach journalistic boundaries, or indeed those of common sense, Jon Ronson will be sharing snippets of his latest work before its publication next year. Jon Ronson unveils his new book, a work in progress called ‘The Psychopath Test’, or maybe called ‘The Right Sort of Madness’. For the past few years, ever since he published his last book ‘The Men Who Stare At Goats’ (which was recently adapted into a George Clooney movie) and quit his Guardian column, Jon has been quietly undertaking strange, funny, mysterious adventures in the world of psychopaths. And those who treat them. And those who make good money out of them. The book isn't quite finished yet (it will be published in 2011) but he will be sharing parts of it at this year's Latitude.

“My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax” has been Arthur Smith's opening line at hundreds of his legendary stand-up comedy performances and provides the title of his hilarious new autobiography ‘An Evening with Daphne Fairfax’. He reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a roadsweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. As he guides us through his eventful memoirs, expect tales of turning down a Perrier Lifetime Achievement Award and losing a bet to writer Tony Hawks which resulted in him having to sing the Moldovan National Anthem naked on Balham High Road. A life less ordinary will make for an excellent storytime listen.

Famed author Jon McGregor joins the line-up in the Literary Arena this year performing readings from his fantastic new novel 'Even The Dogs'. Centred on a man found dead, alone, one cold day between Christmas and New Year, McGregor takes us on a journey into the underclass of British society with profound empathy; an intimate exploration of life at the edges of society, littered with love, loss, despair and a glimpse of redemption.
Jon McGregor is the author of the critically acclaimed ‘If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things’ and ‘So Many Ways to Begin’. He is the winner of the Betty Trask Prize and the Somerset Maugham Award, and has been twice longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

A well travelled writer – having lived in New Zealand and taught in Japan – and co- founder of an environmental charity, Samantha Harvey garnered prizes and praise for her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’ last year. It was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book award and the Orange Prize for Fiction as well as winning the AMI Literature and Betty Trask awards. This sensitive portrayal of a man with Alzheimer’s and his struggles to keep his life together makes for a compelling, poignant read.

Trained psychotherapist Philippa Perry will bring her thoroughly original debut to Henham Park for reading and discussion. ‘Couch Fiction: A Graphic Tale of Psychotherapy’ is a witty, fly-on-the-wall novel based around a psychotherapy case study with fantastic cartoons that fully illustrate the workings inside a consulting room. The novel brings together the thoughts and dialogues of both the therapist and the patient James; handsome and successful yet he struggles to cope when his girlfriend refuses to move in with him. It is only by confronting the reality of his past and admitting his insecurities through therapy that he can move on with his life. A thought-provoking story which both entertains and educates, Couch Fiction explores several difficult themes and reveals how therapeutic change takes place by looking at the inner thoughts of both the therapist and the client.

Hollywood showbiz reporter turned author Jane Bussmann brings readings from her hit novel ‘Worst Date Ever’ – the true story of the past six years of Bussmann’s life where she developed a crush on conflict negotiator John Prendergast and followed him to Uganda. A darkly comic memoir, ‘Worst Date Ever’, is gonzo journalism at its best – straddling the divide of wry humour and inappropriateness perfectly, creating a piece of satire condemning account of the failure to apprehend Joseph Kony, The Ugandan terrorist who has led his army of child soldiers on a 20 year campaign of hostage-taking, exploitation and murder. Bussmann is a comedian and writer who has written for television and radio including The Fast Show, Smack The Pony, Brass Eye, Jam and South Park.

In ‘Heartland’ Anthony Cartwright brings together the ingrained English threads of politics and football to a backdrop of the England vs Argentina World Cup match in 2002. Set in the West Midlands Cartwright explores the complex plot of a game of football alongside the grass-roots politics and the rise of the BNP in the footholds of this working class, multicultural and racially charged area. Laced with resonance and experience, it is a mature and vital second novel. Anthony’s debut ‘The Afterglow’ was released in 2004 and won a Betty Trask Award. He’s currently working on his third for Tindal Street Press, while teaching English in Nottinghamshire.

London-based American writer Louise Stern will be coming to Latitude with readings from her book ‘Chattering: Stories’. Stern is fourth generation deaf in her family and her characters in the stories of this book all share the condition. Centred on a group of brave young girls, out to party, travel the world, and go a little bit wild, they communicate with the outside world via a complicated mixture of sign language, lip-reading, note-scribbling, guesswork and instinct. Yet they are full of daring, ready for adventures that take them into unfamiliar places and strange, cockeyed relationships with people whose actions they observe, but never wholly understand.

"The funniest sketch troupe on the Fringe" (The Scotsman) Pappy’s will be providing the madcap fun in the Literary Arena. Pappy's is a comedy team made up of trio Ben, Matthew and Tom - a tour de force of fun and laughter. Formerly a four piece, Pappy’s have steadily risen to fame since 2007 receiving nominations for Chortle's Best Newcomer and for the If.Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Festival. Their third Edinburgh show, Funergy, garnered further critical praise, and during early 2009 they toured Britain and Ireland with the hit show. This year sees them embark on their largest ever tour to date including Latitude so expect wall to wall sketches and non-stop entertainment with this trio of comedic talent.

~ LITERARY SALON ~

~ The School Of Life ~

New to last year’s festival, the Literary Salon is the noisy little sister of the Literary Arena that encourages you to get involved. A hub of interactive workshops, open discussions and wide-ranging debates all ready to get stuck into – it is a place to air your opinions, learn a brand new skill, discover new and exciting things and explore your inner most interests.

This year The School of Life will be sharing three of their specialist workshops at the Literary Salon at Latitude designed to help us all live life to the full. This central London social enterprise offers ideas to help make everyday living - work, rest & play - a joy for you and everyone around you; tickling, exercising and expanding your mind with its emporium of emotions, a bazaar of bibliotherapy, a convenience store of concepts, a trading post of triumphant philosophies. A place to step back and think intelligently about everyday questions and concerns, you will be exposed to a variety of ideas - from philosophy to literature, psychology to the visual arts. This School Of Life will literally make you too cool for school! Look out for the School of Life-hosted dinner party based on Plato’s Symposium over in The Faraway Forest.

~ THE WATERFRONT STAGE ~

~ Hair the Musical ~

New York and Broadway come to Latitude’s beautiful floating stage this year with a 30 minute excerpt of the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical HAIR, featuring the 2009 Tony-Award winning cast direct from Broadway. A celebration of life, love and freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, HAIR features some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage, including ‘Let The Sun Shine In’, ‘I Got Life’, ‘Hair’ and ‘Aquarius’. HAIR is about a group of young New Yorkers in the 60’s struggling to balance their lives and loves, rebelling and rejecting the lifestyles of their conservative parents. Infectious, outlandish and exuberant, HAIR has gained iconic status since erupting onto the stage in 1967 and the messages of HAIR are as relevant today as they have ever been. This fantastic production returns to London at the Gielgud Theatre this April, and Latitude is thrilled to have this amazing piece of musical theatre at the Waterfront Stage.

