Solfest – Aspatria, England 2026
Overview
Solfest is a vibrant four-day family-friendly music festival celebrating indie, folk, rock, reggae, and world sounds in the scenic North Lakes region, transforming North Lakes Country Park into a joyful lakeside haven of live performances, workshops, and community vibes. Established in 2007, it has become a beloved Cumbrian gem, drawing 5,000+ attendees for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, diverse lineup blending local talents with national acts, and emphasis on healing, creativity, and nature. Past editions have featured headliners like The Saw Doctors, The Levellers, and Ruts DC, alongside circus acts and eco-initiatives, earning praise as a “boutique paradise” by The Guardian.
For 2026, building on 2025’s success (August 21-24), the event shifts to late summer with an expanded family focus, new wellness zones, and sustainable upgrades like solar-powered stages. It’s more than gigs—it’s a holistic retreat with lake swims, kite festivals, and silent discos, accessible from Carlisle or Manchester, perfect for multigenerational groups seeking authentic Lake District magic without the crowds.
Event Highlights
- Main attractions: Eclectic lineups of indie-folk-reggae stars, with past gems like Dreadzone and The Membranes setting the tone for 2026’s mix of established and emerging acts across three main stages.
- Main activities or performances: Continuous sets from Thursday previews to Sunday closers, including walkabout performers, fire shows, and collaborative jam sessions by the lake.
- Special traditions or features: Annual kite festival, healing rituals with saunas and steam rooms, and the “Sensory Area” for mindful moments amid eco-friendly zero-waste policies.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Lakeside fairground rides, foraging workshops in the park’s wilds, and pop-up markets with Cumbrian crafts and street food.
About This Event
- Historical roots: Launched in 2007 as a small lakeside bash, it honors Cumbria’s musical heritage while evolving into an award-nominated family staple.
- Scale and impact: Capped at 6,000 for intimacy, it boosts Aspatria’s economy by £1M+ annually; supports local charities via on-site collections.
- Family focus: Under-12s free with adult, dedicated kids’ area with crafts and storytelling; max 3 children per adult for supervised inclusion.
- Environmental commitment: Plastic-free zones, composting initiatives, and partnerships for low-carbon shuttles in the Lake District National Park.
- Community ties: Organized by local enthusiasts with 100+ volunteers; spotlights regional breweries and farms in bars and stalls.
- Evolution over years: From 1,000 attendees to consistent sell-outs, 2026 introduces expanded glamping and VR wellness experiences.
- Safety and inclusivity: Welfare tents, consent workshops, and accessibility scouts ensure a supportive, diverse haven.
Why Attend
Solfest 2026 is a sun-drenched dip into Cumbria’s soul, where folk anthems echo over shimmering lakes and laughter fills workshop tents, weaving a tapestry of joy that’s equal parts nostalgic and renewing. It’s the ideal family odyssey—let kids chase kites while you sway to reggae rhythms, or join a sauna circle for sunset reflections—all in a compact, welcoming bubble that prioritizes heart over hustle. The park’s natural amphitheatre amplifies every note, fostering bonds that turn strangers into a temporary tribe.
This late-summer slot promises golden-hour magic: deeper eco-ties, surprise collaborations, and that elusive festival glow where music meets mindfulness. In a whirlwind world, Solfest offers grounded bliss—emerge with new tunes, soothed spirit, and memories of lake breezes, ready to carry the festival’s warmth through winter’s chill.
Date & Duration
Dates: August 27 – August 30, 2026
Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
North Lakes Country Park, Aspatria, Cumbria, England (three main stages overlooking the lake; additional areas include camping fields, kids’ zone, healing village, fairground paddock, and sensory glades across 100 acres of parkland). Google Maps address: North Lakes Country Park, Aspatria, CA7 3JQ, UK.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via solfest.co.uk (Skiddle-powered) and partners; early bird phases sell out fast; camping included in weekend passes.
- Admission paid; under-12s free with adult (max 3 per adult), 12-15s discounted.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Weekend camping from $104 (early bird min) to $169 (standard max); day tickets $39–$65; VIP from $130–$195.
- Special seating or VIP options: VIP enclosures with premium views, private bars, and fast-track ($26–$52 add-on); companion tickets for accessibility.
- Transferable via official resale; no refunds but payment plans available; group family deals.
- All include fees; e-tickets scanned at entry; ID for under-18s.
- Overall ticket price range: $39 (minimum day) – $195 (maximum VIP weekend).
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Contact Information
- Email: info@solfest.co.uk (general inquiries); Skiddle support via chat (tickets); access@solfest.co.uk (accessibility).
- Phone: Not specified; email or Facebook Messenger primary.
- Website: https://solfest.co.uk (tickets, lineup, map, apply to play).
- Social Media: @SolfestFestival (Facebook for updates and chat).
- Key Staff: Festival team via email; volunteer inquiries on site.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer applications via form (opens spring 2026).
