SLIDESHOW: The festival vibe was in full swing in north Suffolk last night as the first acts got under way at Latitude.

The festival vibe was in full swing in north Suffolk last night as the first acts got under way at Latitude.

Revellers headed to Henham estate, near Southwold, for the much-anticipated music and arts festival which is expected to draw 35,000 people over the weekend.

A steady stream of cars and caravans made their way throughout yesterday to the beautiful parkland venue.

The blustery conditions caused some problems for campers who battled to pitch their tents in the wind.

Last night the first acts were taking to various stages and setting the mood for the weekend.

More than 700 artists will be taking part in the four-day festival and last night's highlights were expected to include performances by world renowned violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy and Welsh superstar Tom Jones.

Headline acts over the weekend include Florence and the Machine, indie pop band Belle and Sebastian, New York rock quartet Vampire Weekend and Australian electric music duo Empire of the Sun.

Other big names include popular indie band James and pop band The Feeling.

The festival's iconic coloured sheep were grazing on the parkland and there was a laid-back vibe as campers made their way around the site checking out the various stages and stalls selling a range of clothing and refreshments.

There were giant floating flowers on the lake and rows of bunting and coloured flags billowed in the breeze.

Many revellers were enjoying the late afternoon sunshine and taking in the sights and sounds.

Caz Stephenson, 20, from Alnwick in Northumberland, said: 'I came last year and decided to come back because it was brilliant. We assume it will be the same.

'We had a bit of trouble with our tent in the wind, but it is ok now. We are really looking forward to the festival.

'It is really chilled and nice.'

Her friend Charlotte Thompson, 20, from Clapham, in London, added: 'We had a really good time last year. I have done some other festivals and I would say this is superior.'

Tickets for the festival which is now in its fifth year have sold out and organisers have advised people without tickets not to travel to the site.

This website will be updated throughout the festival with all the latest Latitude news and reviews. For more pictures and reviews see the next edition of the paper.