THOUSANDS of festival-goers made their way to a picturesque Suffolk estate yesterday as the third Latitude Festival got under way.

THOUSANDS of festival-goers made their way to a picturesque Suffolk estate yesterday as the third Latitude Festival got under way.

Henham Park, near Southwold, is again hosting the music and arts festival - and organisers are hoping it will be their best event yet.

It kicked off yesterday afternoon and those camping at the site arrived throughout the day.

The main musical acts get underway today with bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros and Interpol headlining over the next three nights.

This is Latitude's third year and the 25,000 tickets sold out last month.

Founder Melvin Benn, managing director of event organiser Festival Republic, has branded it a “cultural event” rather than just a music festival.

Mr Benn added that the festivals now iconic multi-coloured sheep are back this year - painted an attractive shade of purple.

And Henham Park's Hektor Rous, who is not connected with the festival other than being the events landlord and a big Latitude fan, spoke to the EADT yesterday about his high hopes for the event.

He said: “I am lucky enough to have a bed and shower next to the greatest festival in the country - I have all of the comfort and all of the entertainment!

“Things are looking really good, there may be just a bit of rain at the moment, but those who enjoy festivals knee deep in mud are always going to be disappointed with Latitude as Henham Park is one of the best festival sites there is - it acts just like a big drain keeping the water off the ground - besides the weather is looking good for the weekend.

“This year's festival promises to be fantastic, it is all the little quirky details that Festival Republic puts into that makes it so interesting - I am really looking forward to seeing how they can top last year.”

For more information about the festival and its full line-up visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk