Savour summer’ s vibes at Solas fest

Festival organisers at Solas are looking forward to a return to their full festival set-up at Errol in Perthshire next weekend.

Some of the headline acts coming to enjoy the laidback atmosphere at the family-friendly event will include Stanley Odd, Don Kipper, Eliza Shaddad, Kris Drever and Tinderbox Orchestra.

The festival, which began in 2009, and is known as Scotland’s friendliest arts festival, has a focus on creativity and inclusivity, welcoming people of every age, culture and religion.

There is an emphasis on creating a space for debate, with guests including activists and creative thinkers, challenging festivalgoers to consider issues such as social justice and responsibilities.

With a tagline of “entertain, challenge and inspire”, Solas aims to prove an inspiring event for anyone who comes along.

The 2022 festival falls on midsummer weekend and the organisers have chosen the theme of What’s Next? to celebrate creatively progressing on from the Covid pandemic.

According to the organisers, “Re-emerging from the difficulties of the past two years, the theme expresses the festival’s desire to creatively explore and look ahead to a positive post-pandemic Scotland.

“Many of the acts express this, and have been patiently waiting to showcase their lockdown creations.”

Having moved from its original Perthshire location of Tibbermore to Errol Park, the new site overlooks the River Tay.

There had been just one festival at that site before Covid restrictions stopped in-person celebrations.

In 2020, Solas moved online, while last year it was in a smaller guise, with 200 people gathering for Wee Solas at Scone Palace.

This year it is back with a bang, boasting a musical line-up including local alternative hip-hop group Stanley Odd who have played T in The Park and supported artists such as The View; and Kris Drever, a contemporary folk artist who has won seven BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Next up is Mediterranean disco-funk group Don Kipper who will be hitting the stage with their unique sound. Fronted by Greekserbian Dunja Botic, the group have their own take on global dance music with urban folk influences.

Another solo artist making the trip to Solas 2022 is Scottish-sudanese singersongwriter Eliza Shaddad. Eliza’s sound embraces soft and stunning vocals that promises to capture many hearts this summer.

The range of musical acts and talents on show promises to offer something for everyone, from Glasgowbased community band Brass, Aye? to Tinderbox

Orchestra, Dopesickfly, Mairi Campbell, Callum Easter and Glasgow Balafon Orchestra.

The team behind the festival can’t wait to see everything come together again, saying: “We are delighted to be back with a full-scale festival at Errol Park this midsummer weekend, after two years of virtual and scaled back events. Solas is all about community and we can’t wait to reconnect with friends old and new through music, art, song, dance, discussion, movement and much more.”

Look out for events related to Scotland’s Year of Stories and the country’s storytelling tradition, a reading from Scotland’s poetry Makar, Kathleen Jamie, a wonderful line-up of children’s activities, yoga workshops and Caribbean cuisine.

Solas Festival 2022, June 17-19, Errol Park. solasfestival.co.uk

INSPIRATIONAL: The Solas festival is back with a bang this mid-summer following the Covid-19 pandemic.