~ POETRY ARENA ~

~ Wendy Cope ~ John Cooper Clarke ~
~ Blake Morrison ~ Luke Wright ~ Jacob Polley ~
~ Spoken Word All Stars ~ WordTheatre presents David Soul and Amber Tamblyn ~

Over the past four years, the Poetry Arena at Latitude has grown into one of Europe’s leading poetry events in its own right, boasting the hottest slam poets, spoken word, storytelling, comedy sketches, rappers and much, much more. The Poetry Arena lures in passers by with comfy bean-bags and cushions which entice you to stay all day transfixed by the magnificence of the raconteurs on stage. Laugh, cry and become enlightened in Latitude’s now famous Poetry Arena.

Kent-born Wendy Cope is one of England’s most accomplished poets, which earned her Radio 4’s Listeners’ Choice for the post of Poet Laureate in 1998. Often compared to Larkin, her light-hearted style focuses on the mundane aspects of everyday English life, with a wry, comical bent. She has won several awards, notably the Cholmondeley Award (1987) and the Michael Braude Award for Light Verse from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (1995), as well as a nomination for the Whitbread Poetry Award for ‘If I Don’t Know’ (2001).

The bard of Salford and the fore father of punk poetry, John Cooper Clarke will be bringing his renowned satirical, political and extremely entertaining verse to Latitude, delivered in his trademark rapid-fire performance style. Rising to fame in the late ‘70’s supporting punk bands Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division he has continued to be as reverent and relevant today as ever, writing new and vital poetry and being regularly seen and heard on TV, radio, in films and music. See a true legend in action at Latitude’s Poetry Arena.

Poet and author Blake Morrison has been a subtle guiding force in British poetry since his first book ‘The Movement: English Poetry and Fiction of the 1950s’ (1980). This was followed by co-editing ‘The Penguin Book of Contemporary British Poetry’ (1982) with last year’s distinguished Poetry Arena guest Andrew Motion. He has written several collections of poetry including ‘Ballad of the Yorskhire Ripper’ – written throughout with a Yorkshire dialect – and his debut ‘Dark Glasses’. He began his career as a journalist and poetry critic and was made Professor of Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmith’s College in 2003. His most recent novel ‘South of the Border’ is being made into a TV series while his J.R. Ackerly Prize-winning autobiography ‘And When Did You Last See Your Father?’ (1993) was made into a feature film in 2007.

Latitude favourite Luke Wright is a poet and spoken word performer whose quirky blend of anecdotal humour and verse assures a livewire performance. This Essex via Hackney lad formed performance collective Aisle16 in 2000, which has since taken several shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and toured around the country to critical acclaim. From the dark comic lecturing of ‘Poetry Boyband’ (which won a Time Out Critics’ Choice Award in 2005) to ‘Services to Poetry’, a tour to find poetic inspiration at service stations across the UK, Aisle16’s output has been lauded and celebrated. Since 2006 Luke has launched his own curve-ball bid to become Poet Laureate and has become the newest poet-in-residence on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. In 2009 he took contemporary poetry onto primetime TV, writing all the poetry for Channel 4’s The Seven Ages of Love, a 30 minute documentary that gained ‘pick of the day’ in eight national publications and was broadcast to over a million people.

Jacob Polley, novelist and poet, has released two sets of poetry – ‘The Brink’ (2003) and ‘Little Gods’ (2006) - and a novel – ‘Talk of the Town’ (2009), awarded 5/5 by the Independent on Sunday. His work has been praised by the Guardian as “the kind of poetry that imbues the everyday, the tarnished and burnished, with the possibilities of the transcendent” and has often been shortlisted for prestigious awards including a nomination for the Forward Prize for Best Poem (‘The Cheapjack’, 2006). In 2002 Jacob won an Eric Gregory Award and the Radio 4/Arts Council ‘First Verse’ Award. Jacob was selected as one of the Next Generation of British poets by the Poetry Book Society in 2004.

Poet in the City, working with Apples & Snakes, has created a Spoken Word All Stars event, featuring some of the best spoken word artists in the UK in a fabulous live show.
The poets, El Crisis, Charlie Dark, Kat Francois, Chris 'Ventriloquist' Redmond and musician, Jason Yarde will create a show of wall-to-wall words with an unflagging backbeat. Expect a seamless flow of poetry, improvised and otherwise, jousting with jazzy rhythms and forging a hip-hop-skip-and-jump of its very own. Poet in the City is a registered charity committed to attracting new audiences to poetry, making new connections for poetry. Apples & Snakes is England's leading organisation for performance poetry, working with emerging artists, producing new work and putting poets in education. It works extensively with schools, prisons and libraries to develop literacy, communication skills, motivation and self-esteem through high quality performance poetry workshops.

Latitude’s Literary Arena is set to sizzle with WordTheatre's line-up of renownedactors from Hollywood and the UK, performing short stories by world-classauthors. Among the notable actors scheduled to perform are the originalHutch - David Soul, Amber Tamblyn from 'The Sisterhood of the TravellingPants', CSI's Gary Dourdan, Harry Potter's Professor Quirinus Quirrell - IanHart, Brian Cox ('The Bourne Supremacy'), Sally Hawkins (‘Happy Go Lucky), John Schwab ('The Complete Works of William Shakespeare'), Chris McDonald ('Thelma and Louise' & 'Requiem for a Dream') and Ben Miller ('Armstrong and Miller'). Here in the Poetry Arena, WordTheatre presents David Soul reading Pablo Neruda accompanied by classical guitarist Hugh Burns and Amber Tamblyn will read from her highly acclaimed book of poetry 'Bang Ditto'. Produced by Cedering Fox and Kirsty Peart and directed by Cedering Fox. All cast subject to change without notice.

~ CABARET ARENA ~

~ Duckie ~ The Crack ~
~ Rich Fulcher ~ Laura Solon ~
~ Idiots of Ants ~ Jonny Sweet ~ Cardinal Burns ~ Golden Lizard ~

Latitude’s veritable den of mischief and mayhem, the Cabaret Arena is sumptuously tantalising, seductively tempting and always exceedingly teasing. Enticing you in with the powers of seduction, curiosity and intrigue, once inside you will find an elaborate mix of comedy sketch shows, freak, burlesque and drag shows together with illusionists, puppetry and good ol’fashioned sing-a-longs. Leave your inhibitions at the door!

