FLAME-HAIRED and barefoot she took to the stage in Suffolk for her first ever headlining slot.

Leaving Glastonbury in her wake Florence and the Machine had the crowd jumping on their feet as her voice echoed across the stunning Suffolk countryside.

Thousands converged on the Obelisk stage for the highlight of the first night of Latitude 2010 in a performance that has set the precedent for others to follow.

Genuinely humbled by the warm reception she transformed the main stage into an intimate gig.

Welcoming her younger siblings onto the stage the crowd joined Florence in a rendition of Happy Birthday celebrating her sister Grace.

Interacting with the crowd Brit winning south-londoner said: “She is the love of my life - happy birthday Grace.”

Draped head to toe in white Florence added: “You are the most incredible audience I hope I’ll see you again.”

She played tracks from debut album Lungs with the crowd signing along to nationwide hits such as Heavy In Your Arms, Rabbit Heart and You’ve got the Love.

As the set built to its height she ended her set with the Dog Days Are Over.

In their futuristic get-up donning dolphin masks Empire of the Sun were a worthy entree to Florence and the Machine.

And before them folk-singer song writer Laura Marling, Wild Beasts, The Unthanks and Kassidy prepared the audience for Friday night at the Suffolk festival.