The project, which is part of The Space, a new online arts service developed by Arts Council England (ACE) in partnership with the BBC, released the names, song titles and artwork of 100 records from Peel’s collection, starting with the letter ‘A’, and will release 100 more records every Tuesday for 26 weeks. Never-before seen letters to Peel from musicians are being released exclusively via the project’s social media accounts under the name ‘John Peel Archive’.

An interactive record collection allows users to effectively stand in front of Peel’s records on their shelves and be able to listen to many of these records through links compiled by the project.

The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts (Stowmarket) (project lead), its project partner Eye Film and Television (Norwich), and local website company Klick (Norwich), have been working closely with John Peel’s wife, and family to produce the archive and its content. The project has been funded by ACE with technical support from the BBC.

Sheila Ravenscroft, John Peel’s wife, said:

“We’re so happy that we’re finally making John’s amazing collection available to his fans, as he would have wanted. This project is only the beginning of something very exciting.

“Hopefully people are really going to enjoy having a little bit of John’s collection.”

The archive, which is introduced by a video from Sheila Ravenscroft, John Peel’s wife, also features specially created mini documentary videos of key artistes, Peel’s home movies, his hand-typed note cards, and photos.

A blog and social media will also share further content, keep users up to date with releases, facilitate online discussions, and give an insight behind the scenes of the project.

Tom Barker, Director of John Peel Arts Centre said:

“We’re so excited by this project- it’s such an honour to be able to make John Peel’s record collection available to the public for the first time.

“Throughout the planning process, we have had in our minds that we wanted to do John (and his fans) proud and ensure that the legacy of this legendary man lives on.

“Having Arts Council funding is fantastic and has allowed us to kick-start this project – what we need to ensure now is that we secure enough funding after October to complete the project”.

Releasing the entire contents of the collection is a long term goal for the project, and the project partners will therefore be looking for further funding after October when Arts Council funding finishes.

Charlie Gauvain, MD of Eye Film and TV who coordinating the project, said:

“When we first came up with the idea- it was just that- an idea. Just a few months on, a lot hard work, and late nights later, and we have this fantastic music resource.

“Getting the right team together for this has been key- a lot of people have put in a great deal of dedicated hard work- including John’s family, without whose generosity, the collection wouldn’t be available”

Norwich website company Klik, were commissioned by the project to create the interactive website.

James Leeds, MD of Klik, said:

“We’ve worked closely with John Peel’s family to make sure that the design of the website feels like a little bit of John himself, which we all felt was crucial, since John was such a big part of so many people’s lives in a personal way”.

John Peel’s personal record collection is one of the most important and eclectic modern music collections in the world. The legendary Radio 1 presenter amassed an incredible collection of over 26,000 LPs, 40,000 singles and many thousands of CDs. This is the first time that the public will be able to learn what is in John’s amazing collection.

The John Peel project is one of 53 creative arts projects being funded by Arts Council England with BBC partnership, as part of a new digital arts and culture media service called The Space. People will be able to access the John Peel archive and other creative arts projects on The Space by going to www.thespace.org from May 1st.

Thu 3rd May
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS SESSION, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,
THE PJ’S PETER AND JIM, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich

Fri 4th May
ROX OFF, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
MIKE SOLO, The Bull Hotel, Woodbridge
HUMDINGERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID Required
DEAN AUSTIN, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich
WALKWAY, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
BARRY TONE as ELVIS, The Douglas Bader, Martlesham
GUNS & ROSES TRIBUTE, The Malt House, Ipswich
7TH STEP, The Dolphin, Felixstowe
FRICTION, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
12TH NOTE, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich

