Five of the best at Latitude Festival

Image: Latitude 

Situated in Henham Park, Suffolk, Latitude has long been compared to continental European festivals down to its comprehensive bill of musicians and inclusion of theatre, cabaret, dance and literature. 

The result is an eclectic mix of music that is often firmly outside of the mainstream, particularly on the smaller stages. This year is no different with the likes of Grimes, Father John Misty and Chvrches making appearances.

There is still room for some firm favourites however, and we have dug deep to feature five acts that give truly a cross sectional representation of this years festival - taking place from Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th July. 

Kurt Vile And The Violators

Kurt Vile tickets. 

Expect a 'pretty pimpin' performance from the former The War On Drugs man. His 2015 album B'lieve I'm Goin Down was one of the year's best. Incredibly it was the fifth solo release by the 36 year old from Philadelphia and its position at number 25 in the UK album chart is his highest to date.

Backed by the Violators, there'll be honey sweet harmonies and finger picking a plenty as he takes to the BBC Radio 6 Music stage on Saturday.

Henry Lewis

Read Kurt Vile at Manchester Ritz review 

The National

The National tickets. 

Kind of an obvious choice, but it's not often that The National reach these shores - never mind at the peak of a billing. During the past year or so, Matt Berninger's been immersed in EL VY duties while Aaron and Bryce steered the Grateful Dead Day of the Dead project. 

Now they've reconvened, a new album is in the works with the band declaring a new evolution to their sound is needed. It's no doubt to soon to paw the honey from that prospective record, but when Matt Berninger's involved - he could sing practically anything and no one would mind one bit. 

Ben Smith

Read El Vy 'Return To The Moon' review 

Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner tickets.

Amidst the very well deserved love grime has been getting, British rap's excellence in exploring introversion has continued its great lineage with the emergence of the rather brilliant Loyle Carner.

Alongside the likes of Massive Attack, Roots Manuva and Ghostpoet, Loyle has delivered that very British sense of vulnerability which has made our hip-hop inspired music so fascinating over the years. By no means a shirking violet, the honesty behind the heartfelt tribute to his late stepfather 'Cantona' is reflective of his sensitive demeanour.

Jimmy Coultas

Read Loyle Carner shares new song alongside UK tour dates.

New Order

New Order tickets.

Spawned from the ashes of Joy Division, Manc ravers New Order quickly became enormous in their own right with anthems like 'Temptation' and the unmistakable 'Blue Monday'.

No indie disco is complete without them and their appearance on the Main Stage on Sunday will see old and young united by the sound of whirring synths and pounding drum machines. New Order haven't rested on their laurels however, they remain as innovative as ever and released a new album, Music Complete, just last year.

HL

Read New Order Music Complete review

The Magic Gang 

The Magic Gang tickets. 

If you're looking for a new obsession then The Magic Gang's breezy guitar-pop should gust straight into your playlist.

There's plenty to shout about when it comes to this Brighton bunch; their recent self-titled EP is as easy-listening as they come with each oddly-romanticised nugget made for a festival sing-a-long. The Magic Gang already have plenty to give and they're yet to fully blossom. 

BS

Like this? Check out our Latitude 2016 Spotify playlist 

Tickets are no longer available for this event