London pop and performance peddlers Duckie stage a rock’n’roll masked ball for the big Saturday late night party. Join DJs Readers Wives, hostess Amy Lamé and their crew of modern show starlets including Ida Barr, Ursula Martinez and others. If you haven’t packed a mask in your rucksack, visit the Duckie pop-up mask workshop and craft one in the style of quirky retro pop cultural icons. A big late night show, a big indie dance den, a few mollies and a lot of wearing of paper bags over your head.

Famed promoter Mick Perrin for Just for Laughs Live and Miss Behave present: ‘The Crack’ – an explosive combination of stand-up, variety and side-splitting comic performance. Celebrating all that is funny, diverse and truly original in live comic entertainment and brought to you by part of the team behind Olivier Award-winning sensation La Clique (Best Entertainment 2009) this anarchic, chaotic, and fun-filled show will have you amazed and entertained with an absolutely stellar cast of comic geniuses and variety virtuosos.

Comedian Rich Fulcher – famed for his Boosh characters Bob Fossil, Kodiak Jack and cheesehead Tommy Nooka and co-star of the cult sketch show Snuff Box - presents ‘An Evening with Eleanor: The Tour Whore’, a one ‘woman’ show to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. Self-professed rock and roll ‘tour whore’ who recently appeared as Howard’s lover in The Mighty Boosh, Eleanor has lived a life most people scream about. Now the woman who claimed to make Neil ‘young’ and put the ‘wood’ in Woodstock – tells all through poetry, song, dance and confessional monologues that have been known to leave the audience feeling freshly molested. Prepare to get a pounding like you’re yesterday’s beef!

Having found her feet in character comedy, after being only the second solo female to win the Perrier Comedy Award (2005), Laura Solon will bring her acute observations and killer one-liners to the green fields of Suffolk. In the past she’s worked with comic TV stars Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield and most recently worked with Al Murray on Multiple Personality Disorder.

Formed in 2007 and after a sell-out Edinburgh Festival debut, Idiots of Ants have gone on to perform all over the UK. Idiots of Ants; Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, James Wrighton and Ben-in Wilson, will be bringing their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the festival’s Cabaret Arena – a performance that will no doubt be jam packed with intelligent wit and wonderfully timed observational comedy. Following three sell-out Edinburgh Festivals, an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination (formerly Perrier) and hot off the heels of the Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival the Ants (BBC1, E4, Radio 4) bring their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the Latitude Festival.

Jonny Sweet is a talented actor who won the 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for his show ‘Mostly About Arthur’ (directed by Stefan Golaszewski), which Nica Burns of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards described as: "a delicious hour of character comedy...unexpected, highly original, very funny. Watch out for him." He also appeared in Tom Basden's new play ‘Party’ at the Edinburgh Festival which won a Fringe First award. He recently appeared as a young David Cameron in ‘When Boris Met Dave’ which recently aired on More 4.

Favourites on the UK live comedy circuit and two-thirds of If.Comedy nominees Fat Tongue, Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns will be bringing their imaginatively daft sketches to the Cabaret Arena this year. The Times has called them “the most original sketch act around”. If you are a fan of comedic preposterous stereotypes this double act will be right up your street!

Comedy’s future is in good hands with a fantastic new breed of comic stars emerging from the underground. Hotly-tipped turns Mike Wozniak and Henry Paker - alongside the sketch collective Superclump of which they are members – are leading the pack. Wozniak won an If.Comedy Best Newcomer nomination in 2008, with Paker’s aloof stand-up persona winning him the 2008 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Together, they recently wowed audiences at the Leicester Comedy Festival with their hilarious play ‘Golden Lizard’, a fantastically funny play that they are bringing to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena.

~ THE FARAWAY FOREST ~

~ Royal Opera House ~
~ The School of Life ~
~ The Masked Ball ~ Bacchanalian party hosted by Johnny Blue Eyes ~
~ The Dialogue Project ~

In its fifth year Latitude unveils The Faraway Forest; a sumptuous home for the festival’s rich and decadent side. At sundown this secret place will transform into a den of magical intrigue. Indulge your darkest desires and set free any inhibitions as you lose yourself in the depths of The Faraway Forest.

We are delighted to announce the Royal Opera House presents performances of its latest commission ‘Pleasure's Progress’ by director and choreographer Will Tuckett. A fusion of dance, opera and music, Pleasure's Progress explores the vistas and vision of the English painter, printmaker and satirist William Hogarth (1696 - 1764). Tuckett brings Hogarth’s dark pictorial narratives right up the current day, drawing on material from some of his most celebrated work including - A Rake’s Progress, Marriage à la mode, A Harlot’s Progress, Four Stages of Cruelty and Beer Street and Gin Lane, combining a vivid slice of historical Covent Garden with contemporary urban life. With a cast of dancers, singers and musicians, a witty libretto by Alasdair Middleton, beautiful music by Paul Englishby and contemporary designs by Jon Bausor this new production promises wit and wonder, fun and frolics and an irreverent take on the darker side of society and will be performed in The Faraway Forest, the perfect place for such a magnificent addition to the bill.

Asking one of the greatest questions in life, “How do we know what we know?” The School of Life will be developing the budding philosopher in you by hosting a dinner party based on Plato’s Symposium. Relating to the philosophical text of the genesis, purpose and nature of love, you can deliver an encomium of love or literally become a lover of wisdom. Tickets to be an honoured guest at the dining table will be available to lucky festival goers over the weekend.

Saturday night will witness The Masked Ball - a fabulous night of fantastic attire and extravagant adornments to provide the perfect veil to indulge in some mischievous fun.
Under a canopy of fairy lights and behind a mask, anything can happen in the magical Faraway Forest!

You are cordially invited to Latitude’s very first Bacchanalian party hosted by fashion designer and stylist to the stars Johnny Blue Eyes. Last year, Johnny shocked and inspired crowds with Latitude’s first fashion show on The Waterfront Stage. Fusing the worlds of fashion and rock ‘n’ roll, the catwalk show was fierce, fabulous and fun with a heart-pumping soundtrack and stunning outfits. For this party with a difference, expect more elaborate garments ranging from full attire to the skimpiest of outfits depending on how you feel! The theme is whatever you fancy, whatever you desire and whatever you dare!

Taking place deep within The Faraway Forest, acclaimed Dialogue Project artist Karl James presents Intimate Conversations. Take an early morning stroll and you will encounter a series of beautifully crafted extraordinary and private conversations made public for the first time. They are real, they are moving and they are disarmingly honest, these tender one-way conversations provide a wonderful insight into the minds and thoughts of people from all walks of life.

~ PANDORA'S PLAYGROUND ~

~ Red Shift Theatre Company ~

Whilst Latitude’s extensive line-up is an incredible assortment of riches that can keep you entertained all weekend, there is also a treasure trove of unexpected pleasures that lie through the festival’s magical woods and beyond. Pandora’s Playground is where anything and everything can happen. A mini festival of its own, this quirky corner of the Latitude site features side shows, games, interactive art, dance troupes, theatre and an all night disco shed. This is the place for pure, unadulterated playtime in all its childish and fun-filled glory.

