Sun shines as revellers enjoy first day of Latitude Festival

The sun shone as revellers descended on a Suffolk park for a weekend of music, theatre and comedy at Latitude Festival.

Now in its 13th year, the first day of the festival kicked off today as fans flocked to Henham Park, near Southwold, for a fun-filled weekend.

Headlining tonight (Friday) Solange, younger sister to Beyonce but an accomplished artist in her own right, set the electric tone for the weekend as she wowed the crowd.

But even though big names such as The Killers and alt-J are billed for the coming nights, mystery still surrounds who is going to perform on the secret set with many celebrities being rumoured.

Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol, Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran and even Madonna are among those in the running if the rumour mill is to be believed, but organisers are remaining tight-lipped until the momentous appearance arrives.

A festival spokesman said: 'Our secret act is iconic and certainly a big name. What we can say is that this is one of the biggest secret acts we've ever booked.'

Elsewhere, fans of one of the nation's favourite panel shows are in for a treat as Sandi Toksvig and Alan Davies present a special live edition of QI tonight at 11.05am, flanked by a host of celebrity panellists. Those in search of a laugh can also head to the Comedy Arena for stand-up from Bridget Christie, Harry Hill, Dylan Moran and countless more.

Many of the 30,000 estimated visitors to the festival travelled up on Thursday to pitch their tents and soak up the atmosphere ahead of the official start yesterday.

Organisers Festival Republic have taken major steps in recent years to manage the large volumes of traffic heading to the festival grounds along the A12 and cross country roads.

'This plan aims to increase safety, ease congestion around and through local villages, minimise disruption and ensure the safety of residents and Latitude Festival attendees,' a spokesman said.

Suffolk police has issued advice to festival-goers to ensure crime is kept to a minimum.

Det Supt David Cutler said: 'The festival has become a well established fixture on the Suffolk calendar and, as such, we want everyone to enjoy it. We urge everyone attending to be mindful of the security of their valuables as there will be a very small minority who will look to exploit those who have their guard down.'

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Simpson and Louise Eastwood enjoying the sunshine at Latitude.Picture: Nick Butcher Ben Simpson and Louise Eastwood enjoying the sunshine at Latitude.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)