Finally... Lat's entertainment: SIMON WALTERS sees 40,000 hit Latitude for ...

Finally... Lat's entertainment: SIMON WALTERS sees 40,000 hit Latitude for ...
Finally... Lat's entertainment: SIMON WALTERS sees 40,000 hit Latitude for ...

Once you actually made it in to Latitude Festival in Suffolk yesterday, it was: 'Pandemic? What pandemic?'

No social distancing was required and face masks were optional.

Even in the crush of the 'mosh pit' close to the stage there was only a smattering of suitably flower-power-themed face coverings.

The four-day gathering, attended by 40,000, is the first music event of 2021 to be running at full capacity in the world. And people were free to dance, jump up and down, wave their arms, sing or hug the person next to them, including strangers. Many did.

Old ravers say: 'If you remember the Swinging Sixties you weren't there'.

Once you actually made it in to Latitude Festival in Suffolk yesterday, it was: 'Pandemic? What pandemic?' Pictured: Simon Walters

Once you actually made it in to Latitude Festival in Suffolk yesterday, it was: 'Pandemic? What pandemic?' Pictured: Simon Walters

Even in the crush of the 'mosh pit' close to the stage there was only a smattering of suitably flower-power-themed face coverings

Even in the crush of the 'mosh pit' close to the stage there was only a smattering of suitably flower-power-themed face coverings

Well, if you forgot to bring proof to Latitude that you were double-jabbed, had tested negative or had immunity after a recent bout of Covid, then you won't remember being there. And that's because you'd been sent home.

An on-site medical team offered tests to anyone who had symptoms and those who tested positive got a refund.

Festival-goers were also able to get a jab, provided they'd had their first one more than eight weeks previously, on a dedicated bus in between partying.

Latitude has been authorised by the Government as part of a research programme commissioned by Boris Johnson. Experts will check how many of those who attended subsequently tested positive with a view to working out how mass gatherings can be held safely, and which measures will reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

The sense of relief that the festival is a sign of life getting back to normal was palpable.

The sense of relief that the festival is a sign of life getting back to normal was palpable

The sense of relief that the festival is a sign of life getting back to normal was palpable

Prison officer Ken Wilde, 61, from

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