FOLLOWING the announcement of Solfest 2021 that will be happening this year in August, we decided to take a trip down memory lane to see what Solfest looked like before Covid restrictions were put in place.

There a few festivals that can compare to the unique energy that Cumbria provides, and Solfest certainly does so.

Starting in 2004 and held annually at North Lakes Country Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend., the event has risen in visitors from a modest 1,800 in 2004, to over 10,000 capacity in recent years.

The festival has always had a great lineup, and may not have provided all of the biggest names that tour in the other festivals in the UK, like Glastonbury and Leeds, but the show goes on with a huge bang and never fails to deliver a great exposure to the musical arts, and brings the Cumbrian community together.

Some of the most memorable artists who have performed over the years are Scottish bands The Fratellis and The Proclaimers, and this year it promises to host London DJs Basement Jaxx, along with other great headliners such as Melt Yourself Down and BIB.