Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn has told Music Week that Latitude is a “special” event in the festival calendar.
In the latest issue of Music Week, Benn opens up about this weekend’s Reading & Leeds Festival. But in an unpublished part of the interview, he also enthused about the enduring appeal of Latitude.
The music, arts and comedy festival in Southwold, Suffolk enjoyed another sell-out last month with a line-up including headliners George Ezra and Lana Del Rey, who performed her only UK show of 2019.
“It’s different to Reading & Leeds in the same way that Glastonbury is different to Reading & Leeds,” said Benn. “Latitude is just a delightful festival, wonderful vibe, a wonderful array of non-music activities, incredible food, fantastic location. The line-up is always so eclectic, interesting and credible really. There’s a musical credibility that goes through Latitude that matches the non-music credibility – the comedy and the theatre is just insanely good.”
However, this year’s edition lost one of its headliners, as Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid required neck surgery.
George Ezra's show was huge and it was happy
Melvin Benn
“Snow Patrol were hugely anticipated and sadly didn’t play,” said Benn. “But the performance from Stereophonics replacing them and then Underworld following, it was just a brilliant Saturday night.”
Latitude also managed to secure a performance from George Ezra, whose sophomore LP Staying At Tamara’s was the biggest artist album release last year.
“George Ezra on the Friday – my God, it was huge and it was happy,” Benn told Music Week. “It was one of the most happy shows I have ever seen, people were just overwhelmed. It was a wonderful night, actually.”
Benn said tickets are already moving for next year’s edition.
“We’re having a very good pre-sale with Latitude – as we are with Download and Wireless – so we’re very happy with that. Latitude’s got a completely different feel to every other festival in the UK, quite honestly. It’s very unique and very special. I’m not surprised that people flock to it, because it really is special.”
To read Melvin Benn’s Reading & Leeds interview pick up the latest issue – or subscribers can click here. To subscribe and never miss a big industry story click here.
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