Sat 5th May
HATED TIL PROVEN, RISING STRIKE, SPEED DINOSAURS, ALMEIDE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £3
MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
BOOTSCRAPER, The Royal Oak, Ipswich
THE AJ EXPERIENCE, Ye Olde Bell & Steel Yard, Woodbridge
I AM BEYONCE, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
HARRY PALMERS, THE BGOODES, Venue 77, Ipswich
COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Strangers Home, Bradfield
GORDON BENNETT BAND, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
ARE WE THERE YET, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich
LIVE & LOUD, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
JUST BACKDATED, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Sun 6th May
EXIT STATE, SHOCK HAZARD, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, 3pm
INNER HEART REGGAE, Venue 77, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin, Felixstowe
TOM JONES TRIBUTE, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
JAZZ JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm
DOUBLE BARRELL, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Mon 7th May
I AM WHITNEY, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich

Tue 8th May
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
SUFFOLK COLLEGE SHOWCASE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,

Wed 9th May
SUFFOLK COLLEGE SHOWCASE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Thu 10th May
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
FOLK JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,
APACHE, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich

Fri 11th May
LICK N A PROMISE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
MOONSTREET, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID Required
THE REASON, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
BACK PORCH, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich
ARE WE THERE YET? The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
THE MARTELLS, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
COUNTRY COMPANY, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich

Sat 12th May
SHOOT THE GLASS, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
GOLDMASTER ALLSTARS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £5
MIKE SOLO, The Douglas Bader, Martlesham
SHABOOGAMOO SHUFFLERS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich
KUDOS, The Cork bar, Felixstowe
CURVES, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
GOLDSTAR, The Plough, Ipswich
SHATTERED, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
BACK PORCH, The George, Hadleigh

Sun 13th May
SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm
TONY KERR – COUNTRY MUSIC, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
NOASIS, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
THE REASON, Venue 77, Ipswich

Tue 15th May
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Thu 17th May
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
CAUTION HORSES, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,

Fri 18th May
RIVER JUMPERS, JRD SKA, BORN TO DESTRUCT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
SOUTHERN JUNKIES, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
BLACK TOP HARRISON, FUTURE HASBEENZ, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID Required
JADE PETERS, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
JACKNIFE HORSEBOX, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich
BOUNCING OFF CONCRETE, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sat 19th May
WALKWAY, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
CAMELFOOT RAIDERS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich
DANE, Ye Olde Bell & Steel Yard, Woodbridge
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
PAT JAMES, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
THE OUTLINES, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe

Sun 20th May
A JAZZY AFTERNOON, with PRESTWICH HOSPITAL & THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT, SHERBERT FOUNTAIN, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,
SOUL’D OUT, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
CEDIQ HAVANA, Venue 77, Ipswich

Tue 22nd May
AIMEE’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Thu 24th May
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
KEITH SADLER BAND, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Fri 25th May
NEW TOWN KINGS, FAINTEST IDEA, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £3
MISERABLE MAN, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
RODDY AND THE REJECTS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich
JEREMIAH MARQUES, THE BLUE ACTS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £5 including Chilli Supper
PAUL PRYCE, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
FISTI KUFFS, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sat 26th May
CURT N ROD, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
MATT WHITE AND THE EMUISIONS, The George Hadleigh,
VOODOO CHILD, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
DARK ENERGY, The Plough, Ipswich
ROX OFF, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe
ROCKIT, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Sun 27th May
MEDICINE HAT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £2
LAST SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm Jazz from 2pm
SHADOWS OF MOTOWN, Isaacs, The Waterfront, Ipswich
THE DOWN SETTERS, Venue 77, Ipswich
KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Tue 29th May
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Thu 31st May
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
FOLK SESSION with PETE & GUEST, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,

Benjamin Bloom

BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens curates the stage and it’s the third year he has invited BBC Introducing in Suffolk, presented by Graeme Mac and Richard Haugh, to select three local acts to play. Huw says:

“It’s great to have BBC Introducing in Suffolk helping to curate The Lake Stage again this year. The artists they support and help nurture will get to play to a large audience at one of the finest festivals I’ve ever been to, so it’s a great chance for Suffolk artists to get their music heard.”

