The advantage of being a trader at Solfest is that you arrive a couple of days earlier than anyone else to set up. This allows you to watch the magical transformation of a field into a festival arena, fully equipped with a welfare area comprising of a number of well-being activities, including a pop up steam room!

The festival is held on the Solway Firth, near Silloth/Wigton in Cumbria. The views are stunning and an early morning walk as the sun is rising and gently coating the hills and mountains of Scotland and The Lake District brings much serenity – whether at the start of your day or as you stagger slowly back to your tent from one of the all night music events!

The weather, as always in Cumbria, was a bit hit a miss – ranging from glorious sunshine to torrential downpour in a matter of hours! Therefore, being set up in the Market tent was an advantage (especially when we moved into the middle of the tent to avoid the leaks!), as a number of people played our cigar box guitars whilst waiting for the weather to pass. Boy, were we blown away by the talent…especially the number of young people who just picked up one of the instruments and within minutes could play them, including the skateboard lap steel, the shovel guitar and the double bass made out of a Jerry can!

We talked to so many interesting people over the three and a half days, the time just flew by. We were also lucky to share the Market tent with several other amazingly talented traders – check out their images below

Check out the photos and videos below that show the amazing time that was had by all.

As Solfest celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, we are looking forward to returning with a bigger and better set up…and perhaps even some workshops – who knows! Watch this space for more details.