Cumbria’s homegrown festival, Solfest, returns with a few surprises. FEDERICA BEDENDO reports

West Cumbria’s top independent festival is back next weekend with new elements added to its well-established format.

Solfest is taking place at Tarns, near Aspatria, from Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28, and it promises to be the biggest event yet.

Tom Kay, director of the three-day festival, said: “I’m really excited because I think this year is going to be one of the best events we’ve ever had. We have some new people on the committee who have helped us look at the festival with a fresh pair of eyes and make those tweaks and changes that could make all the difference.

“We’ve changed the look of the kids’ area, which is in fresh hands, but still keeping the ever popular baby chill-out and the Ladybird area, with workshops and activities.

“People told us last year they would have liked to see more for young teenagers too, so we’ve created the Jungle, where we’ll do activities like beatbox and spray painting graffiti workshops.

“But the improvements aren’t just in the amount and variety of what’s on offer. We’ve also made some logistic changes that I’m sure will make the whole experience more enjoyable.

“For example, we’ve changed the way we do the ticket exchange so people no longer have to queue on the road for their wristbands. This will stop non-ticket holders getting on site and make the festival safer and more enjoyable for those who have bought a ticket.”

The festival, which was started by a small group of friends in 2004, will also bring food from all over the world and local ales.

Tom said: “We always make a point of supporting local businesses wherever possible, so we have four Cumbrian brewers providing all our ales and the famous Solfest cider.”

New elements will also be brought to the bar stage, which has been rebranded as the Solway Bar, and the acoustic area.

Tom said: “This year we were happy to have Ben Parkinson programming the outdoor Drystone stage and the Solway Bar.

“Apart from changing the look of the bar, with a more colourful tent, he’s also mixed it up a little bit and we’ve decided that Craig Charles will be playing his funk and soul set in there.

“It just gives a more intimate atmosphere, which is what you want for that kind of performance.

“The bar stage has always been the more rock and punk area and that will continue, just with a few surprises thrown in. In fact, we’ve invested more in it.

“Last year we introduced the acoustic area which went down a treat and the wonderful folk of Melodrome are leading it.

“There will be acoustic musicians but also slots available for people to get their guitars out and sing around the communal fire.

“Another element we introduced last year was the electric village, with three different dance tents, rather than a big one and people loved it.

“We’ll bring that back this year with the Lost And Found, Stylus and West Cumbria’s favourite Unity Sessions.

“We’re a true homegrown Cumbrian festival and we want everyone, from young families to great-grandparents, to have a wonderful time.

“I’ve been with Solfest since the beginning and it’s always been a success because we’ve kept to our principles and the amazing team of volunteers who run it do it because they care and want to put on a great event.”

Tickets can be bought at www.solfest.org.uk