As Amy Gledhill goes from litter-picker to the big stage

Greg Davies and Bridget Christie will headline the comedy line-up at next year’s Latitude festival, it has been announced. 

Taskmaster Davies, who has not been at the festival for more than a decade, said: ‘I’m thrilled to be playing Latitude and can’t wait to muck in, sleep in a small tent and use the communal toilets with the rest of you. I’m joking of course, I will be arriving by horse-drawn carriage and will be quickly spirited away to a nearby hotel the second I step off stage. See you there.’

And Christie – who was at the Sussex event in 2023 – made reference to the Gregg Wallace scandal when she said: ‘As a middle class woman of a certain age, I can’t wait to be back headlining Latitude with my "harmless" "banter" about middle class men of a certain age.’

Also playing are Kerry Godliman,  Harriet Kemsley, Kiri Pritchard-McLean  and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Amy Gledhill, who first attended the festival as a litter-picker 

She said:  ‘Coming back to Latitude feels like a full-circle moment. My journey at Henham Park has been a wild one—starting as a volunteer on the litter-picking team, a promotion to recycling assistant and ultimately working backstage as an artist liaison, where I had the privilege of seeing some of the best comedians and creative talents up close, as well as making sure they had enough crisps and cider in their dressing rooms

‘Two years ago I did my first solo spot on the stage that I knew so well, and I’m thrilled to be back again, and part of this incredible line-up.  And hopefully they won’t ask me to litter pick after my set.’

The bill on the comedy stage, sponsored by TX Maxx, also includes Sophie Duker,  Laura Smyth, Paul Sinha, Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown, Daniel Foxx, Morgan Rees, Sikisa is set to light up the Latitude Comedy Arena with her vivacious personality a, So You Think You’re Funny? winner Alana Jackson and a showcase of the finalists in the Chortle Student Comedy Award.

They all join previously announced headline music acts Sting, Snow Patrol, Fatboy Slim,  Basement Jaxx and Elbow. 

More comedy names, including a third headliner, will be announced in the New Year. 

Festival director Melvin Benn said: ‘Latitude has always been a place where audiences can discover the best in comedy, and this year is no exception. We’re proud to boast the summer’s most impressive comedy lineup, a golden opportunity to see the biggest names in the industry before they head to Edinburgh. 

‘From the commanding brilliance of Greg Davies to the sharp, irreverent wit of Bridget Christie, alongside a wealth of rising stars, this year’s Comedy Arena is truly special. It’s a weekend where seasoned icons and fresh talent share the stage, offering an unforgettable celebration of laughter.’

Latitude runs from July 24 to 27 next year, the weekend before the Edinburgh Fringe kicks off. Tickets are available here. 

Published: 10 Dec 2024