Friday will see Bury St. Edmunds trio The Soft take to the stage with their unique brand of electronica and shoegaze. For fans of Animal Collective, Four Tet and The Jesus & Mary Chain, they promise to kick-off the weekend’s proceedings with a great start. Singer, guitarist and programmer Henry Morris has this to say:

Dingus Khan

Saturday sees nine-piece indie act Dingus Khan take to the stage. The band released their debut single Knifey Spoony on Club Fandango earlier in the year and recently performed a BBC Radio 6 Music session for Steve Lamacq. With three drummers, three bassists and an electric ukulele thrown in for good measure, you’ve never seen rock ‘n’ roll played this way before! Singer and guitarist Benjamin Brown says:

“I’ve never been to a festival in my life…it’s going to be an eye-opener. I haven’t even got a tent! We might have a ridiculous stage show, maybe dancers, The Supremes on backing vocals, a giant maypole erected in the centre of the stage…”

Rounding off the weekend on Sunday is eccentric Ipswich singer-songwriter and piano maestro Benjamin Bloom. Self-described as ‘Over The Top Pop’, Benjamin and his band are preparing to ease revellers into Sunday’s festivities with epic and bombastic tunes from their recent Weird & Wonderful EP. Talking about the opportunity Benjamin says:

“I’m delighted, overwhelmed. It’s a struggle for us unsigned guys to get out of the toilets, get up a level and get into good venues. You trawl around and wait for somebody to give you an opportunity…We’ll deliver big style. They’re going to get a stupid ridiculous over the top show with anthemic songs.”

The Soft

Enjoy the classic songs that made them stars, such as Fascinatin’ Rhythm, That Old Black Magic, Sentimental Journey, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, The Folks Who Live on the Hill, The Trolley Song and many, many more. Plus plenty of popular Big Band hits from the groups that the divas loved to work with, including Artie Shaw, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. An evening of feel-good music inspired by the most glamorous women in Jazz!

No seating provided; No dogs, tables, barbecues or naked flames.
Event entrance is in Mustow Street. Gates open at 7.00pm
No Glass

The booking office and online bookings will stop selling tickets at midday on the day of the event.

(Please note Sunday bookings close at midday on the Saturday)

Any uncollected pre-booked tickets can be picked up from the venue on arrival.

Groups of x10 or more can get discount of £1 per ticket please call the box office on 01284 758000 to claim this concession

Apex Bury St Edmunds, 27th May 2012

Once known as a wild woman of rock, Elkie can sing the blues, jazz and rock with the best of them, and in fact I’d go as far to say that she is in fact the best of them. She’s certainly one of the finest female singers that Britain has to offer.

These days Elkie may not have chart success, but she is still recording. Her latest album is titled “Powerless”, maybe it should have been called Powerful as at times you wonder how on earth such a powerful voice come from such a tiny lady.

All the hits were there, “Pearl’s A Singer” of course, “Fool if You Think It’s Over”, “Lilac Wine”, “Nights in White Satin” and more as well as tracks from the aforementioned new album Powerless, the title track of which is a Don Black composition and a song worthy of chart success in it’s own right.

A fantastic accappella version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and then a foot stomping version of Prince’s Purple Rain.

Elkie Brooks in concert is a night with a fantastic band of musicians and an outstanding singer, no frills, no fancy special effects needed. When you have a voice as good as Elkie’s who needs special effects.

Photos courtesy BennersDesign.co.uk

By her own admission Elkie Brooks has been in the business “a long time”. But whereas some singers’ voices begin to show signs of wear and tear as they progress through their career, Elkie’s like a certain Lilac Wine has got better.

Once known as a wild woman of rock, Elkie can sing the blues, jazz and rock with the best of them, and in fact I’d go as far to say that she is in fact the best of them. She’s certainly one of the finest female singers that Britain has to offer.

These days Elkie may not have chart success, but she is still recording. Her latest album is titled “Powerless”, maybe it should have been called Powerful as at times you wonder how on earth such a powerful voice come from such a tiny lady.

