THREE weeks and counting before the gates open for Latitude - the nationally celebrated music and arts festival that's right on our doorstep.Tickets are still available for the festival, which is based in Henham Park near Beccles, although organisers say they are selling well.

THREE weeks and counting before the gates open for Latitude - the nationally celebrated music and arts festival that's right on our doorstep.

Tickets are still available for the festival, which is based in Henham Park near Beccles, although organisers say they are selling well.

Since its inception in 2006 Latitude has grown in stature on the British festival circuit and is now widely considered to be among the biggest and best.

With four music arenas, a comedy arena, a cabaret arena, a children's arena, a film and music arena, and a literary area, among many others, the festival is particularly applauded for the sheer diversity of the acts on show.

The festival, which takes place from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, boasts sets from big-name bands such as Doves, Editors and Pet Shop Boys. Grace Jones will also be there.

Perhaps the stand-out name at the festival is Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, who will be playing an acoustic set at noon on the Sunday. Other top bands on the main Obelisk Arena include White Lies, Regina Spektor and Patrick Wolf, whilst Bat for Lashes, Spiritualized and Gossip headline the Uncut Arena.

Mark Thomas, Ed Byrne and Jo Brand headline the Comedy Arena, with other big names including Dave Gorman and Sean Lock.

Meanwhile Simon Armitage, Brian Patten and Jackie Kaye are among the big names in the Poetry Arena, and the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre will be in the Theatre Arena.

Cabaret artists on show in the Cabaret Arena will include the London Swing Dance Society, Ida Barr and the New Art Club.

The Literary Arena, which includes book readings and question and answer sessions with writers, will include names such as Josie Long, Jonathan Coe and Frank Skinner.

For the full festival line-up visit www.latitudefestival.co.uk.

Weekend tickets are �150 plus booking fees, and include car parking and camping. Day tickets are �60 plus booking fee from 0871 231 0821, www.latitudefestival.co.uk or www.seetickets.com.