Festival FAQs
What time does the festival start?
The campsites will open at 9am and close at 8pm on Thursday to those of you with a Thursday Camping Ticket. The campsites will reopen on Friday at 9am. The main festival arena opens at noon on Friday.
Can I pay on the gate?
Tickets will be available on the gate as long as we don’t sell out in advance.
Will there be a cash machine on the festival site?
No. But a free bus runs to Aspatria and Silloth over the weekend if you need to withdraw extra cash.
Is there an online program showing which acts are on when?
No. We want you to enjoy the whole of the Solfest experience which is why we don’t publish our programme of events prior to the festival starting. We’ll tell you who is performing but never when.
Will you have programs / timetables for the weekend?
Yes. Programmes will be available at the information area on site over the weekend. We don’t publish information in advance, mostly because we’d like people to come for the whole weekend, not just one-band. But, also, owing to the nature of the event, timings are subject to a bit of change, so we leave the publishing to as late as possible.
What time is “my favourite band” playing?
Because we want people to come and enjoy the whole festival experience and not just cherry pick one band, we do not release the times and days acts will perform until the start of the festival. Our Programme Policy has more details.
Can I arrive on Thursday?
Yes, but adults (18+) will need to purchase advance Thursday Camping tickets. This is a £10 supplement which must be purchased at the same time as your tickets. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket and thursday camping pass. You must get to the site between 9am and 8pm on Thursday because moving vehicles around the camping areas as it gets dark poses a significant safety risk. The gates will be closed at 8pm on Thursday and reopen on Friday at 9am. The main arenas will open at noon on Friday.
What time do I have to be off site at the end of the festival?
You must be off site by sunset on the Monday Bank Holiday.
Is there somewhere I can park so that I can leave site early?
If you need to get your car off site during the weekend, please explain to the stewards, you’ll need to leave your car in day parking, as we don’t allow any vehicle movements on the campsites over the weekend wherever possible.
Is the festival family friendly?
Yes. We pride ourselves on having something for everyone, from workshops and events in the Healing Garden to activities in the Children’s Arena, and a vast array of music and performance spaces around the site. We want grans, granddads, brothers, sisters, mums, dads, aunts and uncles to join in the fun and have a brilliant time together.
Can I bring my dog?
No. At the request of the landowner, pets are not permitted for safety reasons.
We recommend a local boarding kennels, Grass Roots Kennels who offer a great service for our festival goers dogs.
Can I bring or buy alcohol?
Yes, but it’s exactly the same at Solfest as anywhere else. We would ask that you do not bring glass into the arena and that you use our recycling points when you’re finished. Under-age drinking is not permitted. Your adult ticket/wristband has nothing to do with the sale of alcohol or any other licensed products. The law is the law. If you are asked for ID and you do not have any, you will not be served alcohol.
Can I charge my mobile phone on site?
Yes. You can charge your phone in the Information Tent just inside the main entrance to the arena, ask a steward for directions.
I’d like to be a volunteer, how do I apply?
You can apply to help at Solfest via this website. Select your area of interest from the links on How to Apply page.
How can I apply to be a steward?
Find out everything you need to know about Stewarding at Solfest then visit our How to Apply page to complete our online application form. Please fill in all your details and upload a passport-style photo suitable for an ID badge. We will let you know if your application has been successful.
I’m disabled, what help is there?
There will be as much assistance as we can provide on a case-by-case basis. There is no concession for a disabled person but you may bring a carer free of charge. Please purchase the tickets you require (adult, young persons, children and Thursday camping) with the exception of the Carers’ ticket. Then when you arrive on site present your Middle Level Disability Living Allowance paperwork to our ticketing fairies and they will furnish you with your extra adult ticket. We can provide electric hook ups for powered wheelchairs but please contact us in advance to arrange this, or for more information.
Camping FAQs
Does the ticket price include camping?
Yes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday night camping is included in the ticket price. You can arrive on Thursday if you add one Thursday Camping supplement per adult to your order.
