The Word Arena’s large canopy stands proud at the top of the hill and looks out over the beautiful Latitude site, playing host to a veritable smorgasbord of musical pleasures. 

Once inside, crowds are transfixed by an eclectic line-up that crosses genre boundaries effortlessly. 
Foals are already confirmed as headliners and with another stellar line-up currently being confirmed - this really is the place to witness something truly special.

Joining Foals as a headliner for The Word Arena is Bombay Bicycle Club.  Despite just coming out of their teens, Bombay Bicycle Club are a creative force to be reckoned with. Since their early gigging days in 2006 and the growing popularity from debut album 'I had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose' released in 2008, they've been a regular touring spectacle. Since the release of last year's 'Flaws’, a far more understated, folk-inspired and soulful effort, and the relatively instant standing ovation it received from critics and record buyers alike, the band have leapt from strength to strength. Invigorated by recent success, they’re set to release their third album – drifting back to the electric guitars prominent on the first album - in the summer before The Word Arena headline on the Friday performance at Latitude 2011. 

Sunday’s Word Arena headliner is the incredible Eels. Mark Oliver Everett, often abbreviated to E, is the brainchild, creative energy and emotional core of Eels. Through family tragedy, heartbreak and personal problems, E has carved out a rich, illustrious body of work spanning fifteen years. Commercial hits include 'Novocaine For The Soul' and 'Mr E's Beautiful Blues' but it is the recent glorious, and challenging, trilogy of albums 'Hombre Lobo', 'End Times' and 'Good Morning' that have seen Eels hit their creative peak.  Marrying sombre subject matters to pretty and timeless melodies create music that is loaded with pop suss, melancholy hooks and some eclectic experimentation. The live shows are inexhaustibly unexpected, from tropical re-arrangements of old classics to playing with a full orchestra; there's no telling what E will decide to give you. As a most deserving headliner of the second stage, one of the USA's most exceptional talents will give a performance to be remembered at Latitude this year.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Jo Shapcott, Simon Armitage, Sarah Dunant, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; top comics Omid Djalili, Jason Byrne and Phill Jupitus; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by Lyric Hammersmith, Bush Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from Will Adamsdale, Bourgeois and Maurice; and BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&As, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’.  

With DJ’s, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.