All the hits were there, “Pearl’s A Singer” of course, “Fool if You Think It’s Over”, “Lilac Wine”, “Nights in White Satin” and more as well as tracks from the aforementioned new album Powerless, the title track of which is a Don Black composition and a song worthy of chart success in it’s own right.

A fantastic accappella version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and then a foot stomping version of Prince’s Purple Rain.

Elkie Brooks in concert is a night with a fantastic band of musicians and an outstanding singer, no frills, no fancy special effects needed. When you have a voice as good as Elkie’s who needs special effects.

Photos courtesy BennersDesign.co.uk

[Show as slideshow]

A fan of high art and the theatre of live performance, Rufus is beloved worldwide for his unique and undeniable musical talent as a songwriter and pianist. Also known for delivering stunning live concerts, his lunchtime performance at the Obelisk Arena promises to be a magical experience and a true highlight of the festival season.

This year the coveted midday performance on Latitude’s Obelisk Arena has been changed to the slightly later time of 1.00pm. This change will allow festival-goers to enjoy both Rufus and also world famous concert pianist Lang Lang, without competition from any of the other stages. Lang Lang will perform on the stunning floating Waterfront Stage set to the glorious backdrop of the Latitude lake at noon. Following on from Lang Lang, Rufus’ set will undoubtedly be a spellbinding show and the perfect way to ease your way into the final day’s festivities.

Rufus is the very definition of a multi-talented artist, with a huge number of musical achievements under his belt. Born to celebrated folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III in 1973, Rufus inevitably began his musical journey early on in life. Playing piano from the age of six and touring with his mother from the age of 13 as part of The McGarrigle Sisters and Family, a group which also featured his sister Martha, Rufus has a background steeped in music and performance.

Since then, Rufus has not stopped, and his creative contributions are vast and remarkably varied. His highly anticipated seventh studio album Out of the Game will be released May 1st and what could be more perfect that seeing this performance at the seventh edition of Latitude. Produced by mega-star Mark Ronson, it is an album full of classic pop pleasures, while retaining the distinctive narrative sense and wry wit he is much loved for. Rufus is as comfortable creating an album of pop classics as he is playing alongside a 60 piece full orchestra and has worked on an amazing array of projects over the past few years, including a Grammy-nominated recreation of Judy Garland’s fabled Carnegie Hall concert. He has also set Shakespeare sonnets to music for a theatre piece and most remarkably, composed an opera entitled Prima Donna, which premiered earlier this year in New York City.

The midday performance has previously been filled with some exceptional appearances from Joanna Newsom, Thom Yorke, Tom Jones and last year’s Scala & Kolacny Brothers. Latitude is overjoyed to add Rufus Wainwright to this exclusive list.

On the stunning Waterfront Stage with a backdrop of the glistening lake and the imposing woods Latitude presents Golden Fables 2012, a multimedia poetic drama commissioned by cultural solutions UK for the Cultural Olympiad. The Golden Fables 2012 is inspired by Lincolnshire’s myths and legends, and by themes associated with rural life in 21st century Britain. The line-up includes amazing high calibre artists including the National Poet for Wales Gillian Clarke; Scotland Poet Laureate Liz Lochhead and poets Ian McMillan and Joel Stickley; world renowned composers Gabriel Prokofiev and Tim Dalling; the 90-strong Choir Invisible – The Desmond & Leah Tutu Peace Choir and award-winning graphic novelist Kate Brown. Golden Fables 2012 has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Transforming the Comedy Arena into the Cuban capital will be Havana Rumba! with the most rapturous party show of the summer, coming to Latitude after dancing the night away in Udderbelly’s giant upside down purple cow. With pulsating beats provided by Sonora La Calle, dancers Eric Turro Martinez, Juventino “El Chico Divino”, Osvadys “the DON of Reggaeton” Ganza and created by Toby Gough, come along and enjoy an intoxicating cocktail of Rumba, Salsa, Rum and Reggaeton. Let Latitude transport you for one night only and get lost in the excitement and colour of Havana. With the Arena full of Cuba’s humidity and spice Sancho Panza will without doubt keep the carnival going after the Havana Rumba! has ended. Who knows you may even have a sizzling holiday romance without having to get on a plane!

