TWO of the three headliners for this year's Latitude Festival are booked, says organiser Melvin Benn. But who might they be?

What better time to look ahead to the green grass and painted sheep of Henham Park and a (hopefully) glorious July weekend than when we're shivering in a white hell?

The plans for 2010 - the fifth Latitude - were under way before last year's event finished, of course, and there was little time lost snapping up acts - there's plenty of competition as the festival scene grows. Benn recently told the eFestivals website that two of the bill-toppers were already in place.

Bands for Latitude - particularly the headliners - have to tick certain boxes. This is a festival that prides itself on its fusion of music and art and the bill toppers usually reflect that, never more so than last year when the Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds headed the bill, with Thom Yorke added in the "fourth headline spot" - midday on Sunday.

I have no inside knowledge, I should say, but there are a number of bands in circulation who would fit the bill perfectly for this year's event.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Elbow headlining one night. Benn hinted at this in a webchat apparently, and they are a perfect fit for the "middle-class festival". I couldn't think of anyone better, in fact.

The Strokes are being heavily tipped for a top spot, as are The Pixies, but I would be surprised to see either appear. They are more likely to be hawked for Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds.

The newly-reformed Pavement and Massive Attack have also been widely discussed on the message boards, and both would be very welcome - and suitable - additions.

I'd throw John Lydon's Public Image Ltd into the mix as well - you couldn't get much more of an art-rock statement - I also wouldn't be surprised to see Jack White in some guise.

Probably not The White Stripes - that's a band probably out of the reach of Latitude - but quite possibly with The Raconteurs or more likely The Dead Weather, who will be promoting a new record.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs would be a perfect band for the weekend, if they are still out promoting It's Blitz. But they are likely to be wanted by every festival.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss might also be a possible, who would match Latitude's demographic, and in the dance sphere Moby could be up for an appearance.

Courtney Love's Hole are also back in business, and would create plenty of interest, while maybe Leonard Cohen could be coaxed out.

Otherwise, you have to look at who might be available. Among them include Arcade Fire (headliners in 07), R.E.M., Scissor Sisters and MGMT, who could all be interested.

I would say MGMT and Florence and The Machine would be ideal Uncut Arena headliners, in fact. The Temper Trap could well be back again, and higher up the bill. Animal Collective - who recorded what many critics thought was the album of 2009 with Merriweather Post Pavilion - are likely to have been approached.

As for the Sunday midday slot, it's the most unpredictable of the lot. It's traditionally something minimalist. I'd be tempted to suggest a live debut for a solo Noel Gallagher, but I don't think Latitude is really his scene. It's more likely to be someone like wisened bluesman Seasick Steve. But goodness knows for that one. I've even heard Rufus Wainwright tipped in some quarters.

There will also be a host of new and upcoming acts on the various music stages, not forgetting the poets, comedians, writers, dancers and theatre productions.

It's an exciting prospect, particularly when you look outside at the moment. The first acts will probably be announced around March but, until then, let the speculation flow...