Review by John Rawstron

Like Optimists – Sunrise Stage

Suffolk’s own, Like Optimists absolutely smashed it as the first act on the Sunrise stage on the final day of Latitude 2026.  From the moment they stepped on stage, they had the crowd hooked with infectious energy, soaring melodies, and a performance that felt both polished and genuinely heartfelt. 

I had the honour of seeing Like Optimists a couple times previously over the years and they just keep on getting better and better, going from small stages to headlining First Light 2026 and now at Latitude.  Their chemistry as a band was obvious, and every song brought a wave of feel-good vibes that perfectly suited the festival atmosphere.

It’s exciting to see such a talented local band making the most of a stage like this. If this performance is anything to go by, they’ve got a very bright future ahead. Easily one of the standout sets of the weekend.  I can’t wait to see them live again!

Elle Coves – Sunrise Stage

Elle Coves absolutely stole the show at Latitude 2026. From the moment she walked on stage, she had the crowd completely captivated with her incredible vocals, heartfelt songwriting and effortless stage presence. Every song felt genuine and emotionally charged, creating those goosebump moments that only the best live performances can deliver. 

To hear “Peace” Iive is really something else, while the song deserves the millions of listeners, Elle singing live, really is the icing on the cake.

Whether it was the soaring choruses or the quieter, intimate moments, she connected with the audience in a way that made the set feel really special. If you weren’t already a fan before, you almost certainly were by the end. Elle Coves is clearly an artist on the rise, and this felt like one of those festival performances people will look back on and say, “I saw her before she got huge.”

The Undertones – Obelisk Arena 

The Undertones absolutely nailed their set at Latitude 2026. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was electric, proving that great songs never age. Every classic landed perfectly, with the crowd singing every word back at full volume, turning the Obelisk Arena into one huge choir.

The band sounded tight, the guitars were razor-sharp, and the rhythm section drove every song with the same infectious urgency that made these tracks legendary in the first place. It wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it felt vibrant, fresh, and completely alive.

Highlights like “Teenage Kicks”, “Jimmy Jimmy”, and “Here Comes the Summer” had everyone dancing, smiling, and remembering why The Undertones remain one of the greatest live bands to come out of the punk and new wave era. Their Sunday afternoon slot was perfectly placed, bringing sunshine, feel-good vibes, and an irresistible burst of energy to the festival.

If you thought The Undertones might have mellowed with time, think again. They delivered a joyful, high-octane masterclass in timeless punk-pop that left the Latitude crowd buzzing long after the final chord. Simply brilliant.

Beth Orton – Second Stage 

Beth Orton’s set at Latitude 2026 was pure magic. Taking to the Second Stage on Sunday afternoon, she created one of those rare festival moments where everything seemed to slow down and the crowd was completely captivated.

Her voice carried every ounce of emotion, weathered with experience but all the more powerful for it, and the band provided the perfect backdrop. Classics like “Central Reservation” landed with as much impact as ever, while newer material sat seamlessly alongside them, proving just how timeless her songwriting is.

In a festival packed with huge names and high-energy performances, Beth Orton reminded everyone that quiet confidence and exceptional songwriting can be just as spellbinding. It wasn’t about spectacle; it was about connection. The audience hung on every word, and the applause at the end said it all.

One of the standout performances of the entire weekend and a beautiful reminder of why Beth Orton remains one of Britain’s most distinctive and compelling live artists.

Peter Hook & The Light – Second Stage 

Peter Hook & The Light were amazing, right from the first note, the atmosphere was electric, with timeless Joy Division and New Order classics sounding every bit as powerful and relevant as ever. Hooky’s unmistakable bass lines thundered across the field, and the whole crowd seemed united in singing, dancing and reliving some of the greatest songs ever written.

The band were phenomenal tight, passionate and completely committed from start to finish. There was no nostalgia-by-numbers here; every track felt alive, urgent and full of emotion. Whether you were a lifelong fan or hearing these songs live for the first time, it was impossible not to be swept up in it.

For me, this wasn’t just one of the highlights of Latitude—it was one of the best festival sets I’ve ever seen. Peter Hook & The Light proved once again why these songs continue to resonate decades later. An unforgettable performance that left me buzzing long after the final note. Absolutely incredible. To hear them cover New Order’s “Blue Monday” & “True Faith”, was really something special.

David Gray – Obelisk Arena

From the moment he walked on stage, there was a warmth and authenticity that had the entire crowd hooked. His voice was flawless rich, emotional, and somehow even more powerful live than on record.

The set struck the perfect balance between beloved classics and newer material, with every song delivered with genuine passion. Hearing “Babylon”, “This Year’s Love”, and “Please Forgive Me”, sung back by thousands of people was one of those unforgettable festival moments. His connection with the audience felt effortless, and the atmosphere was nothing short of magical.