Joining the internationally renowned National Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe on the Theatre programme will be a host of new stellar names and productions. Sleepdogs storytellers Timothy X Atack and Tanuja Amarasuriya invite the audience into to think imaginatively about the world as they watch the Premiere of their new production The Bullet And The Bass Trombone, a hymn to lost places and voices. Action To The Word bring their award-nominated all-male version of Stanley Kubrick’s infamous classic A Clockwork Orange; from the beatings to the ballet, the relentless physicality in this Edinburgh sell-out will have audiences hooked throughout. After runaway sell-out success at the Old Vic VAULT Festival, join innovative new theatre company Rogues’ Gallery for a beautifully ramshackle hour filled with storytelling, folk music and mythological mayhem. Part play, part gig and part magical-mystery tour, The Folk Contraption has something for everyone in a beautiful woodland setting. Following on from the success of 2011 Theatre Uncut, which began as a conversation of how to react to government public spending cuts, will be creating a brand new collection of international plays that respond to governmental reactions to the current state of global capitalism.

On Friday 13th, hidden deep in the heart of the The Faraway Forest, four festival-goers are meddling with forces way beyond their control. Excited by the atmosphere of the festival, and a little drunk, they attempt a séance. Bad Physics invite a small audience to join them at their gathering of tents in order to achieve “quantative radiesthetic balance”. Whatever that is. Developed from The Crooked Little House, an immersive ghost story The Woods will put a group of Latitude goers in the heart of an exclusive adventure. The show will be chockfull of shocks, scares and screams, as comedy turns to panic, and old-wives-tale rumours become increasingly real and terrifying.

Imogen Eveson and Samara Tompsett are bringing their unique take on fashion back to Latitude. The Painted House will be a beautiful, interactive installation and a hub for fashion design and sartorial styling. The pairing of the two Central Saint Martins graduates is a dynamic one. With workshops, presentations, displays and much more Imogen and Samara explore the Pagan to Occupy theme with a leftfield look at fashion and youth tribes through the ages, seen through the crumbling boudoir of Marie Antoinette. Singer and London Cabaret Award-winning compere Dusty Limits will be casting a jaundiced yet fabulous eye over recent events with a special appearance from Dusty Limits’ Winter Of Our Discontent. Assembling a rag-tag crew of London’s finest artistes including Fancy Chance, Myra Dubois, Tom Baker and Ria Lina with a single brief – to have a good old-fashioned British moan, for one night only in The Faraway Forest they will sing, dance and rant their troubles away – expect satirical songs, ukuleles, political diatribes, accordions, and a piñata. There will be audience participation and prizes to be won, because if you can’t go down swinging, go down singing.

A hop, skip and jump from The Faraway Forest The Literary Salon will host renowned theatre group Company of Angels. Known for their cutting edge performances aimed at and written about young people, the ground breaking company will bring their acclaimed project The Commissioners to Latitude. The project involves young people in schools joining forces with professional playwrights to commission short rapid response plays around the question ‘What Matters To You Now?’ The Commissioners goes straight to the heart of young people’s lives and gives them creative control. Think you know about being young? Think again.

Also appearing on The Waterfront Stage will be the Aldeburgh Young Musicians with the debut of Exchanging Worlds, bringing together 20 unbelievably talented young musicians, (all under 18 years old) from the East of England. Created for the London 2012 Festival, it promises to capture the sheer talent and raw energy of its young members, collaborating with some of the UK’s most exciting music and digital artists and supported by Legacy Trust UK. Local arts centre The Cut and community theatre production company M2M will bring Godspell to life. Leeds Metropolitan University will be performing Flock a new and unique production that responds to the surrounding environment. Featuring Dance and Performance students, Rachel Krische and Gillian Dyson the production is a choreographed live intervention which promises to excite and intrigue audiences. Taking flocking starlings at dawn and twilight, as inspiration, this short performance will occupy the ‘between spaces’ of the festival. This summer will also see the return of the Graduate Fashion Show to the magical waterfront setting with further details to be revealed.

