Everything you need to know about Latitude Festival

Henham Park has been home to the Latitude Festival since it started in 2006

Tens of thousands of music fans are descending on Suffolk as the gates to this year's Latitude Festival open.

The annual arts and culture event, which was first hosted in 2006, is taking place in its usual location, the grounds of Henham Park, near Southwold.

Festivalgoers will be entertained until Monday, with a handful of artists providing an initial soundtrack before big-name acts take to the site's eight stages from Friday.

So, if you're heading to the festival this year, here's everything you need to know.

What is Latitude Festival?

Well, according to festival director Melvin Benn, it's where "culture comes alive with a diverse, bold, and inspiring line-up" which can accommodate around 40,000 people each day.

The festival says weekend tickets have sold out.

"This year's demand proves that people hunger for experiences that spark creativity, curiosity, and connection," Mr Benn added.

"We're proud to bring so many artistic voices together and can't wait to welcome everyone to Henham Park for an unforgettable festival."

Sting, formerly of The Police, will bring his Sting 3.0 show to Suffolk

What artists are performing?

This year's event will be headlined by Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol, with special guests Basement Jaxx and Elbow also performing on the main stage.

Sigrid, Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs, Air, Feeder, Public Service Broadcasting, Doves, Pale Waves are also on the bill, among a wide array of others.

The festival also offers theatre, a science forest and poetry, as well as a comedy tent with a line-up featuring the likes of Greg Davies, Reggie Watts, Bridget Christie.

Porteous is a multi-instrumentalist whose music is inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Radiohead

Are local artists performing?

Yes. In fact, there's arguably more local acts performing than ever before.

More than 20 independent performers from the region have been selected by BBC Introducing and First Light Festival to play.

They will perform across the BBC Introducing Stage, the Alcove Stage and in The Sunrise Arena, as well as in the Lavish Lounge.

The full line-up of local artists can be viewed here.

Latitude Festival has a 40,000 capacity, with music fans flocking to Suffolk from all over the country

How can I get to the festival?

Latitude Festival can be accessed by car, shuttle bus, bike, taxi, or by booking the Big Green Coach, providing tickets are still available.

If you are looking to spread the cost of travelling, you could also consider car sharing by offering up your empty seats as part of the Latitude Liftshare scheme.

Using the train might also be an option, with the most convenient station being in Halesworth.

There is no pedestrian access to the festival site but there is a drop off and pick up point at the site's yellow gate.

Car routes and information on where to hop on a shuttle bus can be found here.

Will I need a brolly and some wellies?

Highs of 19C are expected on Thursday, but there is a chance of light rain during the afternoon, according to BBC Weather.

Friday, however, will be brighter, with sunshine and temperatures hitting 25C.

Saturday promises to be similar, with "sunny intervals and a gentle breeze", while Sunday will potentially mirror the opening day, with the forecast showing "light rain with a gentle breeze".

Thankfully, by Monday morning, the weather is predicted to have cleared up, with sunshine expected as festivalgoers pack-up their camp and head home.

Can I still get tickets?

While weekend tickets have sold out, a "limited number" of day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday remain available, at the time of writing.

Adult day tickets cost £110 while child tickets are priced at £18, plus fees.

Will BBC Suffolk have a presence at the festival?

Well, of course!

BBC Suffolk will be opening the festival with a performance from children's poetry competition winner Myles, from Wymondham, Norfolk, and runners-up Zara, 11, from Gorleston, and Eleanor, 11, from Cromer.

Presenters Louise Hulland, Wayne Bavin, Sarah Lilley, and Angelle Joseph will also be broadcasting live from the site across the weekend.