Solas success
Solas Festival took place this weekend (June 19, 20 and 21) in a virtual form as its audience was not able to physically attend.
Due to COVID-19, the Solas programme was shared using various virtual platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Zoom.
In previous years Solas has been held around the longest day. Last year saw the event make a move to Errol Park in Perthshire.
The programme always makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum.
Responding to current times, the cultural and literary and musical celebration included debate on how life should move forward in post-lockdown Scotland.
A highlight was the sharing of a special version of Michael Marra’s song‘All Will Be Well’.
Karine Polwart, Raghu Dixit, Sam Lee, Dave Hook (Stanley Odd),
Sorren Maclean, Hannah Fisher, Ankna Arockiam, Mischa Macpherson, Finlay Wells and Lies Damned Lies lent their voices to the piece.
There was a virtual ceilidh from the fantastic Awry Ceilidh Band plus a fascinating session combining stories, poetry and music from Pádraig Ó Tuama and the Blue Rose Code.
Online audiences dropped in on a particularly apt panel discussion exploring pathways forward for post-lockdown Scotland hosted by playwright David Greig and featuring Andy Wightman MSP, Hannah Lavery, Mairi McFadyen and Jess Brough.
Many of the items can be heard again. See www.solasfestival.co.uk for online links.