Latitude – a family festival.

Before Stanley was born we camped at Latitude in 2010 and 2012. My memories are of total excess, partying into the early hours and waking up after lunch. So when we returned this weekend it was, of course, a little different. This time, as a family, we were ready to see the other side of Latitude and give Stanley a taste for festival life...

We were day guests at Latitude and had no set agenda – we decided to gauge Stanley’s mood and interests and go with the flow.

We arrived just after 11am and avoided the queues. We headed straight for a coffee and chanced upon some specialist bubble-making experts which Stanley loved. There’s so much choice and diversity with the stalls – selling world foods, drinks, clothing, crafts and much more.

We headed into the ‘forest’ to explore and hung out with friends and their boys who were camping. The forest was incredibly peaceful and felt like a breakout area from the hubbub of the main arena and stages. On our journey we discovered some awesome up and coming artists playing to people lounging on sofas and poets reciting their work in a hut.

Latitude is all about discovery.

The kids’ area is so well considered with lots of free entertainment including performers wandering around, play areas, rides, crafts and even pond dipping. Stanley’s recently gained a bit more confidence with fairground rides and, much to our surprise, he asked to go on the helter skelter.

Stanley told us his highlights were the helter skelter and pink sheep (he was fascinated by them!).

Latitude has such a relaxed vibe. Aside from the main music stages there are tents presenting just about every form of entertainment including comedy, poetry and cabaret to name a few. We bumped into several groups of friends during the day, including Bunny and her family (above).

Stanley’s not great at allowing himself to relax when there is so much fun to be had. To be honest, that’s not to dissimilar to me! So at around 5pm, Bobby drove home with Stanley to allow me to see Fatboy Slim, with one of our bestfriends Rachel and her daughter Lils.

We made ourselves comfortable in the The Danish Quarter garden where we enjoyed our tea before heading over to the BBC Music Stage.

Inside was a mix of ages from a baby raving on his father’s shoulders to the retired and every age in between.

Fatboy Slim was electric – the tent was quite literally bouncing – I felt so incredibly lucky to have seen his set.

After some churros and a milkshake we took a slow stroll back to the car.

I forgot just how magical Latitude is at night.

Across the main bridge was a light display on the lake with people stood mesmerised, taking it all in.

Aside from the annual celebrations, yesterday was easily the best day of 2017. Perhaps next year we’ll give the family camping a go…