Discover the incredible ‘Invisible Show’ presented by Red Shift Theatre Company – a live theatre event embedded in the crowd audible via wireless headphones. Conceived, written and directed by Jonathan Holloway, The Invisible Show is a live theatre event embedded in the crowd, almost invisible, but audible via wireless headphones. It’s a celebration of frailty, a reassurance that we’re all rubbish at this thing called life. The dialogue is uncompromising as an estranged father and son duo meet, a couple discuss separation, lovers squirm sexed-up and desperate for privacy, a sick mother worries into her phone and ex-partners eye one-another with curiosity. Except for the smallest tell-tales the crowd is ignorant of these eddies of emotion.… unless they have the headphones, and then the live soundscape reveals itself. Search it out or just listen. The Invisible Show will be performed once a day over all four days of the Festival. Will you see it?

~ DJs ~

~ Guilty Pleasures ~ Smash & Grab ~
~ Goldierocks ~
~ Club de Fromage ~ Beef Warehouse ~ Cosmic Underground ~

An unashamed festival hit, Guilty Pleasures is the consistently celebratory night of unforgettable pop, rock and cheesy anthems. Whether it’s air guitar 80s style or disco pomp, you’re sure to know every single chorus and here is the perfect time to admit it. You’ll be amongst friends – glitter, fairy wings, afro hair, spandex adorned – singing every word to the songs you love to love. Unashamedly admit your guiltiest musical pleasures and have a night to remember.

Smash & Grab is all about kissing and dancing. Smash & Grab is the perfect place for all of Latitudes hot young singletons to find a partner, and, it is where Queens of Noize and (very special) guests will take you to the next level of Ultimate Party Fever!!!! The Queens will be playing love inspired party classics, which we can guarantee will leave you screaming for MORE, MORE, MORE! Expect to hear 80's anthems, 90's hip hop, house and pop classics we can all reminisce to, fun and cool sounds from the last decade with a bit of 60's and 70's rock, soul, disco and pop! The Queens will be laying down plenty of SLOW DANCES giving you the perfect opportunity to approach the girl or guy of your dreams....

~ In The Woods ~

Exploring the winding pathways that lead through Latitude’s stunning woodland you can encounter a myriad of magical wonder and delight. With art adorning the old oak trees, hidden shacks of art installations, ad hoc performances and fairy lights decorating the branches there are treats and surprises at every turn. By day, the little stage will host a diverse range of intimate performances whilst by night DJs will help you party the night away. Hosting the kind of parties everybody claims to have been at, In The Woods is the place to be for late-night party people in the know. With its big bad sound system filling a stunning woodland setting, these four nights of great music and non-stop dancing are where you'll find the DJ's like the crowd - hands in the air & loving it! There are no stuffy DJ egos here - it's all about good times.

DJ, presenter & producer Goldierocks is gaining a worldwide reputation for her energised DJ appearances as well as her debauched glamourpuss all-guns-blazing rock n roll style, and we just love her. Anyone who caught her 'Woods' debut last year will know what all the fuss is about…. catch her before she goes stellar!

Club de Fromage is London’s top weekly fancy dress & pop hotspot. Darlings of the social pages, always playing to a packed house, they'll be bringing their crowd pleasing night of non-stop classic belters, air guitar, big tunes and even bigger DJ's…don't miss the meat pie raffle!

Beef Warehouse caused Latitude’s one and only faux-barrier crush last year, playing "Killing in the Name Of" ...a year later that track was the Christmas Number 1. Co-incidence?..we think not. One's hairy, one's lairy, who better to host our PG-rated 5th birthday party than this gloriously inappropriate and erratic duo.

Cosmic Underground DJ's have been hosting great parties since before Latitude was born! With deep dirty electro & penetrating bass lines overlaying the unexpected, the whole dance party will be at the mercy of this Mexican wrestling tag team!

~ CHILDREN'S ARENA ~

Sharon Reuben ~ Children’s Arena Booker, says:

“Surrounded by woodland, colourful sheep and lake-skimming dragonflies, the Children’s Arena is its own little festival, offering a world of art & crafts, drama workshops, theatre & puppet shows, literary tales and creative fun. We have activities for young wildlife explorers, budding chefs and circus performers plus the chance to join Latitude's own Glee Club! Local children's organisations are at the heart of the area, catering for everyone from babies to teens. The family campsite will feature activities for early risers while the children's arena guarantees to wear out the toughest of infants! ”

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend tickets £155 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £65 including VAT, subject to booking fee
Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping
Day tickets include car parking only

Credit Card line: 0871 2310846
Online: http://www.festivalrepublic.com/ • http://www.seetickets.com/ • http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

For a full list of national and regional outlets please visit http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

Frank Turner - New single 'Isabel' - 12th April

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Following the news of his biggest headline show to date at the O2 Academy Brixton later on this year, Frank Turner announces the release of the beautiful new single ‘Isabel’ on 12th April 2010 through Xtra Mile Recordings. This stunning and moving ode to someone special is the third single to be taken from his Top 40 album ‘Poetry Of The Deed’ released in September last year.

The single comes out just weeks after Frank completes his huge headline tour in March which will culminate in a packed out London Roundhouse on 24th March, tickets of which sold out 2 months in advance of the gig. The O2 Academy Brixton show as been added due to this popular demand; an incredible achievement considering his humble beginnings of playing tiny venues, house parties, pubs, car parks and anywhere else that would have him - only a few years ago. Testament if ever there was need for one, that Frank has turned underground cult status into a mainstream success story.

Frank says: “Life has been getting increasingly surreal in recent years, but headlining Brixton really is something special; I'm not sure I ever dared dream I'd get to this stage. It's an honour.”

Full dates are:

HEADLINE UK TOUR
MARCH
15 Northumbria Uni, Newcastle
16 Edinburgh Picture House
17 Manchester Academy
18 Leeds 02 Academy
19 Bristol 02 Academy SOLD OUT
21 Birmingham O2 Academy
22 Norwich Waterfront
23 Portsmouth Pyramids
24 London Roundhouse SOLD OUT
**EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND**
DECEMBER
12 LONDON O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON

Coinciding with the March tour Frank will also release a live version of hit single ‘Long Live The Queen’ digitally and on limited 7” vinyl on 22nd March 2010. Recorded at Frank’s incendiary sold out O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire show which took place last October, ‘Long Live The Queen’ captures the energy and passion of a triumphant pinnacle of Frank’s solo career. It features on ‘Take To The Road’ - an all encompassing DVD/CD package also released on 22nd March through Xtra Mile Recordings. Picking up where 2007’s ‘All About The Destination’ DVD left off it includes the entire live set from O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, the sold out show at Union Chapel at Christmas, as well as promo videos, tour diaries, backstage interviews, a photo gallery and the audio of the Shepherd’s Bush gig as a bonus CD disc.

