Campers descended on an historic Perthshire estate on Friday night for a Midsummer feast of music and arts.
The Solas Festival moved to its new home at Errol Park as part of the show’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Over the years, the event, previously held in the Blackruthven countryside, has grown in stature and reputation, and is now regarded as one of Scotland’s best small festivals.
The three-day event boasts a packed line-up of established and up-and-coming music acts, as well as spoken word artists, political activists and comedians.
#SolasFestival2019 is go!! And the sun is shining ?? pic.twitter.com/jeNfjWrbzQ
— Solas Festival (@solasfestival) June 21, 2019
Organisers have been busy over the last few days building up the main festival village, main stage and food zone in the grounds around the historic Errol Park House and stables.
To mark the event’s first decade, singing groups from all over the country were brought together to form a “super choir”. The performance was arranged by singer Corinna Hewat, and groups were offered discounted tickets to get involved.
Headline act on night one was Niteworks, a band from the Isle of Skye who fuse traditional Gaelic music with electronic influences.
What's a girl to do when up in Scotland on the longest day of the year when the sun barely sets …. ?
Heads up to the @solasfestival for some awesome music n' Scottish hospitality that's what! ?☀️#Festival #SummerTime #Midsummer #FolkieOnTour pic.twitter.com/bcrUvLZy6Z— Odette Michell (@odettemichell) June 21, 2019
Music continues on Saturday with rapper Kobi Onyame – described as “the UK hip-hop game’s unintentional preach of sunny vibes” – topping the bill.
Born in Ghana, but now living in Scotland, Onyame had his 2018 release Gold shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year.
Other highlights include a solo performance by Stina Tweeddale of Glasgow rockers Honeyblood and more homeland hip-hop from Edinburgh’s Solareye.
The festival also features a line-up of speakers, demonstrations and workshops including an appearance from Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay, comedian Josie Long and up-and-coming writer Chris McQueer.
Also speaking will be Nadine Aisha Jassat, included in YMCA Scotland’s “30 inspiring women under 30” in 2017, and poet Juana Adcock.
The festival promises a “safe, relaxed, family friendly atmosphere” throughout with plenty of games and activities for children of all ages.
Children’s entertainer Mr Boom, who proved a hit with youngsters at last year’s show, will return this weekend, while there will also be the chance to get involved in the Unicorn Dance Party street theatre show.
An event spokeswoman said: “Solas is designed to entertain, inspire and challenge with a wide-ranging programme of music, spoken word, theatre, dance, debate, workshops and more
“There’s so much to get involved in, all in a safe, family friendly, chilled out atmosphere.”
The festival is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, through the Naitonal Event Fund Programme.
