Art installations, sound sculptures and walkabout performers were the cherry on top of this year’s Solfest cake. 

The festival proved that music is just part of the fun when you throw a party in a field overlooking the Solway Firth. 

The three-day event at Tarns, near Aspatria, offered nine music venues with entertainment for all tastes, but the colourful atmosphere was not limited to the stages. 

Children and adults had their faces painted, played with sound-making sculptures and had fun taking pictures in front of the site’s sights. 

But they also found themselves in the middle of the dance floor when drumming band Deatbeats appeared. 

Cath Purshon, 51, of Harrington, Workington, said: “I’ve had a great time. It was my second Solfest and what I liked about it was that it’s all about being together. 

“It’s a really relaxed family friendly atmosphere and there isn’t another festival like it.” 

Claire Swinford, 38, of Allonby, said: “I love it. It’s great that there isn’t a main stage, because this way people wander around more and get to see more of the festival. I’m here with all my family and there’s lots to do for everyone.” 

Mosstroopers got the party started on Saturday at the Drystone Stage. The collective of folk musicians set the mood with their lively set, where accordions and violins were protagonists. 

The crowd got excited when singer songwriter Annemarie Quinn stepped on the bar stage. Her joyful acoustic set, guitar and voice, put a smile on faces. Lancashire Hotpots, on the Drystone stage, had everyone on their feet. 

Sky Banks, regular in the House of Joy, brought some reggae to the field, while techno and electronic music was at the heart of the Lost and Found tent. 

Tom Kay, Solfest director, said: “The atmosphere was brilliant, and our new direction has really paid off. This year’s changes made Solfest 2015 the festival we always wanted it to be.” 

Fellow organiser Simon Kay said: “Our punters wanted a more grass roots, boutique kind of event, that’s what they told us and that’s what we’ve tried to create. 

“There are no major bands but we have lots of smaller bands and performers.”