Region's artists 'cannot wait' to play at Latitude

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

Artists from across the East of England have spoken of their joy at being selected to perform at this summer's Latitude Festival.

More than 10 independent performers from the region will take to the BBC Introducing stages at this year's event in Suffolk, from 24 to 27 July.

One of those artists - Claudia Kate, from Cambridge - said she had dreamed of playing there since her mid-teens and she "cannot wait".

Colchester multi-instrumentalist Porteous added it would be "the best thing in the world".

The annual arts event, first held in 2006, will welcome thousands of music fans to Henham Park

Taking place at Henham Park, near Southwold, the line-up boasts big-name headliners Sting, Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol.

The new local additions will join several other BBC Introducing and First Light Festival picks from Suffolk and Norfolk that were announced in April.

The previously selected acts will perform on the Alcove Stage and in The Sunrise Arena, while the latest cohort of emerging artists to be announced will perform in the Lavish Lounge.

Floral Image will perform at Latitude after being chosen by BBC Introducing Norfolk and Suffolk

Claudia Kate's music is said to reflect her passion for helping others feel more confident, and "has a sound that sits somewhere between the outspokenness of Kate Nash and the honest musicality of Maggie Rogers".

Supported by BBC Introducing throughout her career, Radio 1's Jess Iszatt described her music as "warming, raw, nostalgic and feel-good".

"I am very, very grateful [for the opportunity] and I cannot wait," the artist said.

"I went to Latitude when I was like 16, and I went to the BBC Introducing stage and I was like, 'One day I will be there.' So this is so cool."

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Porteous - real name Benjamin Porteous-Butler - will take indie funk and rock influences to the festival.

"It will be the best thing in the world and it will be honestly amazing," he said.

"It's like a dream of mine [to play Latitude]. It will be incredible."

Formed in 2018 in reaction to the "over-saturation of electronic music", Steppers Division, from Norfolk, said they would take the Latitude audience "on a journey".

"We try to really show our range, all the energies and emotions and experiences," the group said.

"There will be lots of dancing, lots of really deep, soulful vibes and bits of reggae – there are no limits."

Morgan promised the Latitude Festival audience a set to which they can dance the day away

Morgan, who was chosen to perform by BBC Introducing Three Counties and Northants, said she was "super excited".

"If you are a fan of 'girl boss' music and dancing in the woods, then this is the place to be," she said.

"I will be performing songs from my recent EP and you are absolutely going to love it."

Who are the other regional BBC Introducing acts?

• Afterdrive

• Alice Lily

• Arthur Black

• Chest

• Ellie Dixon

• Floral Image

• Fran Lusty

• Fraser Morgan

• Great Adamz

• Jazmine Banks and The Wild Hearts

• Lottie Gray

• Monster Florence

• Peonie

• Pozzy

• Ralph Taylor

• Shaggy fx

• Tiny Umbrellas