AFTER weeks of anticipation the first acts have finally been announced for Latitude Festival. Journal reporter RICHARD WOOD gives his thoughts on the line-up.

AFTER weeks of anticipation the first acts have finally been announced for Latitude Festival. Journal reporter RICHARD WOOD gives his thoughts on the line-up.

WHEN a festival line-up is announced everyone's eye naturally heads straight for the headline music acts.

To be honest last year's top three of Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones and Nick Cave didn't instantly grab my attention, but the later addition of Thom Yorke, from Radiohead, certainly got everyone talking. The festival was a great success and other than those who were unluckily flooded out on the first night, everyone seemed to have a great time.

So how does this year's big announcement compare?

The addition of Florence and the Machine came as little surprise, especially to those who were following The Journal's predictions on Twitter. The band are performing at loads of festivals this summer and their sound matches perfectly with everything that Latitude is.

Belle and Sebastian have been linked to the festival every year and with loads of material to choose from they should put on a fine show. Vampire Weekend were a bigger surprise, but as a fun and energetic band, I expect they will finish the festival with a bang in a similar way that Arcade Fire did in 2007.

Latitude has become very well-known for playing host to some top comedians. Last year the comedy tent was bursting at the seams, despite being extended, and that could well be the case again.

Richard Herring has a strong cult following, Russell Kane's enthusiasm is always a joy to watch, while much excitement surrounds the appearance of Emo Philips.

Regular festival goers will also be delighted to hear that Guilty Pleasures, Mark Lamarr, Adam Buxton and the Royal Shakespeare Company are all set to return.

With hundreds of music, comic, poetry and theatre acts still to be announced, you can guarantee that there will be lots of top entertainment to keep you busy over the weekend.

The initial line-up looks strong, but you can't help but wonder, will there be another guest star this year to match last year's surprise addition?