One of the things that to set Latitude apart from other festivals, even Glastonbury, is the emphasis on the written and spoken as much on the sung word.

The Literary Arena, a cosy 'library' with an oversized book by the entrance, has been one of the biggest hits of the last couple of years and it will once again home to the cream of the literary crop.

Among the big names will Scottish author Iain banks, who juggles both crime and sci-fi, Tim Lott and the ever popular poet Simon Armitage (all Sat).

There is a notable over-lap with comedy this year with several people cropping up in both areas. Robin Ince will be presenting his Late Night Revolution (Sat), alongside a host of guests including Grace Petrie, Josie Long and The Baptists, and there will be appearances from Pappys, Russell Kane (both Fri), Simon Day and Miles Jupp (both Sun).

This year will also see a strong political showing with, amongst others, Newsnight economics editor Paul Mason (Fri) no doubt debating the financial crisis, and polemical journalist John Pilger (Sun).

The Poetry Arena will be hosted acclaimed Norwich poet Luke Wright (Thurs/Sun) and there is a huge line-up of nationald international talent.

Big names performing include John Hegley (Sat), hip hop poet Scroobius Pip (Sat), John Cooper Clrake and the renowned reggae poet Benjamin Zephaniah (both Sun).

The Film Arena is much bigger this year and includes several coups including the cast of BBC Olympics comedy Twenty Twelve in conversation with Boyd Hilton (Fri), screenwriter Abi Morgan in conversation with Edith Bowman (Sat) and Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox with a whole host of special guests including legendry country singer Wanda Jackson (Sat).

Golden Fables (Sat) is an exciting new poetic drama that fuses words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu with specially-written Fables by poets Ian McMillan, Gillian Clarke, Liz Lochhead and Joel Stickley set to music by Gabriel Prokofiev, Tim Dalling and Luke Carver Goss.

There will be a host of screenings many featuring live scores, including the Chemical Brothers Don't Think, Plan B's iLL Manors, plus Adam Buxton doing his Bug thing.