Essex bands shine at Latitude

The Latitude Festival at Southwold was the place to see some of Essex's rising musical stars this weekend.

Alongside headline acts like Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros and Interpol, some of the county's most promising talent were playing to big crowds – and they certainly made a good impression.

Last week's go! cover stars Magistrates had the tricky task of opening up proceedings at the Uncut Arena on Saturday.

Early slots on festival bills are notoriously difficult, but a big, lively crowd turned up to see the Essex's four-piece confident blend of funk, soul and pop.

Afterwards, drummer Andy Grant told go! that the band were delighted and surprised with the reception they got.

On Sunday, Southend band These New Puritans had an afternoon appearance on the main Obelisk Arena. Their jagged, angular post-punk pop is perhaps better suited to a smaller, more intimate setting but Jack Barnett – in shimmering, 'metal leaf' jacket – and co gave a decent account of themselves.

Over in the leafy surrounds of the Sunrise Arena, Esser showed why they're one of the names to watch this year.

Fronted by Essex lad Ben Esser, former drummer in Ladytron, this exciting act mixed beats with pop, funk and electronica into a weird but winning formula.

Watched by up-and-coming Southend band Baddies and joined on-stage by a dancing skeleton called Brad, Esser showed just why people are predicting big things for them.

Latitude music booker Jon Dunn joined the crowd to watch Esser and said the festival had been another great success. Jon, who started his career booking bands at the Y Club and Army and Navy in Chelmsford, now deals with some of the biggest bands in the world but it's obvious Latitude is something he holds dear to his heart.

“See you next year,” he said as Esser's set came to an end.

He most certainly will. And it'll be interesting to see how these Essex acts are progressing in 12 months' time.