Anyone going?

I'm heading down tomorrow with monkeytime and cellardweller.

Will report back next week.

Hi Tom,

I was there for the weekend reviewing for the organisers, and unfortunately didn't spot you in and around the poetry tent, otherwise I would've said hi. Enjoy yourself?

For those who are interested, there're my reviews of poetry from the Friday, Saturday and (soon to go up) Sunday, interviews with Tim Turnbull and Daljit Nagra, as well as round-ups of the Literary Arena's events and a bit of music and comedy (Rosie and the Goldbug, The Go! Team, Rich Hall and - soon - Foals). Lots more from others on the review team as well. See the news section: http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/news

All in all it was a fine weekend, and the poetry - at least to me - seemed a stronger and more eclectic line-up than last year's.

Ben,

just had a quick look at your reviews, and the interview with Tim Turnbull - good stuff, really liked your questions too - I interviewed Tim a few weeks back, wish I'd had your questions instead of my own!

Sorry not to bump into you Ben!

It was a great weekend - I only decided to go the day before, and am dead glad I did.

That said, I find festivals quite an ordeal. I used to go to Reading every year when I was in my teens, back when they had an entire stage dedicated to punk, and I used to love that. But nowadays I like to sleep in comfy beds and wash regularly.

The poetry tent was great. I enjoyed the following...

Niall O'Sullivan
Salena Godden
Tim Clare
Daljit Nagra
Tim Wells
Hannah Walker
Joe Dunthorne
Porky the Poet
Hugo Williams

I probably should have seen more, but that's festivals for you.

My poetry highlight was Aisle 16 & Friends' 'Shrink Rap', which closed the tent on Sunday night - an MC battle between Freud (Ross Sutherland) and Jung (Chris Hicks). Amazing.

My other highlights were: Sigur Ros, How To Learn To Play The Ukulele in Under An Hour, Likki Li, Seasick Steve, Johnny Flynn, Green Curry and Vegetable Spring Rolls, catching up with an old friend at The Aspall Cider Barn.

[Detox to follow]