Currently supporting Flogging Molly on their huge arena tour in the USA and having recently sold out solo shows in Toronto, Montreal and LA - the international plot continues to grow with a confirmed set at Coachella Festival in April, dates on the Revival Tour in Australia, gigs in Hong Kong and a slot at the famous Calgary Folk Festival in July.
He will also be headlining 2000trees Festival in July with further UK and international summer festivals to be announced over the next few months.

Zane Lowe’s Album Of The Week on Radio 1

“’There’s a beautiful straightforwardness to ‘Poetry…’ that will ring true if you’ve ever been young, in love, lonely, angry at the world or just plain happy to be alive. Which is all of us right?” 8/10 NME

“A latter day Billy Bragg.” 3/5 Q Magazine

"‘Poetry Of The Deed’ passes the test with flying colours." 8/10 Rocksound

“With a growing arsenal of hits and live favourites, Frank’s unleashed another album that will have you singing every word.” 4/5 Big Cheese

"More brilliant folk-punk strummery from everyone's favourite post-millennial wandering minstrel..." KERRANG!

http://www.frank-turner.com/ & www.myspace.com/frankturner
http://www.xtramilerecordings.com/

The Xcerts - To be the first UK band to be produced by Mike Sapone (Crime in Stereo, Brand New, Public Enemy…)

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:27:00 +0000

“Ludicrously Punchy” – Steve Lamacq
'...classic piece of air-punching melancholia' - Observer

THE XCERTS have already kicked 2010 off in style supporting the incredible Fightstar. Later this week they will be heading off to the U.S. to begin work on the follow up to 2009’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’. Their as-yet-untitled second record will see Long Island based producer Mike Sapone at the helm. Sapone has an impressive track record and has produced records for the likes of Crime in Stereo, Public Enemy and Brand New.

Initial talks about the possibility of Mike Sapone working with The Xcerts came about due to lead singer/guitarist Murray MacLeod’s love for the bands that Sapone has previously worked with. MacLeod said “Mike has produced some of our favourite records and creates unique sounding albums. We are honoured to be the first UK band that he will have produced. To say we are excited is an understatement... We cannot wait for you to hear this record.”

The Xcerts forthcoming album will be released on Xtra Mile Recordings later this year and you can expect to hear the first fruits of their labour in late spring/early summer.

www.myspace.com/thexcerts & www.xtramilerecordings.com & www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

The Xcerts debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings! Here’s what the press had to say:
“Charged with youthful hope and exuberance, every riff and anthemic chorus points to a bright future for these talented lads." - Kerrang! 4/5
“...this debut is inch-perfect, merging heartstring-tugging delicacy with buoyant distortion... If you're searching for pop with balls but no bullshit, look no further.” - Rock Sound 8/10
"'In The Cold Wind We Smile' is a triumphant, life-affirming classic" - Big Cheese 5/5

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com – 020 7792 9400

Frank Turner - Headline Show at London O2 Academy Brixton

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:41:00 +0000

Having sold out London’s Roundhouse venue 2 months in advance, Frank Turner is overwhelmingly excited to announce that he will be headlining London’s Brixton’s 02 Academy later on this year.

The show will be his largest headline gig so far and an incredible achievement considering his humble beginnings of playing tiny venues, house parties, pubs, car parks and anywhere else that would have him - only a few years ago. Testament if ever there was need for one, that Frank Turner has turned underground cult status into a mainstream success story.

Frank says: “Life has been getting increasingly surreal in recent years, but headlining Brixton really is something special; I'm not sure I ever dared dream I'd get to this stage. It's an honour.”

The news comes just weeks before Frank embarks on his huge headline tour running throughout March, culminating in the sold out Roundhouse gig on 24th March. Coinciding with the tour Frank will also release a live version of hit single ‘Long Live The Queen’ digitally and on limited 7” vinyl on 22nd March 2010. Recorded at Frank’s incendiary sold out O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire show which took place last October, ‘Long Live The Queen’ captures the energy and passion of a triumphant pinnacle of Frank’s solo career. It features on ‘Take To The Road’ - an all encompassing DVD/CD package also released on 22nd March through Xtra Mile Recordings. Picking up where 2007’s ‘All About The Destination’ DVD left off it includes the entire live set from O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, the sold out show at Union Chapel at Christmas, as well as promo videos, tour diaries, backstage interviews, a photo gallery and the audio of the Shepherd’s Bush gig as a bonus CD disc.

Full dates are:
HEADLINE UK TOUR
MARCH 15 Northumbria Uni, Newcastle
16 Edinburgh Picture House
17 Manchester Academy
18 Leeds 02 Academy
19 Bristol 02 Academy SOLD OUT
21 Birmingham O2 Academy
22 Norwich Waterfront
23 Portsmouth Pyramids
24 London Roundhouse SOLD OUT

**EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND**
DECEMBER
12 LONDON O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON

Following the tour Frank will release the beautiful song ‘Isabel’ as the third single to be taken from his Top 40 album ‘Poetry Of The Deed’. To be released on 12th April 2010

Currently supporting Flogging Molly on their huge arena tour in the USA and having recently sold out solo shows in Toronto, Montreal and LA - the international plot continues to grow with a confirmed set at Coachella Festival in April, dates on the Revival Tour in Australia, gigs in Hong Kong and a slot at the famous Calgary Folk Festival in July. Further summer festivals to be announced over the next few months.

Zane Lowe’s Album Of The Week on Radio 1

“’There’s a beautiful straightforwardness to ‘Poetry…’ that will ring true if you’ve ever been young, in love, lonely, angry at the world or just plain happy to be alive. Which is all of us right?” 8/10 NME

“A latter day Billy Bragg.” 3/5 Q Magazine

"‘Poetry Of The Deed’ passes the test with flying colours." 8/10 Rocksound

“With a growing arsenal of hits and live favourites, Frank’s unleashed another album that will have you singing every word.” 4/5 Big Cheese

"More brilliant folk-punk strummery from everyone's favourite post-millennial wandering minstrel..." KERRANG!

www.frank-turner.com & www.myspace.com/frankturnerwww.xtramilerecordings.com
For further info contact: Dani/Charlie – info@presscounselpr.com 020-7792-9400

Crazy Arm - New single ‘Still To Keep' out 22nd March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:47:00 +0000

Jon Dailey: guitar/bass; Darren Johns: vocals/guitar; Simon Marsh: drums; Tim Rowing-Parker: bass/vocals

Crazy Arm release their third single ‘Still To Keep’ on 22nd March as a digital download and very limited 7” vinyl, to coincide with their 21-date UK and European tour with Frank Turner (and Chuck Ragan in the UK only). The 7” vinyl will be released as a split with Frank Turner’s live version of ‘Long Live The Queen’, exclusively for the tour.