- Note: Response time ~72 hours; longer during event. English support.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX, 20 miles/30-min drive, taxis ~$52 USD); Manchester Airport (MAN, 120 miles/2-hr shuttle).
- Public transport – rail: Aspatria Station (Northern Rail from Carlisle ~$13 USD, 20 min); then taxis to park (5 min, $13 USD).
- Public transport – bus/coach: Stagecoach from Carlisle (30 min, $6.50 USD) to Aspatria; festival shuttles from station.
- By car: M6 to A595 (40 miles from Carlisle); on-site parking $13–$26 USD (pre-book).
- Drop-off/pick-up: Gateside zones; local taxis via Aspatria Cabs.
- Taxis and rideshares: Limited Uber—pre-book local firms (~$26 USD from station).
- Eco options: Carpool via app; bike racks; shuttle from Carlisle.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Standard pitches included (Thu arrival, Mon departure); facilities with showers/posh loos (tokens $6.50), water points.
- Family camping: Quiet zones near kids’ area; bring own tents.
- Glamping upgrades: Yurts and pods $91–$156 USD (beds, electrics); book via site.
- Live-in vehicles: Campervan pitches $52–$78 USD (no hookups); waste disposal on-site.
- Hotels nearby: The Wild Boar Inn, Aspatria (2 miles, $78–$117/night).
- B&Bs and guesthouses: Lake District spots like Tallentire Hall ($104–$156/night).
- Tips: VisitCumbria.com packages; book early for August rush.
Reviews
- Lakeside legend—Levellers thumped, kids’ area endless fun, healing vibes restorative.
- Family fave: reggae sets soared, fairground thrills, though parking queues long.
- Cumbrian charm pure—workshops inspired, sauna bliss, worth the northern trek.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
How do I get tickets for Solfest 2026?
Tickets launch via solfest.co.uk/Skiddle in early 2026, with early birds from $104 USD for weekend camping (rising to $169 standard), day options $39–$65, and VIP $130–$195—sign up for the mailing list on the site for presale alerts, as 5,000+ slots sell out fast like 2025's August run. Payment plans split costs; under-12s free (with adult, max 3). No gate sales post-sell-out; resale via Skiddle only. E-tickets scanned at entry—print backups for lake weather. Group deals save 10%; this model keeps the intimate vibe alive.
What family activities and facilities are there?
Solfest shines for families: kids' area bursts with crafts, storytelling, and puppet shows (under-12s free with adult ticket, max 3 per), while over 50 workshops span indoor (yoga, dance) and outdoor (foraging, kite-making) sessions for all ages. Fairground rides, sensory area for calm, and healing zone with saunas/steam room add magic; programming mixes mellow folk for tots and upbeat reggae for parents, plus silent discos for quiet fun. Picnic allowances and shaded spots enhance ease; no re-entry but all-day flow. Thousands attend yearly, loving the safe, whimsical setup—earplugs provided, lost kids' wristbands standard.
What accessibility features does Solfest offer?
Inclusive from the ground up: apply by July 2026 for companion tickets (free 1:1 PA with proof like PIP/DLA letter via access@solfest.co.uk), accessible camping (flat pitches near facilities), and parking—site's lakeside paths are wheelchair/buggy-friendly with ramps to stages, viewing platforms (first-come), and posh accessible loos/showers (radar-key). Distances short (entrance to main stage 150m); mobility scooters rentable ($26/day). BSL at key sets, quiet sensory area for overwhelm, and on-site medics 24/7. Assistance dogs welcome; scouts assist navigation. Feedback shapes upgrades—it's thoughtful for the park's gentle terrain.
How do I get to North Lakes Country Park?
Fly into Carlisle Airport (CAX, 20 miles/30-min drive, $52 USD taxi) or Manchester (MAN, 120 miles/2-hr shuttle), then train to Aspatria Station (from Carlisle $13 USD, 20 min via Northern Rail); from there, taxis ($13 USD) or Stagecoach bus ($6.50 USD, 5 min) to the park. Coaches from Birmingham via National Express (3 hrs, $39 USD) drop in Aspatria; festival shuttles from station. Drive M6/A595 (40 miles from Carlisle; parking $13–$26 USD, pre-book). Eco-tip: carpool via app. Drop-offs at gates; Aspatria Cabs for rides. Maps on site; arrive Thu for setup.
What camping and glamping options are available?
Camping's lakeside delight: weekend passes include standard pitches (bring tents, Thu-Mon), with family quiet zones near kids' area; live-in vehicles $52–$78 USD (no hookups, waste on-site). Facilities: showers/posh loos (tokens $6.50, 8am-10pm), water, and cooking areas (BBQs on stands). Glamping yurts $91–$156 USD with beds/electrics; no wild camping—gated security. Eco-rules: no glass, recycling key. Arrive early for views; patrols nights. Pro: park immersion; con: grass mud—wellies essential. Enhances the communal spirit.