Is there a family camping area?
Yes. we have a family campsite, close to the kids arena and designed for families.
Is there a quiet camping area?
Yes. Townside (Quiet Camping) is the place to go if you want to sleep when you return to your camp, but remember wherever you are camped, it is unreasonable to expect absolute silence all night – it is a music festival after all!
Can I bring my campervan / caravan / trailer tent?
Yes. We do allow live-in vehicles, vans, caravans, campervans, motor-homes and trailer tents. There’s a small extra charge for your live-in vehicle, van, caravan, campervan, motor-home or trailer tent. We would always encourage you to share transport where possible (for the environment’s sake), arrive early to get a decent spot and travel in convoy to help reduce traffic disruption in the local area. We can’t guarantee a level pitch and we do not provide electric hook ups. If you intend to arrive on Thursday, you will need one additional Thursday camping ticket for each adult, as well as the vehicle pass.
Does it cost more for a campervan / caravan / trailer tent?
Yes, to encourage people to use public transport wherever possible there’s a small additional fee per vehicle.
Can I camp with my friends?
Yes, but we cannot guarantee it, so it’s best to arrive early and as a group. We do not allow people to reserve, hold, mark, cordon off or otherwise claim a specific camping space so please all arrive together to avoid disappointment.
Can I park where I camp?
Due to changes in licensing regulations all vehicles must be parked separately from tents. We aim to keep camping and parking as convenient as possible while still complying with out license. This condition has been added to the license for your safety and we hope you will help by following the new directions when on site.
Can I have a campfire?
Unfortunately, due to significant damage to the land during 2013, the land owner has requested that there are NO CAMPFIRES within camping areas. We are planning to have a large communal campfire in each camping field.
Will there be showers and washing facilities?
A limited number of hot showers will be available operating just outside the entrance to the festival site next to disabled camping and close to family camping. Showers are limited in number and are token operated for a small fee. Taps are located at regular intervals around the perimeter of the camping fields.
Tickets and Pricing FAQs
Will tickets be available on the gate?
Tickets will be available on the gate as long as we don’t sell out in advance. For guaranteed entry, we recommend you buy your tickets online before arriving here.
Can I buy a day pass or 2 day ticket?
No. We don’t sell day passes. Only weekend tickets. If there’s any availability left when we open, we will make these available on the gate, but the likelihood is that we will sell out in advance so get your tickets early.
Is the ticket price for the full weekend or just one day?
Our ticket prices are for the full Bank Holiday weekend. Great value for money! For a small additional fee per adult ticket you can arrive early on the Thursday if you wish. Please add one Thursday Camping supplement per adult ticket to your order.
I just want to see “my favourite band” can I buy a day ticket?
No. We want people to come and enjoy the whole festival experience not just cherry pick one band. Our Programme Policy has more details.
Is the price of camping included in the ticket price?
Yes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday night camping is included in the ticket price. If you would like to arrive early please add one Thursday Camping supplement (per adult) to your order.
How many nights of camping are included in the ticket price?
You may camp Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with your Solfest ticket. If you would like to arrive early and camp on Thursday night too, you must purchase one Thursday Camping supplement per adult ticket.
Do I have to pay extra for my campervan / caravan / trailer tent?
Yes. A Small addiitonal fee is charged for motorised vehicles. This can be purchased with your tickets.
I am attending Solfest as a Carer, do I need to buy a ticket?
No. Carers come FREE to Solfest. To claim your free Carers ticket, please purchase the tickets you require (adult, young persons, children and Thursday camping) with the exception of the Carers’ ticket. Then when you arrive on site present your Middle Level Disability Living Allowance paperwork (Or proof of PIP entitlement) to our ticketing fairies and they will furnish you with your extra adult ticket. Unfortunately if you don’t bring your paperwork with you then you’ll have to buy a ticket when you arrive so make sure it is with you and easily accessible (glove box would be great) so we can get you in and your festival started as quickly as possible.