Taken from the debut album ‘Born To Ruin’, the song has been a hugely popular mainstay of the band’s set throughout the past couple years, inspired at once by the crunchy pop majesty of Ted Leo and the earthy protest lore of Dick Gaughan and Phil Ochs. Despite calling out the cruel incompetence of parliament, the police and mindless patriotism, ‘Still To Keep’ proffers a world where positivity and a keen fighting spirit can prevail if we stick together and help each other out – on a personal and political level – even if the answers aren’t always forthcoming.

Crazy Arm’s debut album, 'Born To Ruin' – recorded by Pete Miles on the edge of Dartmoor – was released on Xtra Mile Recordings in June 2009 to much acclaim from fans and critics alike. The title is a celebration of history’s conscientious troublemakers as well as a respectful nod to Springsteen. The album is released on mainland Europe, through Gunner Records, on 19th March 2010.

Full CRAZY ARM tour dates:
March:
Sat 13th White Rabbit, Plymouth
Mon 15th Northumbria University, Newcastle*
Tues 16th Picture House, Edinburgh*
Weds 17th Academy, Manchester*
Thurs 18th Academy, Leeds*
Fri 19th Academy, Bristol*
Sun 21st Academy, Birmingham*
Mon 22nd UEA, Norwich*
Tues 23rd Pyramids, Portsmouth*
Weds 24th Roundhouse, London*
Sun 28th Exil, Zurich, Switzerland***
Mon 29th Universum, Stuttgart, Germany***
Tues 30th Schlachthof, Wiesbaden, Germany***
Weds 31st Uebel&Gafarhrlich, Hamburg, Germany***
April:
Thurs 1st Zakk, Dusseldorf, Germany***
Sat 3rd Lagerhaus, Bremen, Germany***
Sun 4th AB Club, Brussels, Belgium***
Mon 5th Effenaar, Eindhoven, Netherlands***
Tues 6th Tivoli, Utrecht, Netherlands***
Weds 7th Vera, Groningen, Netherlands***
Thurs 8th La Peniche Du Pianiste, Lille, France***
Fri 9th Boule Noire, Paris, France***

* w/Frank Turner & Chuck Ragan
*** w/Frank Turner only

What they said about ‘Born To Ruin’
‘Stunning’ KKKK – Kerrang!
‘Quite brilliant’ – Rock Sound
‘Best New Band’ of 2009 award – Big Cheese
‘Sure-fire contender for best debut album of 2009’ – Rock Midgets
‘An explosive blast of glorious creativity, power and honesty’ – Go2
‘They deserve to be huge’ – Mass Movement
‘Born To Ruin erupts into the room’ – The Music Fix
‘A dramatic, intelligent and impressive debut’ – Sputnik Music

www.myspace.com/crazyarm

For more information please contact info@presscounselpr.com 020 7792 9400

Trail - Release new single 'City' on 1st March

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:08:00 +0000

On 22nd February 2010 London five-piece Trail will release their stunning debut album ‘To the Rest of the World’ through indie label Twistid, which will be closely followed by the new single ‘City’ on 1st March 2010 – a driving Editors-esque song with a haunting grooved bass line and melancholic rock riff.

As their name suggests Trail are beating their own path to musical notoriety and acclaim. Formed in 2007 by singer songwriter Charlie Afif and guitarist Alex Mattey the pair brought together their varied influences from Dylan and the Water Boys to 90’s grunge and started to craft a sound of their own. Recruiting mates Simon Glynn on bass, Eireann Kelly on guitar (and later joined by Minco De Bruin on Drums), they started to play some local shows and with a surprising amount of early support quickly became regulars on the London circuit that year playing the O2 Wireless festival in Hyde Park as a result of making the final 11 in the O2 Undiscovered contest (from over 3000 entrants).

With a rapidly growing fanbase Trail started to raise money on inspirational financial platform slicethepie.com. In just 9 months they had successfully amassed enough investors to raise £20k to help record their debut album. It was around this time they began attracting attention from across the Atlantic and soon multi-platinum producer Matt Wallace (Faith No More/Maroon 5) took an interest in the band and their songs. Recognising their songwriting abilities and potential he invited them over to LA to record their album and together they created, ‘To the Rest of the World’.

’To the Rest of the World’ is a mature debut - a sonic journey that takes the listener through all the tumultuous highs, lows and confused in-betweens that follow on from early youth. Opening with the instantly hooky Muse-like ‘Prism’ it's full of high energy, catchy rock anthems (Flare, Forever Young and Fumes) sure to incite approving nods from Foos and Biffy Clyro fans as well as dark, menacing tracks (‘All Down’, ‘I Want To Know’) before the album title track brings the record to a hypnotic climax.

Confirmed live dates:

21 Feb Tommy Flynns Camden, London
22 Feb The Luminaire - ALBUM LAUNCH NIGHT! Kilburn, London
26 Feb The Met Lounge (14+) Peterborough, Midlands
3 March The Zanzibar (16+) Liverpool
4 March The Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport
5 March Milo Leeds
10 March Tommy Flynns Camden, London
25 March Bar Music Hall - Shoreditch, London
26 March The Prince Albert Brighton
31 March The Central Nottingham
22 April Cross Kings London, London
29 April The Camden Rock Camden, London

www.myspace.com/trailmusic

Latitude Festival 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:13:00 +0000

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th edition on 15-18th July 2010, taking place once again in the sumptuous surroundings of Henham Park Estate set within Suffolk’s stunning Sunrise Coast.

Celebrating its fifth year in 2010, Latitude has already become a firm favourite of the festival circuit. Starting out as a small and curious gathering of people in 2006, Latitude’s bold and pioneering approach of incorporating the full range of arts over one weekend has helped to secure its reputation as one of the most respected and highly anticipated events of the season.

Over the past four years, Latitude has inspired and charmed; shocked and educated; bewildered and beguiled. It has entertained its crowds with an eclectic blend of established and emerging acts, all of the highest calibre. With the arts very much at its core, Latitude’s dizzying display of talent is spread throughout the site in perfectly designed and dedicated arenas that entice you in.

Cherry-picking the very best from the worlds of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, fashion and cabaret - it is a festival like no other; an intimate place that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be; and indulge in the spirit of exploration and discovery.

A Brief History...
In its first year Latitude boasted a mind-blowing headline set from Antony & The Johnsons, Howard Marks provided the shocks and laughs with tales from his hit book ‘Mr. Nice’ in the Literary Arena and the legendary performed two very special performances on not only the main music stage, the Obelisk Arena, but also in the Poetry Arena.

