FOR several weeks an army of workers has been transforming an historic north Suffolk country estate into a festival venue.And today the hard work has paid off as Henham Park, between Halesworth and Southwold, is ready to host Latitude, a unique arts and music festival.

FOR several weeks an army of workers has been transforming an historic north Suffolk country estate into a festival venue.

And today the hard work has paid off as Henham Park, between Halesworth and Southwold, is ready to host Latitude, a unique arts and music festival.

The fact the site looks so good and the organisation is first class should come as no surprise as Latitude has been organised by Mean Fiddler - the company which also organises some of this country's leading festivals including those at Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading.

Hektor Rous, whose family have owned the Henham estate for more than 500 years, has been impressed by the work that has been going on.

“These guys are simply magnificent. They have created a magical setting for a festival and with the weather set fair I hope everyone who comes has a really special time.

“There cannot be a better venue for a festival than Henham Park and I am delighted that so many people can come along and enjoy the music and everything else that is happening,” he said.

The giant tents are all in place with all the other necessities that are needed for the true festival weekend experience including a wide variety of refreshment bars.

Top music acts including Snow Patrol, The Zutons, Antony and the Johnsons and Mogwai will be headlining the event but the organisers are promising a festival of the arts as well as top rock acts.

These include a comedy tent that will feature television star Sean Lock and a stage featuring local drama group Mouth to Mouth.

Mouth to Mouth are a youth theatre group resident at The Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth and are currently touring the area with an outdoor version of Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night.

The festival is being advertised as “more than a music festival” and is certainly living up to the claim.

As well as a huge music tent and separate music arena, other locations include a film tent, comedy tent, cabaret tent, literature tent, stand-up poetry tent and theatre tent, along with an acting workshop and special children's art and theatre workshops.

Visitors attending the festival today and over the weekend are being urged to turn up in good time, obey the signs, and be patient.

Acting Inspector Richard Gubbins, of Suffolk police, said: “We would remind people to allow plenty of time to get to the festival, as there will be inevitable traffic congestion with the anticipated numbers attending.

“Those attending the festival should be patient and follow the roadside signs.”

Car parking is on the Henham estate and there is no parking allowed on the roads around the area including the A12 and A145. Cars parked illegally are likely to be towed away.

n Going to the festival? Look out for pictures of yourself and your friends and family on our photos website www.eadt.co.uk/latitude