Does my child need their own ticket?
Yes, with the exception of Carers, everyone at Solfest must purchase a ticket. Children three years old or under will get their tickets for FREE but you must still order them.
What is the difference between an ‘early bird’ and a standard ticket?
Early bird tickets are an *online exclusive* - they are cheaper than our standard tickets and limited in number so get yours early!
How long are ‘early bird’ tickets available online?
A limited number of early bird tickets will be available online on the first date of sale. Once they’re gone, only full price tickets will be available so get yours early. Full details can be found on our tickets page.
Where can I buy a ticket online?
You can only buy tickets online RIGHT HERE from our official online sales outlet Skiddle up until around one week before the event opens. No other company is licensed to sell our tickets online. Some may offer them, but these are called re-sellers or ‘touts’. You may occasionally see our tickets on sites like eBay. As we allow an individual to transfer their ticket to another person, this is OK, but you must not pay more than the face value of the ticket or buy from anyone selling more than one or two, as they are unlikely to be genuine. We recommend using a service such as www.swapmyticket.co.uk if you’re planning on selling unwanted tickets online.
Can I buy tickets in person?
No, sorry. This allows us to keep the ticket costs as low as possible
Will I have to pay an extra booking fee?
A small booking fee is charged per order. This is to cover card processing and ticket production. Please note: In the very unlikely event that we are forced to cancel the festival, up to 15% will be deducted from your refund. This is because while we do not charge you extra upfront, we still have to cover the cost of processing.
Can I cancel or change my online ticket order?
If your order has already been despatched: No. If your order has not yet been despatched: Possibly, at our discretion. Should you spot something wrong with your order, you should contact us immediately, so that we may fix it for you. If it’s already on the way to you, it becomes much more difficult to resolve any issues. Although we will always try to help wherever we can.
How soon can I expect my tickets?
We’ve opted to use a third-party provider that offers E-Tickets this year which should arrive in an email almost instantly. Just print them off and bring them along. If you’ve selected the postage option, then this is processed by our ticket provider within a few days.
Where are my tickets?
If you have query about tickets ordered on the website our online form is the best way to get in touch (select Ticket Sales as your reason for enquiry) and remember to include your order reference number.
I’ve lost my ticket, can I get a replacement or refund?
No. Unfortunately we are unable to replace or refund tickets which have been lost or stolen. A ticket is the only thing which will give you access to the festival. Your receipt, card statement, packing slip, etc. will not.
I can’t come, can I get a refund?
No. Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. This means that you may sell or give away your ticket. However, you may not charge more than the face value.
Transport and Travel FAQs
Where is Solfest?
Solfest is located on the beautiful Solway coast between Aspatria and Silloth. Head for Aspatria in Cumbria on the A596. Once there, turn onto the B5301 headig towards Silloth. Solfest is located approximately 4 miles up this road. See our Location & Travel page for a map.
Is there a bus service?
Yes. We operate a free shuttle bus service that runs from Thursday to Monday between Aspatria train station and the Solfest site.
Can I get a taxi?
Yes. There are several local taxi firms that will pick you up and drop you off at the festival site, we’d recommend Thomson Travel on 01697 321549.
Need a lift / have a spare seat?
We’re deep in rural Cumbria and know that you may have to travel a fair distance to get to us. Why not find someone travelling your way to save yourself some money, do your bit for the environment and meet other Solfesters.
Make contact via our facebook site or why not register on the following lift sharing sites:
www.liftshare.com
www.freewheelers.com
www.festivalbudi.com
www.gocarshare.com
Website FAQs
What if I spot an error / fault on the website?
Please contact us via the enquiry form (select Website Support as your reason for enquiry) and provide as much information as possible. If you are reporting a fault please tell us what you were doing on the site at the time, include any error messages, and if possible tell us which operating system (incl. version) and web browser (incl. version) you were using. We will forward the information to our web team.
