The organisers of Solfest have announced the first wave of acts for 2019.
Taking on feedback from the last couple of years, plus wanting to keep ticket prices low to allow as many people to come to the festival as possible, It was decided to go back to the roots of the festival and explore what made Solfest so amazing to begin with.
And with this they have some really exciting acts on show from across the musical spectrum. Solfest have a good Range of Reggae, Punk, Rock Indie and Folk as well as all your Dance styles that Solfest is known for. But Solest is much more about the people. Offering one of the largest kids area, fair ground rides, workshops, site art and much much more!
A previous Solfest favourite Baka Beyond returns to the main stage this year, the original Afro-Celtic dance band is legendary for their high energy multi instrument fusion music shows, described as “a feast for the eyes and heart as well as the ears and feet”.
One of the favourite acts of Solfest 2017 was The Undercover Hippy and they are back with their infectious mix of reggae and thought provoking lyrics, described by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson as being “like the love-child of Steel Pulse, Kate Tempest and The Sleaford Mods”.
The Levellers are a firm favourite for festival goers and lead singer and guitarist Mark Chadwick will be gracing the Solfest stage this year. He will bring that ever so familiar sound of folk rock to keep people dancing with a good selection of well-known tracks from an impressive back catalogue.
Other acts confirmed are last year’s Friday night headliners, and Solfest Carlisle fundraiser headliners Dansi, raucous and rowdy yet sensitive and soul bearing, their alternative Indie will rock the Solfest crowd once more.
London-Irish Celtic punk band legends Neck also make a long awaited return to Solfest this year having previously played The old mainstage in 2013 and the bar tent In previous years. One man mechanical electro alt-blues band Funke and the Two Tone Baby will also be hitting the main stage after a stand out show from the main stage last year..
Some other notable acts are BlueJam Arts youth jazz band who open the Drystone, giving a chance for school children to at a professional level. Lost Colours who have previously performed will be taking over the Bar tent for a night with their own acts and Visuals, Stig of the Dub, Colt 45 and AKA The Music of Noel Gallagher.
Nathan Sutherland of the organising committee expands on this year’s offering; “Our main priority for this year is to allow as many people as possible to enjoy Solfest with us, in the stunning surroundings of the new venue and an amazing array of music which spans all genres. That’s why we are keeping ticket prices low this year with an adult weekend ticket costing just £89 at the 3rd release.
“That’s not bad for a weekend away with a load of amazing people and some absolutely awesome music not to mention local and international beer and food and some amazing entertainment.
“The line-up is made up a lot of bands who have played in the past although we are also featuring a good selection of up and coming local talent.
“Although we aren’t going to be releasing the information of all the stages just yet. We have added a new space called The Hive which will have a selection of well-established and up and coming local DJ’s playing everything from House to Drum & Bass, disco to techno and a good helping of Trance.
“We have quite a few surprises still up our sleeve as well with a lot more acts to announce and more stages as well.
“There will be something on offer for everyone, all in a really friendly atmosphere, you won’t want to miss out on this one last party for what has been one of the best things culturally in West Cumbria.”
NEW DIRECTORS:
We are pleased to announce 2 new directors will be steering the ship this year. Joe Goulding a local businessman who owns Lakeland Music in Penrith and Sam Johnston a local music teacher who has been involved with Event Promotions including North The Wall and Solfest For a number of years.
Because of their involvement as new directors Solfest Can confirm 2018 artists are now being paid, it wasn’t right for us to release a line up until that had started.
NEW SITE:
Solfest has moved directly across the road for this years event and now is inhabiting the fields around Tarns Dub in North Lakes Country Park. A smaller site But with a 5000 Capacity Limit in place this year it should
Sam Johnston, Director and Drystone Manager said: “We are very lucky with the new site been so close to the original, it was brought forward by the support of North Lakes Country Park and The Harrison Family. It has given us a chance to completely rethink how the festival should be laid out.
“We have 4 separate fields for Camping ranging from Family through to those who like to stay out in the evening , 2 fields for Campervans and now all of the late night tents are at the opposite side of the arena to Camping. as well as stunning views of the Solway Coast and The Lake District Fells, Revellers can camp waking up to a morning view of the Tarn.
“People are once again able to watch the Drystone from the comfort of the Bar stage emulating the Mainstage and bar set up of the earlier years.”
Solfest takes place at The North Lakes Country Park, Tarnside, Aspatria 23rd to the 25th of August over the bank holiday weekend with Thursday camping available.
It boasts hundreds of local and national acts over many stages and also has a massive kids area with workshops and various walkabout entertainment as well.
One thing that sets it aside from other festivals is being able to take your own food and drinks in to the main arena, that being said there is a wide variety of local and international food and drink on offer along with many other market type stalls.
Tickets are available through their website: www.solfest.org.uk/tickets.