Joining Jack Dee, Brian Cox, Tim Minchin and others in the Comedy Arena will be award-winning duo Abandoman which sees Rob Broderick and James Hancox reinventing hip-hop for all ages with the promise that no two gigs are ever the same, be sure to witness a one off performance at Latitude. Terry Alderton will also take to the stage; beginning his career in football Terry pursued comedy after winning Sky’s Star Search show. He has since won a variety of awards for his shows and was named by The Sun as a Top Ten Comedian in 2011. Actor and comedian Tom Rosenthal has won a number of awards for his comedy, enjoyed sell out success at Edinburgh and starred in shows such as Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner. His appearance at Latitude is sure to be a one to watch with Spoonfed describing his performance as “Vibrant, intelligent and fantastically-arranged…crackles with energy and glows with originality.” Musical comedy cabaret double act Frisky & Mannish will be keeping the crowds tickled with their razor sharp pop culture parodies, describing themselves as “popmusicy-seriocomic-mashparodic-stereophonic-LOUD-vaudevillian-sketch-cabaret-throwbackcurrent-oldfangled-newfashioned-bapsbotty-infotainment” they should be seen to be believed! Des Bishop will also be joining the comedy names at this year’s festival. The openness and honesty of his presenting style combined with his restless imagination and insightful comic observations make Des Bishop a must-see for fans of unique, enquiring and entertaining comedy.

In the Cabaret Arena Hennessy & Friends, an anarchic sketch group that brings together actress, writer, comedian and Russian princess in disguise, Miranda Hennessy with actors and writers David Seymour and Steven Shapland will make their Latitude debut. Meanwhile, the highly praised multiple award-winning interdisciplinary artist and founder member of performance group Frank Chickens, Kazuko Hohki, will be presenting Intercontinental, a thought-provoking new work about bodily functions. Critically acclaimed unique performance artist Jonny Woo is bringing his alternative drag and cabaret to the masses. Woo’s work is described as arresting, provocative, unpredictable and highly entertaining; prepare to be shocked, dazzled and inspired in Latitude’s Cabaret Arena.

Betty Trask prize winner and twice Commonwealth Writers Prize shortlister Anthony Cartwright, joins the Literary Arena line-up to discuss his forthcoming novel How I killed Margaret Thatcher. Based on his childhood growing up in Dudley in the Black Country, the sad comic novel captures the intensity of early 80’s Britain through the eyes of an unusual boy and offers an English twist on that most Latin American of genres, the Dictator novel. Steve Benbow, the urban beekeeper joins the Latitude bill to talk about the real need for more bees to be kept in cities, a topical matter featuring in the news at present. One of the UK’s premier beekeepers, Steve will discuss why saving the bee population is one of our most urgent ecological challenges and will also regale the audience with anecdotes from his new book A Year of Bees in The City. Robin Ince will take time out of the Comedy Arena to bring his Late Night Revolution to the Literary Arena, featuring Latitude artists including indie folk rock singer Grace Petrie, as well as stand-up comic and Skins screen writer Josie Long.

In the nearby Poetry Arena, the third National Poet for Wales and recipient of a Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, Gillian Clark has been added to the star studded line-up and may treat the Latitude audience to readings from her forthcoming collection of poems, Ice. In the Film & Music Arena, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction favourites: The Magnetic North will perform their haunting debut album Orkney – Symphony of The Magnetic North inspired by a dream of Erland Cooper, in which he was visited by Betty Corrigall, an Orcadian girl who committed suicide in the 1770’s. The band will be performing at Latitude with the The Stromabank Pub Choir whilst projecting a collection of film clips of Orkney from the 70’s, a real audio visual feast that shouldn’t be missed. Continuing with the eerie theme will be mysterious London-based singer 2forJoy, who will bring her melancholic single Choke with her. Launching the single this spring there is much to be uncovered from this romantic singer with the haunting voice.