Having already secured its pioneering reputation in its inaugural year, tickets to Latitude’s 2nd edition sold out fast and with the likes of Arcade Fire, Jarvis Cocker and The Good, The Bad & The Queen providing a top quality soundtrack and comics including Bill Bailey, Alan Carr, Dylan Moran and Mark Steel providing the laughs its easy to see why.

A blisteringly hot 2008 saw the festival bloom into a larger and even more popular event featuring music from Sigur Rós, Elbow, Grinderman and Joanna Newsom, and renowned English composer and pianist Michael Nyman mesmerised the Film & Music Arena with a spellbinding solo piano piece, a presentation of his own short films and an intimate Q&A with the audience. Also boasting such literary giants as Hanif Kureishi, Iain Banks and Irvine Welsh as well as the nation’s very own Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy; and the Theatre Arena expanded into a mini festival of its own with the National Theatre, RSC, Paines Plough and Royal Court bringing everything from emerging playwrights to classical Shakespeare, musicals to zombies!

And last year’s fun-filled weekend was perhaps the best yet; musically it featured a fabulously glamorous headline set by disco icon Grace Jones who bedazzled the crowd with a variety of costume changes for every song and put on an incredible hula-hooping display during ‘Slave To The Rhythm’, against a moody backdrop of thunder and lightning. The Obelisk’s other headliners Pet Shop Boys delivered hit after hit to a hypnotic visual display of graphics and lights whilst Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds brought the festival to a fitting close with a perfectly menacing performance.

Elsewhere over the weekend Media & Culture Minister Ben Bradshaw sparred with Jon “The Reverend” McClure over the state of British media at Instigate Debate in the Literary Arena; Sadler’s Wells presented Hofesh Shechter who brought his all-female cast of world renowned dancers to the floating stage on the lake; Latitude welcomed the Royal Opera House and the first full orchestra to appear at an outdoor music festival; Britten Sinfonia; And teams of budding dancers learnt salsa, ballroom and tap with dedicated workshops. Another first was the fashion show by House Of BlueEyes whose models defied physics by strutting on water down a catwalk on the lake. And the woods rang out with the sounds of both the human beatbox chorus of Shlomo & The Vocal Orchestra.

Other highlights over the weekend included an amazing show of vocal and musical beauty courtesy of special guest Thom Yorke who played the now established Sunday morning headline set; Spiritualized provided a wall of light and sound whilst Little Boots further cemented her hold on the British pop scene with an electropop-tastic set on the Sunrise Arena.

Whilst Latitude’s extensive line-up is an incredible assortment of riches that can keep you entertained all weekend, there is also another side to Latitude… a leisurely stroll through the festival’s magical woods and beyond can lead to all manner of untold treasures and unexpected pleasures.

By day you can stumble upon impromptu acoustic performances, fascinating political debates and interactive art installations that will transfix you for hours. But after sundown, in true Bacchanalian style, discover Latitude’s dark and decadent side as the enchanted woods transform into a secret world of temptation and intrigue. A haven for nocturnal animals in search of some mischievous fun under a canopy of fairy lights and imposing oak trees.

Day and night, Latitude Festival is the place to let the experience lead you; to explore the extraordinary and relish in unknown delights – the perfect place for the open-minded, culturally inquisitive and free-spirited.

So as the winter months take their toll, start daydreaming of happier, warmer climes and book yourself a slice of unadulterated cultural fun and adventure this summer at the fifth Latitude Festival on the Sunrise Coast.

Tickets to go on sale at the Latitude Festival launch on
Tuesday 9th March 2010

www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For more information please contact Press Counsel PR
Dani and Charlie – National
Anthea – Regional
Griff (Dan) – Online
FirstName@presscounselpr.com 020 7792 9400

PRESS REVIEWS FROM LATITUDE 2009

"Top-class performers, multi-coloured sheep, an exquisite lake setting and soil so porous no showers could muddy it. Latitude is becoming a fine alternative to Glastonbury."
Observer

"In four years Latitude has established itself as a big stop on the summer festival circuit." The Times

"Latitude is about the atmosphere, it is about the families, it is about that inviting patch of matting in the poetry tent for the man who has had no sleep."
The Independent

"Latitude in Suffolk last weekend was something of a triumph...this could be a serious, even unmissable date in the literary calendar."
The Daily Telegraph

"Once again they've given us the perfect festival."
Uncut

"The Latitude Festival is fast becoming the place to showcase innovative theatre to a previously untapped audience (including) a rostrum of new-writing talent that would makehttp://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5575891666499119866&postID=7799853620064906994 Edinburgh a little green with envy."
The Stage

“An elegant and eclectic affair for the discerning festival goer.”
Clash Magazine

Tickets to go on sale at the Latitude Festival launch on
Tuesday 9th March 2010

www.latitudefestival.co.uk

Straight Lines - Announce headline tour and dates with InMe and The Automatic to coincide with the release of ‘Runaway Now’!

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:14:00 +0000

- Tom Jenkins (Vocals/Guitar) - Dane Campbell (Drums/Backing Vocals) - James Pugh (Guitar) - Todd Campbell (Bass/Backing Vocals) -

With the release of their debut album ‘Persistence In This Game’ only a few weeks away (15th February) Straight Lines are ready to announce details of their first headline tour and support slots with InMe and The Automatic. To coincide with the tour Straight Lines will be releasing new single ‘Runaway Now’ on 1st March through Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, The Xcerts, Reuben…). The single is backed with the tracks ‘Cutting Loose’ and ‘Runaway Now (acoustic)’.

‘Runaway Now’ shows Straight Lines’ ability to pen a catchy anthem that encroaches more on the mainstream than ‘Versus The Allegiance’ - their debut EP that was sold at shows towards the end of 2009 shifting up to 200 copies a night. Make sure you catch them now before they transcend their peers!

SUPPORTING INME
9 Feb Moho Live, Manchester
10 Feb Sheffield Uni, Sheffield
11 Feb Waterfront, Norwich
12 Feb Square, Harlow
13 Feb Engine Rooms, Brighton

HEADLINE TOUR
16 Feb Birmingham Academy, Birmingham
17 Feb Masque, Liverpool
18 Feb Rock City, Nottingham
20 Feb Cockpit, Leeds
22 Feb Swansea Hall, Swansea
23 Feb Enterprise, London
24 Feb Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
25 Feb Twist, Colchester
27 Feb Night N Day, Manchester
28 Feb Fibbers, York

SUPPORTING THE AUTOMATIC
2 Mar 12 Bar, Swindon
4 Mar Cavern, Exeter
5 Mar Princess Pavilion, Falmouth
6 Mar Orange Box, Yeovil
7 Mar Guild Hall, Gloucester
8 Mar 02 Academy, Oxford
9 Mar Arts Centre, Colchester
11 Mar Roadmenders, Northampton
12 Mar Sugarmill, Stoke
13 Mar Adelphi, Hull
14 Mar 02 Academy, Liverpool

www.myspace.com/straightlines
www.xtramilerecordings.com
www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

For more information please contact Griff (National/Online) or Anthea (Regional) - info@presscounsel.com - 020 7792 9400

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo release 'Nostalgia'; the soundtrack to BBC 1's TV series 'Wallander'

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Independent folk solo artist Emily Barker is set to release new single ‘Nostalgia' on 8th February through label Everyone Sang. The track will be released as a digital download and will be available through iTunes and other major DSPs.‘Nostalgia' has recently been featured as the opening title theme to BBC1’s highly acclaimed drama series ‘Wallander’ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pxtct) starring Kenneth Branagh.

