Pre-Gig Review: Solfest (Friday)

After an 8 hour ordeal being thrown around in the back of the van, we made it to Solfest in the nick of time before one of our tyres gave up on us. Surprisingly, we'd been prepared for the situation and had a working spare in the back which sorted us out.

It was late by the time we'd pitched up our tents and had a chance to wander around the Solfest grounds - the peaceful, care-free vibes of this relatively small non-commerical festival (5000 tickets) way out north make a nice change from attending the expensive, overcrowded larger festivals where people demand to be entertained by 'household' names for every intense minute they are awake. As a result of the organisers' attitude to what constitutes a great festival, and the almost-giveaway ticket price of £49 for a weekend ticket, there is no pressure to be anywhere or do anything other than enjoy yourself in any way you wish.

We made it down to the dance tent to see the brilliant Dreadzone work their set later on. The front of the tent was absolutely rammed and the crowd was bouncing for the duration. We'd be taking to the same stage just under 24 hours after they came off and the concern about not being received as well as an act that's established themselves solidly over 13 years was increasing steadily. I'd barely had my first piano lesson 13 years ago.