ONE of West Cumbria’s biggest outdoors festivals has announced it will go ahead next year after last week’s success.

Organisers of Solfest, which takes place at Tarns, near Aspatria, had announced that 2019 would be the last year for the festival.

It came after the event ran into financial difficulties in 2018 and a farewell party was held during the bank holiday weekend.

But organisers have now revealed Solfest will take place in 2020.

Joe Goulding, one of the new directors, has decided to inject new life into the much-loved music event. He said: “We got involved last year and the intention was always to try and save it.

“It’s something the area needs for sure – we want Solfest to be back to its best. Solfest is a really good family weekend and that will continue to be the main focus.”

The event celebrated its 15th year and was blessed by glorious sunshine at the weekend.

Hundreds of acts performed across a variety of stages, giving music lovers a taste of all genres, from folk to rock, to dance and punk.

Bands included some of the festival’s favourites who played at past events, such as Baka Beyond, The Undercover Hippy and Colt 45. Headline acts were Dansi, Utah Saints, Mark Chadwick of The Levellers and The Coral.

But Solfest is more than just good music, with a dedicated children’s area, family-friendly entertainment, walkabout artists and interactive site art.

The event changed location, with the fields opposite the original site being used for the event this year.

And it was a welcome move for revellers who enjoyed beautiful views of Scotland from The Hive stage and of the tarn from the children’s area.

Joe said: “The weekend has been really good. The run-up was a bit of a rollercoaster, but it’s all been worth it.

“This event has been a culmination of everything we worked for.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the staff and volunteers who have helped us make this happen – it just would not have been possible without them.”