In a festival packed with incredible artists, David Gray reminded everyone why he’s one of the UK’s finest singer-songwriters. A masterclass in storytelling, musicianship, and heartfelt performance. If you ever get the chance to see him live, don’t hesitate you’ll leave smiling, singing, and already looking forward to the next time.

St Etienne – Second Stage

St Etienne were pure magic at Latitude 2026. From the moment they walked on stage, they created the perfect soundtrack for a sunny festival evening. Sarah Cracknell’s vocals were effortlessly beautiful, the band sounded incredibly tight, and every song was delivered with warmth, charm and confidence.

The set was a wonderful mix of timeless classics and fan favourites, with the crowd singing along and smiling throughout. There was something wonderfully understated about the performance—it didn’t need flashy gimmicks, just brilliant songs played by musicians at the top of their game.

One of the standout performances of the weekend for me. St Etienne proved that great songwriting never goes out of style, and they left the Second Stage glowing with pure electronic  joy. Absolutely unforgettable! 

Self Esteem – Obelisk Arena 

Self Esteem absolutely owned Latitude 2026. From the second she walked on stage, the energy was electric and the crowd was completely with her. Her voice was phenomenal live, effortlessly switching between vulnerable, emotional moments and huge, euphoric choruses that had everyone singing along.

The production was stunning, bold and perfectly matched to the music. Every song felt like an event, and the mix of humour, honesty and confidence made the performance feel incredibly personal as well as spectacular. With every member on stage dressed in Nun inspired costumes and zombified movements, was pure theatre.

It was one of those festival sets that reminds you why live music is so special. Powerful, uplifting, brilliantly entertaining and impossible to take your eyes off. 

English Teacher – Second Stage

What a brilliant performance from English Teacher at Latitude 2026! From the very first song, they completely drew the crowd in with their incredible energy, sharp musicianship, and wonderfully unpredictable sound. The set was full of character — clever lyrics, powerful moments, and a real sense of connection between the band and the audience.

They have such a unique ability to mix intensity, emotion, and creativity, making every track feel fresh and exciting live. The atmosphere was electric, and it was one of those sets that reminds you exactly why festivals are so special.

English Teacher was absolutely fantastic and left the crowd wanting more !.

The Flaming Lips – Second Stage 

The Flaming Lips at Latitude 2026: a technicolour explosion of pure joy

The Flaming Lips didn’t just play a set at Latitude 2026, they created an entire universe and invited everyone inside. From the first burst of colour and noise, it was clear this was going to be more than a gig; it was a celebration of everything wonderfully strange, uplifting and gloriously chaotic about live music. Including chaos of massive latex balloons being thrown into the crowd.

Wayne Coyne and the band delivered a performance packed with imagination, heart and the kind of fearless theatricality that has made them one of the most unique live acts around. The stage became a psychedelic playground of lights, confetti and surreal visuals, while huge anthems soared across Henham Park and turned a festival crowd into one massive group of singers

The beauty of The Flaming Lips is that beneath all the spectacle there is genuine emotion. Songs that have soundtracked people’s lives for decades felt fresh and full of wonder, with moments of pure euphoria balanced by a real sense of connection between band and audience. There was no barrier between performer and crowd,  just thousands of people sharing the same ridiculous, beautiful moment.

It was a reminder of why live music matters: the unexpected, the unforgettable, the feeling that for a little while you’re part of something completely magical. Latitude needed a little bit of weirdness, a little bit of madness, and The Flaming Lips delivered it in spectacular fashion.

A kaleidoscopic, confetti filled triumph, the kind of performance that leaves you grinning long after the final note fades.

Lewis Capaldi – Obelisk Arena 

What a night! Lewis Capaldi absolutely owned the Latitude 2026 stage. As soon as Don McLean’s “American Pie” started playing, stage crew, photographers and crowd of all ages, were all singing along, ready for the headliner of Latitude 2026.  From the first note, the atmosphere was incredible — thousands of voices singing along, huge emotional moments, and a performance that felt both massive and incredibly personal.

Lewis has that rare ability to make a festival crowd feel like they’re all part of the same moment. The big ballads were unforgettable, the vocals were stunning, and his trademark humour had everyone laughing between the emotional highs. It was the perfect mix of heartfelt, hilarious and completely genuine.

Watching the crowd light up during the biggest songs was something special — a reminder of why live music is so powerful. A brilliant headline set and a moment that will stay with everyone who was there.  As Lewis’s set came to a close, the fireworks started getting launched into the sky, like the end of a romantic movie, it was the perfect end to the perfect festival