The Bafta-winning theme tune emanates from Emily’s album ‘Despite the Snow’ and has also won a Royal Television Society award for best original theme. Not bad for a musician who has never owned a television set! The kick back from ‘Nostalgia' being featured in ‘Wallander’ has seen ‘Despite the Snow’ hit the No.1 spot on both the iTunes Singer/songwriter charts and Amazon’s MP3 Folk albums chart over the past fortnight.

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo will be on tour in February:

21 Jan The Donkey, Leicester, UK
7 Feb Perth International Arts Festival, Perth (supporting Sharron Shannon)
14 Feb Railway Hotel, Perth
20 Feb Bridgetown Repertory Theatre Matinee, Bridgetown
20 Feb Bridgetown Repertory Theatre Evening Show, Bridgetown
21 Feb Mount Lawley Bowls Club, Perth
25 Feb Perth International Arts Festival (Becks Music Box), Perth
27 Feb Nannup Folk Festival, Nannup
28 Feb Nannup Folk Festival, Nannup
28 Feb Redcliffe On The Murray, Pinjarra
11 Mar The Slaughtered Lamb, London UK
16 Jul Larmer Tree Festival, Larmer Tree Gardens

www.emily-barker.com
www.myspace.com/emilybarker

“This is a gorgeous, sincere voice that grabs you and won’t let go” - The Sun
“Stripped free of studio frippery and all the better for its carefree simplicity” **** - Q Magazine
"The hills have yet to be emptied of gold if you know where to look.” - The Times

For more information please contact Dan Griffiths – 020 7792 9400 – www.presscounselpr.com

The Irrepressibles - ‘St. Valentine's Day Massacre’

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:19:00 +0000

‘St. Valentine's Day Massacre’ Live at Queen Elizabeth Hall

Celebrating the festival of love and romance in true twisted and theatrical style, The Irrepressibles present a St. Valentine's Day Massacre on 14th February 2010 at the stunning Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank.

Whether blissfully in love, bitterly scorned or looking for the one, this live performance spectacular promises to be visually and aurally captivating, with its conceptual set and teams of artists in film, dance, avant-garde costume and make-up.

Bringing to life the music from their debut album ‘Mirror Mirror’ The Irrepressibles will take the audience on a thrilling and awe-inspiring journey, led by composer and artist Jamie McDermott.

‘Mirror Mirror’ is released on 11th January 2010 on Major Record Label through V2 /Cooperative. Fusing European orchestration with pop melodies and soaring cathartic vocals, it is a theatrical, playful and passionate album. From the dramatic opener ‘My Friend Jo’ to the galloping rhythms of ‘Anvil’ and the yearning echoes of ‘Forget The Past’, ‘Mirror Mirror’ is a superbly constructed sonic exploration of McDermott's confessional stories. Love, anger, lust and loss signpost the journey through The Irrepressibles’ mystical and theatrical world.

Tickets are on sale to Southbank members on the 7th January and the general public on the 8th January.

Expect the extraordinary...

“Exotic, baroque, this is the Oscar Wilde comeback album the world needs.” 4/5 Uncut
"an enchantingly theatrical pop extravaganza" Robert Sandal, Sunday Times
“The Irrepressibles are one of Britain's best-kept secrets…” Simon Price, Independent On Sunday

Listing Details

The Irrepressibles 'Valentine's Day Massacre'
Sunday 14 February 2010, 7.30pm
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Southband Centre
London, SE1 8XX

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Box office number: 0844 847 9910

More information please contact Anthea @ Presscounsel.com or Charlie @ Presscounsel.com or call 020 7792 9400.

Straight Lines - Release debut album 'Persistance In This Game'

noreply@blogger.com (Press Counsel PR) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:49:00 +0000

Release Debut Album ‘Persistence In This Game’ on 15th February and New Single ‘Runaway Now’ on 22nd February 2010

- Tom Jenkins (Vocals/Guitar) - Dane Campbell (Drums/Backing Vocals) - James Pugh (Guitar) - Todd Campbell (Bass/Backing Vocals) -

Straight Lines brought 2009 to a triumphant close with hugely successful back-to-back support tours with Kids In Glass Houses, The Automatic and Motorhead. The shows which formed the band’s first national tour of the UK saw them shift up to 200 copies of their limited edition debut EP ’Versus The Allegiance’ a night!

Straight Lines kick off their 2010 campaign with a slot at the SXSW festival in Texas and as support for the band continues to grow they’ll be releasing their debut album ‘Persistence In This Game’ on the 15th February through Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, The Xcerts, Reuben…). The album’s release is followed by the single ‘Runaway Now’ a week later on the 22nd February.

Straight Lines set about recording ‘Persistence In This Game’ as an unsigned band, and with no money to bring in a named producer or fly to expensive studios in America, the band turned to their bassist Todd Campbell and record their debut album in his studio situated in the garage of his house. The band began work on the record in October, and with the help of their friends in other bands they managed to gather enough equipment to record and they emerged with a completed album at the end of the year.

‘Persistence In This Game’ is a straight-up Rock & Roll record spliced with infectious anthems (Loose Change, Runaway Now) heartfelt ballads (The Ballad Of Peter Devine, Set Me On Fire And Feed Me To The Wolves) and rhythmic riffery (Versus The Allegiance). Keep your eyes peeled for one of the most exciting bands of 2010!

Track listing of ‘Persistence In This Game’:

1. Versus The Allegiance
2. Loose Change
3. Runaway Now
4. All My Friends Have Joined The Army
5. Antics
6. To Be Honest
7. Say It For Your Sake
8. The Ballad Of Peter Devine
9. A Place To Stay
10. Perfect Mistakes
11. Oh Blue Eyes
12. Set Me On Fire And Feed Me To The Wolves

www.myspace.com/straightlines
www.xtramilerecordings.com
www.myspace.com/xtramilerecordings

For more information please contact griff@presscounsel.com (National/Online) or anthea@presscounsel.com (Regional) – 020 7792 9400