Central to Latitude is a world-class, innovative musical programme and the addition of Low, Glen Hansard, Punch Brothers, dEUS, Walls and Breton will ensure there is something on the bill to suit every discerning music fan’s tastes.

Latitude can’t wait to welcome indie icons Low, from the icy climes of Duluth, Minnesota, to the sunrise coast of Suffolk. With a career spanning over a decade, Low’s cult status has been well and truly earned and their tenth album Long Division was released to great critical acclaim through legendary Seattle label Subpop in March. Irish musical royalty, Glen Hansard, known best as lead singer-songwriter in Celtic mega-group The Frames and as one half of folk duo The Swell Season, has recently written songs for the cinematic sensation The Hunger Games and Academy Award-winning Once. Performing under his own name Hansard’s debut solo album, Rhythm and Repose, is due for release in June and will provide material for a charming performance combing rock, folk, and traditional Irish music.

Key players in the vibrant new American acoustic movement New York bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers are undoubtedly one of the must-see acts of the summer. Their recent album Who’s Feeling Young Now? has been wowing audiences Stateside and their exhilarating live show is not to be missed! Belgian rock legends dEUS, have beguiled and charmed audiences for over 20 years with their distinctive synthesis of artrock, punk, funk and prog rock and Latitude is pleased to welcome them back. If cutting-edge electronic music is your bag, Latitude has just the thing to provide dance-heads with their hedonistic fix with London duo Walls. Picking up Mojo’s coveted Electronic Album Of The Year Walls are garnering fans far and wide, including Jamie XX, Caribou, Four Tet, James Holden and Battles. 2011 saw the release of new LP Coracle and back with a bang in 2012 the band are gearing-up to bring their enchanting mix of emotive synth, glitchy beats, clever sample manipulation and vintage drum machine magic to the Latitude crowds.

Subversive London art collective Breton, who recently released their Other People’s Problems LP through pioneering UK label FatCat Records, are yet another highly anticipated act joining the Latitude bill. Combining choppy beats, fizzy electronics, spiky riffs and circling strings, this group take a DIY approach to all of their output, while remaining surprisingly accessible. Creating a synergy between audio and visual with self-shot films and graphics, Breton promise to put on a hypnotic live performance, providing revellers with a stunning backdrop to their inscrutable sound.

If you can’t wait for Latitude, then be sure to head to Longitude, a series of monthly events at the Century Club, Shaftesbury Avenue, London to showcase some of the artists lined up for this year’s festival and YOU are invited! The next event on Monday 16th April will feature Ross Sutherland, Sabrina Mahfouz, Cardinal Burns and Sissy & The Blisters. Attendance for the Longitude events can be requested via longitude@latitudefestival.co.uk

No seating provided; No dogs, tables, barbecues or naked flames.
Event entrance is in Mustow Street. Gates open at 7.00pm.
No Glass.
A co promotion with St Edmundsbury Theatre Services.

The booking office and online bookings will stop selling tickets at midday on the day of the event.

Any uncollected pre-booked tickets can be picked up from the venue on arrival.

Groups of x10 or more can get discount of £1 per ticket please call the box office on 01284 758000 to claim this concession

Apex, bury St Edmunds
Friday 25th May

This show will mostly consist of new and old songs, from the early Squeeze hits to the present day and his well respected solo work. His story from truancy at school to Madison Square Gardens joined with his journey in the music industry will be told in part with short films.

‘I will lead each chapter of my life with appropriate song and banter I hope to entertain people with the places I have been and embrace everyone with the luck that has fallen into my lap over the years’ – Chris Difford.

