Ed Sheeran brought Latitude to a standstill last night with a surprise late-night show.

After indie rockers alt-J wowed the main stage, revellers streamed to a far-flung corner of the festival.

Deep in the woods of Henham Park, Southwold, the singer-songwriter delighted the lucky fans who packed into the 3,000-capacity show, Sheeran’s smallest gig for a long time.

The 24-year-old singer songwriter from Framlingham hit the iArena stage at 11pm. On Wednesday, he was seen in The Station Hotel pub in Framlingham with Nicole Scherzinger on Wednesday, fuelling speculation that he would make an appearance at the festival.

Organisers said he only confirmed his appearance around half an hour before he started.

One onlooker described it as “unbelievable”.

Another, Olly Gregson, 18, from Sussex, said he heard rumours the pop star might make an appearance.

The delighted fan said after the show: “It was an amazing show, really intimate. Everyone was dancing and singing along. That’s the best time I’ve ever seen him, just because it was so small. You see him in stadiums, arenas and stuff, but it’s obviously amazing, the intimacy, so close to it.”

Meanwhile, as news reached social media about the singer’s appearance, people took to Twitter to express their delight at going, and their annoyance that they did not attend.

Kelsey Flamey said: “Oh my god, Ed Sheeran did a last minute gig at Latitude, whhhyyyyy didn’t I get a ticket.”

Kyle Baggott said: “Driving past latitude makes me want to be there so bad and now knowing that Ed Sheeran is there makes it even worse.”

Aaron Jackson tweeted: “Casually fifth row at the surprise Ed Sheeran concert in the woods latitude fest.”

Earlier in the day alt-J drew the biggest main stage crowd for a hits-packed set. The balmy weather meant the festival-goers enjoyed lake swimming and ensured acts on the outdoor stages drew big crowds.