It's been a while since I was last at this festival. But earlier this summer, I'd met some of the team responsible for putting this huge event together, so I felt it was time to make a return visit.
Latitude is only a 40 minute drive from us in Woodbridge and is set in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Hall, near Southwold. Offering an arts and music festival beside a lake, in woods and fields in the undulating landscape, it really does sound my sort of place. And on the sunny Friday I was convinced. On the grey, wet and muddy Saturday, less so. (Fortunately, the weather improved again today.)
It was certainly bigger and busier than I remembered. We fitted in as much as we could over the three days and enjoyed seeing familiar names in music, comedy and the media at the various stages, arenas and tents. Undoubtedly I'll kick myself in the coming days for things I missed.
For me, though, festivals are often about the surprise discoveries. I think most of us consume arts, music and cultural events with a fair idea of what to expect - we're investing our hard-earned time and money after all. But at festivals we are more willing, and have more opportunity, to give something or someone new a try with no expectations, pressure or commitment. And sometimes you can discover some real gems...
Thank you for reading.
PS If you haven't been in touch, do let me know if you're hoping to come along to the Book Group meeting in Woodbridge tomorrow. We'll be discussing 'The Coast Road' by Alan Murrin and also making plans for reading the Booker Prize Longlist together - the 13 titles are revealed on Tuesday.