Tuesday 5th June, 2012, The Apex – Bury St Edmunds

Every Friday
PLATINUM KARAOKE with WES, The Inkerman, Ipswich, 8pm

Sun 1st Apr
JAZZ JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm
RODDY AND THE REJECTS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Tue 3rd Apr
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Wed 4th Apr
BLUES JAM, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Thu 5th Apr
SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS SESSION, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
KLOWNS KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
VIC MARTIN, Oliver’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton,

Fri 6th Apr
WAXING CAPTORS, The B-GOODES, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
JAM NIGHT, Lattice Barn, Ipswich
CAMELFOOT RAIDERS, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich
SAM & DAISY, Crabtrees Café Bar, Hadleigh
JD SOUL MACHINE, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
ED GASKET AND THE ROCKERS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
KARAOKE WITH TONY, The Masons Arms, Ipswich
ASA JENNINGS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
MOHAWK, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
JONNY MARKS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton,

Sat 7th Apr
GOLDMASTER ALLSTARS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £5
SHADOUGIE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
DOUBLE BARRELL, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
MOHAWK, The Cork bar, Felixstowe
THE REASON, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
MR TOUCAN, The Douglas Bader, Martlesham
23X, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sun 8th Apr
SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz
from 2pm
EAST TOWN PIRATES EASTER XTRAVAGANZA, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, evening, £5 inc easter eggs, 16+ ID required
GOLDMASTER ALLSTARS, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
DIESEL, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
SKA’S 4 LIFE, Venue77, Ipswich, 3.30pm
KARAOKE WITH PREMIER NO.1, The Masons Arms, Ipswich
UNITED REGGAE BAND, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
SO BEAUTIFUL EXTREME MUSIC FEST, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, 2pm start, £6

Mon 9th Apr
WHO’S DRIVING BEAR’S DRIVING, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
THE BLAMEY ROVERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
WORDS & MUSIC, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm

Tue 10th Apr
AIMEES KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,

Thu 12th Apr
FOLK JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,

Fri 13th Apr
I.C.R. present BANDS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
CEDIQ HAVANA, Isaacs, Ipswich, 5pm
KARAOKE WITH TONY, The Masons Arms, Ipswich
SHATTERED, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
THE MARTELLS, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sat 14th Apr
SALTDOG, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3
2 STEPS TWICE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
THE INFLATABLES, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sun 15th April
SUN OF ELVIS, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
KARAOKE WITH PREMIER NO.1, The Masons Arms, Ipswich

Tue 17th Apr
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Thu 19th Apr
WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
JON AMOR BLUES GROUP, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Fri 20th Apr
ELKIE BROOKS, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe
MAYDAY FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Pickerel, Stowmarket
JADE PETERS, Isaacs, Ipswich, 5pm
KARAOKE WITH TONY, The Masons Arms, Ipswich
CONFLICT WITHIN, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich,
BACKSTREET, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sat 21st Apr
THE BONESHAKERS, The Limeburners, Offton
BONNIE DIAMOND, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
SMOKEY BASTARD, ROUGHNECK RIOT, CLAY PIDGEON, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £3
JOHN WARD, Ye Olde Bell & Steel Yard, Woodbridge
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sun 22nd Apr
BACK PORCH BAND, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, afternoon
NXT GENERATION STEEL BAND, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
KARAOKE WITH PREMIER NO.1, The Masons Arms, Ipswich

Tue 24th Apr
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Thu 26th Apr
FOLK SESSION with PETE & GUEST, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Fri 27th Apr
BRINGING BACK THE BLUES! featuring KENO KINGS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £5 – inc chilli supper
THE BONESHAKERS, The Crown, Cattawade
THE ULTIMATE AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE, Isaacs, Ipswich, 5pm
KARAOKE WITH TONY, The Masons Arms, Ipswich
KEMAKIL, KILLER HURTS, FOREIGN BODIES, NECRORISER, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road,
SAUCER FULL OF FLOYD, The Railway, Foxhall Road, Ipswich

Sat 28th Apr
A CERTAIN AGE, SLYDER, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
CREW OF THREE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
80 2 90, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Sun 29th Apr
LAST SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm
THE OOMPAH BAND, Isaacs, Ipswich, 3pm
KARAOKE WITH PREMIER NO.1, The Masons Arms, Ipswich