TIGERS, lions, fairies, Darth Vader, pirates, parrots and knights were among the crowds at Solfest this weekend.

Saturday is usually fancy dress day at the music festival and people at the event embraced the tradition, carrying it on to yesterday b(sun)

Sian Price, Christine Kelly, David Simpson and Will Graves, of Cleator Moor, were tigers on Saturday and pirates yesterday.

They are regulars at Solfest. Sian said: " We love coming here and always dress up. It's always such a good weekend. "

David added: "It's a great festival, really family friendly. We love the atmosphere."

Popular children's entertainer Professor Pumpernickel, who performed in the Jungle children's area today, even had his own fan club as around 15 people from Preston all arrived dressed up as him.

And a group of people from Barrow came as characters from Star Wars, including several Princess Leias.

Dean Whitehead, of Maryport, was at the festival with his two children. He said: "My two daughters have had a great time, there's lots for them to do. It's the first time I've been since the festival was changed last year and I really like it.

"The Electric Village, with lots of different dance areas is a great idea and works well. It's clever."

Organisers pride themselves on Solfest offering festival-goers an experience and around every corner there is a surprise waiting - from site art that includes word sculptures, Aztec-style heads and a huge Newton's cradle , to small unexpected stages filled with acts like the Deatbeats, whipping up audiences into a frenzy with their drumming.

The mix of music on the nine official stages offered something for everyone over the weekend.

Highlights included Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus, who had the bar stage audience baying for more, Drum Machine on the Drystone Stage, Solfest favourites Baka Beyond, The Hoochie Coochie Moonshine Band, Fat Albert and DJs in the House of Joy who kept the tent bouncing all day - and night - long.

Children from babies to teenagers were kept entertained in the Jungle children's area, which offered games and activities all day from two-legged races, dance offs, a graffiti workshop, mini discos and table football.

Tom Kay, festival director, said: "We're really pleased with the weekend and everyone has enjoyed themselves in the sunshine. We're particulary proud of the site art this year, which adds something special to people's experience."