Latitude 2023: Preview

Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready for the time of your life?

The pandemic only seems like yesterday, but somehow this is the third post-Covid Latitude.

Many acts who graced Henham Park in the previous decade are back – George Ezra, Paolo Nutini and James amongst others – and yet there remains a fresh, urgent feel to this year’s event, perhaps best encapsulated by Confidence Man and The Mysterines (pictured).

As is so often the case, Friday appears to present best value for money, a day which ends with one of Latitude’s most anticipated headliners for aeons. I last met up with Pulp in the year 2000. It was Reading Festival and they were ace. The prospect of once again witnessing Jarvis Cocker’s showmanship is worth the ticket price alone. It was always going to be poignant and will be even more so following the death of bassist Steve Mackey earlier in the year.

Thoughts are also with Jacqui Abbot who was due to perform with Paul Heaton nine years on from their last Obelisk appearance.

But Friday isn’t just about Pulp. The day as a whole promises to be carnage. It will be impossible to get round to everyone and I have spotted at least four clashes, all of which make me want to cry (see my planned itinerary below).

Saturday is a bit more steady. I have fewer clashes, albeit one that’s hard to stomach: Young Fathers versus Warmduscher. Fortunately, the latter are playing All Points East, so I will get to catch them there. Saturday feels like Obelisk day. Bring a camping chair for Mysterines and settle in for the afternoon.

Sunday’s lineup I think is Latitude’s way of telling me to chill out by the tent, drink lots of red wine and listen to the cricket. The last day of the festival has evolved into Singalong Sunday, a development that people will either love or hate. Pre Covid, would Melvin have booked Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers? Doubtful. In defence of Latitude, this novelty act tendency is a trend amongst many festivals. Glastonbury is now a home to Carly Rae Jepson and, well, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. For those of us who don’t want to walk 500 miles, it’s the ideal opportunity to sample the non-music fare, of which there is lots.

For Latitude veterans, there is a thread that runs through the years and it is great to see The Big Moon, The Murder Capital, Dry Cleaning and Cloth graduating to bigger stages. They grow up so fast!

The undercard remains consistently high. Bar Italia, Gretel Hänlyn, Bleach Lab and English Teacher all immediately jump out of that sun-drenched lineup poster. Do make the effort to explore the smaller acts. In 2014, George Ezra was the first Sunday act in the BBC tent. You never know what you might find.

A plea to Latitude organisers – The Alcove is too small for the acts you book (weren’t Wet Leg there in 2021?!) – more space please!

For my money, last year’s Wow moment undoubtedly belonged to Little Simz. Absolute scenes, I think is the expression. The beauty of Latitude is you can never forecast who will provide that iconic moment, but I have high hopes for Young Fathers. Their Glastonbury performance was all passion, intensity and power. It has tour de force written all over it.

And while we’re making bets, I’m wagering that Metronomy will provide the Modest Mouse I-never-knew-they-were-THAT-good moment.

Kelly Jones with Far From Saints and Felix White with 86TVs return after barnstorming headlines sets in 2019 (Stereophonics) and 2016 (The Maccabees) respectively.

I have neglected to mention Do Nothing and Yard Act for the simple reason that I don’t really get them. But, hey, music is subjective and I hope the aficionados amongst you have a blast.

More than anything, do whatever it is that makes you happy, whether it’s music, comedy or celebrity chefs.

This is going to be hardcore.

For what it’s worth, here is my planned itinerary.

Clashes are in strikethrough *sniff sniff*

Friday

Cloth 13.15 Sunrise

The Murder Capital 14.45 BBC Sounds

Georgia 16.25 Obelisk

Dry Cleaning 17.30 BBC Sounds

Bleach Lab 17.40. Alcove

Confidence Man 18.05 Obelisk

Gretel Hänlyn 18.15 Sunrise

Panic Shack 18.50 Alcove

Men I Trust 19.00 BBC Sounds

Metronomy 19.45 Obelisk

English Teacher 20.00 Alcove

Pulp 21.30 Obelisk

Saturday

The Mysterines 12.00 Obelisk

Lightning Seeds 14.45 Obelisk

The Big Moon 16.25 Obelisk

Paul Heaton 18.05 Obelisk

86TVs 19.30 Sunrise

She’s in Parties BBC Introducing 20.00

Far From Saints 20.20 BBC Sounds

Warmduscher 22.00 Sunrise

Young Fathers 22.00 BBC Sounds

Sunday

The Bootleg Beatles 15.00 Obelisk

Gwenno 15.20 BBC Sounds

Creep Show 17.00 BBC Sounds

Bar Italia 18.15 Sunrise

Black Midi 20.20 BBC Sounds

Siouxsie 22.00 BBC Sounds

Jacana People 22.20 BBC Introducing