Solfest is a remarkable festival celebrating its tenth year in 2013. Not only is it a committee managed, not-for-profit, volunteer led festival of the old school – but it has also managed to remain true to its founding principles throughout its long history. There is an ‘integrity’ to this festival; a fervent desire To Do It Right.

As they say themselves: “Solfest has always been run by volunteers as a not-for-profit event and every penny of the takings gets reinvested back into the festival. This commitment ensures that we will always remain true to our original plan of nine years ago, to provide you with exactly the sort of event that we would like to go to ourselves.”

This reviewer has been fortunate enough to track the progress of this great beacon of the northern festival scene over the years and it truly is one of the most friendly, well organised events you could wish to attend. Indeed, if you combined all the best bits of your favourite festivals it would not be too dissimilar to Solfest. There is a special ethos permeating every aspect of the festival; you feel it as you approach the site – the bands feed off it – the lovely crowd immerse themselves in it. Many festivals claim it – but few have it - Solfest does have that ‘something’ – the VIBE.

They genuinely strive to provide something for all generations and musical tastes. The facilities are typically spot-on. They take pride in stuff.   In a positive effort to create that inclusive festival feeling - they actively encourage you to come for the full weekend.  They actively shun Day Tickets. They don’t publish detailed programming information in advance. They want you to come and be a player for three magical days.

It’s not a hard thing to do with artists the calibre of Flogging Molly, Maximo Park, Afro Celt Sound System, Oysterband, Alabama 3, New Model Army, Deaf School, Pikey Beatz, The Joy Formidable, and Twisted Wheel in attendance.

That’s not the half of it of course, there is more stuff going on in the side tents and the superb Drystone Stage that would put events many times the size to shame. The dance tent scene is one of the best and well regarded in the UK. The equally famous / notorious 24 hour Dogs In Space provides a brilliantly chilled escape that never closes. We know punters who’ve claimed to have entered on Friday afternoon and rolled out, somewhat bleary eyed, Monday morning. You can operate at your own pace at Solfest – chilled or manic.

Add to that significant practical benefits like parking near your tent and a relaxed BYO alcohol policy (just don’t be silly – and do support the many bars) and this one is hard to beat.

Why not Go North and give it a shot?  FFA will be!

Solfest 2013 - Tarnside Farm, Tarns, Nr Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4NQ

Starts: Fri 23rd to Sun 25th August 2013

Tickets: Adult camping tickets from £109. Online sales now closed - To buy tickets please call the Carnegie Theatre on 01900 602122. Tickets ordered from them can be collected from the Carnegie until 5pm Wednesday 21st. After this time all tickets will be available for collection at the Solfest site from opening on Thursday 22nd.

Full details HERE.

Article by Barrie Dimond