Running from July 17 to 20, Latitude, at Henham Park Estate, Southwold, is the only music festival to include theatre, literature, comedy, poetry, cabaret, music, film and a kids' arena.

Heading there from Brighton are The City, on the Introducing Stage, Mark Barrowcliffe in the Literary Arena, British Sea Power in the Uncut Arena, Nic Dawson Kelly and Hold Fire in the Sunrise Arena and The Go! Team in the Obelisk Arena.

Brighton rockers This City have been compared to a host of bands including Biffy Clyro, Bloc Party and At The Drive-In.

Raw, relentlessly energetic and with one of the most distinctive vocalists in the UK, This City splice indie, pop, hardcore and dance punk into an irresistible package.

Funny man Mark Barrowcliffe brings his hilarious and original writing to the Literary Arena. Ex-stand up comedian Mark has a brilliant way with imagery and in the case of his debut novel Girlfriend 44, he provides a great insight into the workings of a man's mind who is in search of the perfect woman.

His latest offering, Mr Wrong, is a brutally honest and funny account of his own lovelife – a single man's search for "The One" and in Barrowcliffe's own words: "My life as a fool for love".

British Sea Power recently released their third album, Do You Like Rock Music?, to critical acclaim.

The Brighton four-piece have drawn from many influences in their career, being compared to the likes of The Cure, The Pixies and Joy Division.

With a distinguished sound that sways between epic guitar pop hooks and visceral, angular alternative rock, the band's eight-year career has produced hits like Carrion, It Ended on an Oily Stage and latest single Waving Flags.

Winners of the Time Out London Live band of the year award in 2004, British Sea Power have a reputation for their elaborate and captivating live show.

The beautiful Sunrise Arena, will feature Reading via Brighton-based singer/songwriter Nic Dawson Kelly.

Having blown audiences away touring his 2007 debut album The Musician, Kelly has built up quite a following across the country and with many comparisons to the likes of past Latitude headliner Antony and the Johnsons, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, it seems as though 2008 is going to be a good year for this young talent.

A successful tour with Jamie T and a slot on the Camden Crawl 08 has given him the chance to showcase new material and attract new fans along the way – his performance on the Saturday is definitely worth making the effort for.

Brighton four-piece Hold Fire inspire the same sense of wellbeing as a brisk walk on the seafront on a sunny day with their upbeat summery pop rock.

They've also made a few friends at Radio 1 and XFM, having gained exposure from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Claire Sturgess and John Kennedy, as well as being one of the most requested bands on local radio.

Brighton's The Go! Team who incorporate an exhilarating array of genres from dance-y indie rock to early hip hop and '70s funk provide a perfect late Friday afternoon addition to get you in the mood for an evening of fun.

As a six-piece that includes two drummers and a member simply known as "Ninja", you know you're in for something a bit different – in a good way

Latitude's now trademark diversity of art, entertainment and attractions has re-written the rulebook of traditional festivals, creating a truly innovative event that continues to inspire and influence.

Offering the festival go-er the full spectrum of art with individual arenas dedicated to film, theatre, poetry, literature, cabaret, comedy and, of course, music, it is a pioneering approach that has established Latitude as a peer-less and unique experience.

Latitude Festival 2008 will push things further with an incredible, exciting new line up that will guarantee another wonderful weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Henham Park.

Festival Republic managing director, Melvin Benn says: "Edition 3 of Latitude. I cannot wait. It has so much in store that July 17 cannot come quickly enough for me.

"Latitude has, as I had hoped, re-written the rule book of what a festival might be and can be and, of course, therefore, immediately influenced other existing festivals and spawned copy cats.

"I am hardly surprised, except that it has happened so quickly. It is a great compliment but it is only that. The real true festival of musical harmony, artistic and creative beauty is on the sunrise coast and is Latitude."

Among the many other acts and stars are Franz Ferdinand, Beth Orton, Guillemots, Blondie, The Maybes?, Bill Bailey, Ross Noble, Rich Hall, Omid Djalili, Phil Jupitus, Iain Banks, Irvine Welsh, Hanif Kureishi, Dave Gorman, Portslade's Attila the Stockbroker, Carol Ann Duffy, the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre New Connections and Sadler's Wells.

Weekend tickets, including car parking and camping, are £130 plus booking feesand day tickets, including car parking, are £55 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car
The credit card line is 0870 060 3775 or book online at www.festivalrepublic.com, www.seetickets.com or www.latitudefestival.co.uk

For a full listing, click here

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to leisure.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk