This Year's Line-up

We are proud to announce The Waterboys as one of Solfest's headline acts.

THE WATERBOYS were formed in 1983 by Mike Scott and became famous for their powerful live performances and majestic alternative rock albums such as A Pagan Place and This Is The Sea, which included their biggest hit The Whole Of The Moon. After the recruitment of Irish fiddle maestro Steve Wickham, the band created their million-selling album Fisherman's Blues, on which Scott's original and unusual songwriting was merged with older music - country, trad, blues and gospel - to electrifying effect. Since then The Waterboys have continued to make genre-busting records and have matured into one of the world's finest live acts.

Their most recent album is An Appointment With Mr. Yeats, a collection of lyrics by Ireland's greatest poet turned into incendiary rock songs, rapturously received by critics and audiences alike.

At these shows the band will play a mix of "killer vintage Waterboys" and the brilliant songs from An Appointment With Mr. Yeats.

Originally a UK punk icon, Adam Ant burst into the mainstream with a series of hit singles, including three number 1s ('Stand and Deliver', 'Prince Charming' and 'Goody Two Shoes') and an iconic image making him a household name. Ant mania conquered the Uk and the US, he won a best album Brit award, Ivor Novello award and in 2008 was awarded the Q magazine icon award. Over the last two years Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad and the Lovely Posse have delighted and entertained at sell out shows around the country and overseas with Adam displaying all the craft and Charisma that originally built his reputation.

Headlining one of the nights this year will be Post-punk legends Big Country, who emerged from Scotland in the early 80s with one of the most distinctive rock sounds to have ever surfaced. The unmistakable Celtic rock sound of Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson's dual guitars and Tony Butler's and Mark Brzezicki's driving rhythm section evoked epic landscapes and, aided by a series of hugely memorable singles which took them to the top of the UK charts. Classic singles such as 'In A Big Country', 'Chance', 'Wonderland', 'Look Away' and 'King Of Emotion' and gold and platinum albums 'The Crossing', 'Steeltown', 'The Seer' and 'Peace In Our Time' helped Big Country establish themselves as one of the biggest- selling British acts of the 80s.

Approaching their 30th anniversary, the band have not only embraced their illustrious past when peforming at last year's Isle of Wight festival, T In The Park and V Festivals but also honoured the life and times of original lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stuart Adamson, who passed away so tragically in 2001. Taking on the role of lead singer is Mike Peters of fellow Celtic rockers The Alarm and Jamie Watson (son of Bruce) also on guitar, continuing the twin guitar feature the band were known for.

Anyone who saw KT's stunning breakthrough performance of her own 'Black Horse & the Cherry Tree' on 'Later.. with Jools Holland' 8 years ago were left in no doubt of her amazing talent. The Scots born, former busker has had chart success across Europe with 'Suddenly i see', 'Other side of the world', 'If Only' and many more, She won a Brit award for best female performer, an Ivor Novello songwriting award and was nominated for a Grammy.

Known affectionately as the Bard of Barking, Billy Bragg has been a permanent fixture on the music scene since his debut release 'Life's a riot with Spy Vs Spy' in 1983. His best known singles, 'Between the wars', 'Sexuality' and 'A New England' - also a big hit for the late Kirsty MacColl are constant festival favourites. He has never been a performer afraid to take chances, tackling Racism, Sexism, Corruption and most recently, the banks, all falling victim to his spiky lyrical barbs.

Led by the distinctive presence and voice of Liela Moss, this incendiary UK rock band who formed in 2003 and played high profile support tours for the likes of Queens of the Stone age and REM. Their sound is a mix of guitar driven indie, tremulous Rock and Roll and Atlantic soul. They have just received critical aclaim on both sides of the atlantic for their third album 'Bruiser'.

After 20 years, ten studio albums, five greatest hits collections, thirty four chart singles and 15 million record sales, The Beautiful South decided to call it a day in 2006. However not everyone wanted to leave the party, Dave Hemingway and Ali Wheeler who shared lead vocals along with the departing Paul Heaton, decided to get the band back together as The South. They have continued the brilliant atmosphere of the Beautiful South gigs where the audience joins in on virtually every song!

Seth is a contemporary folk tour de force. This multi instumentalist, songwriter and singer is back for his third Solfest. This mercury award nominee is known for electrifying stage performances and stunning albums, including his latest success 'Tales from the Barrel House'.

TGU are a London based collective who specialise in a fusion of Western, Oriental and African music styles. In 2008 they won the BBC Radio three award for World music after the release of their seventh studio album 'Moonshout'. Their last album 'The Stone Turntable' was released in May 2011.

Singer/songwriterNina Nesbitt was only 16 years old when she emerged on the British music scene in 2011. Half Swedish, half Scottish and endowed with a voice boasting technical agility and a searching passion that cut straight to the emotional core of her chosen material, Nina quickly began to garner a passionate following through her You Tube videos and word of mouth. word of mouth 

Ed Sheeran asked her to support him on his recent UK and European tours, Example invited her to support him on his upcoming arena tour and her own UK headline tour are just some of the highlights of the last 12 months. She cracked the Radio 1 playlist with her Summer single 'Apple Tree' has played to packed audiences at Rockness, T in the Park and Hard Rock Calling and has just signed with the mighty Universal label to release her debut album.

The Original and Best Beatle tribute act, the Bootleg Beatles formed in 1980 and have performed an incredible 4,000 shows presenting the entire musical span of the Beatles career. The Bootleg Beatles help us celebrate the 50th anniversary (almost to the day) when Ringo joined the band and The Beatles were born and popular music changed forever.

It’s not every band that can boast they played their first gig in Japan, but then Strangefruit are quite a long way from being like every band!

The London based band feature Brothers Peter and Jamie Perrett (both ex Babyshambles),vocalist Jenny Maxwell, who honed her incredible range from years of singing in churches and choirs and drummer Will Roberts. They have taken their favourite, most affecting parts of plangent folk, vintage jazz, fuzzed out psychedelia and crunching indie rock and created something quite startling, quite unlike anything you have heard.

London's Saint Jude are easily one of the rock industry's most hotly tipped acts. Spearheaded by the jaw-dropping vocal talent of soul diva Lynne Jackaman, whose collaborations with artists as diverse as Ray Lamontagne, Snoop Dog and Frankie Miller speak volumes about her abilities. Backed up by a Hammond B-fuelled, tight as a drum five piece that conjure up The Faces one moment and Black Crowes the next, Saint Jude are one of the Uk's hottest talents.

"its no wonder Ronnie Wood and Jimmy Page are fans'.. 'Q magazine'

As The Lovell sisters, these precociously talented young women took America by storm playing at the Grand Ole Opry and other major venues and festivals. Still only 20 and 21 years of age, Rebecca and Megan have launched themselves as Larkin Poe. They have released 4 seasonally titled Eps (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) in the past year and recently starred as Elvis Costello’s touring band. While flirting with pop and soul music, the roots/bluegrass influences remain as strong as ever.

Hailing from Bridgetown, Western Australia, Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words.

Together with her band The Red Clay Halo, she has recorded three albums, dazzled audiences at music festivals and seen her song ‘Nostalgia’ become the Bafta-winning theme tune to BBC One drama Wallander starring British actor Kenneth Branagh.

February 2011 saw the release of Almanac, attracting loads of plays on BBC 6 Music, Radio 2 and Radio 4’ Loose Ends. A stream of sold-out UK tour dates followed, culminating in a rapturously received show at London’s St Giles-In-The-Fields church at which Almanac was performed in its entirety including a stunning, stark version of Pause. This song has since been used as the theme tune to the BBC2 noir thriller The Shadow Line which received critical acclaim.

The band’s albums are entirely self-financed and released on Emily’s own imprint Everyone Sang.

Whilst relentlessly peddling their peculiar brand of lyric driven 'Dirt Swing'  (an incomparable rendering of jive smitten cabaret blues) Louis Barabbas & the Bedlam Six have captured the imaginations of every species of listenership both home and overseas. Their infamous live shows - incorporating rock, jazz, folk and theatre influences - have proved time and time again that the group is at home in any line up. In the last year they have toured  Europe, The States, and Mexico, inspiring stage invasions, dancing in the aisles and a confused mixture of exhaustion and bonhomie whereever they go.

One of Britain's most dynamic young bands, Yes Sir Boss all come from incredibly varied musical backgrounds and if they followed any one member's lead they could be any type of band. They could make a funk album, or a punk rock album, or a Balkan - tinged folk record. But it's the collision of all these varied sounds that creates the YSB magic you hear. Singer /Guitarist Matt Sellors explains 'Our songs aren't folk or rock or reggae, they are just Yes Sir Boss!

Tarras are a 6 piece band hailing from the North of England and the borders of Scotland. They play an exciting blend of self penned songs and traditional material, reworked in the bands distinctive way. Using instruments including accordian, violin, cittern and mandolin, Tarras have a traditional sound, but fused with drums, piano, guitar and bass, the songs and arrangements are contemporary in style and delivery.

Signed to Topic records & rounder records in the USA, Tarras released two albums to critical acclaim, earning them album of the month in MOJO magazine, 4 stars in Q magazine and were shortlisted at the Radio 2 awards.

Fiona and her band have played at numerous festivals, mainstream and small intimate gigs including Radio one's big weekend 2011. After a very productive winter in the studio, Fiona and her band have been touring the Uk this Summer to great acclaim.

West Cumbria three piece Kitchie Wud feature Paula on vocals backed by Al and Ash on various guitars. They write their own material but still throw in some classic rock and pop covers delivered in their own melodic acoustic style.

Riley Briggs’ Edinburgh-based band first came to prominence in 2004 when their glorious debut Young Forever was recorded on a single microphone with no overdubs. The Feldy are one of those bands that are instantly familiar, with songs that you think you’ve been singing all your life. Catchy, quirky, utterly joyous.

Touring the world for 14 years, the Baghdaddies’ music is world music with strong Balkan tendencies alongside Caribbean grooves, Middle Eastern rhythms and even some Geordie [native Newcastle] touches, all awash with influences such as ska, jazz, punk and metal, delivered with theatre and exuberance. Uplifting and infectiously danceable, full of blistering brass, rousing 5 part vocal harmonies and a rhythm section that you can’t keep still to. Songs to listen to and party!

Belleruche is Kathrin deBoer, Ricky Fabulous & Dj Modest, who write songs, record and play live. Loudly. Under their own subgenre of 'handmade hip hop blues soul', Belleruche make living and breathing songs out of the lethal combination of a guitar, turntables and effortlessly smooth vocals, resulting in “swooning blues for the later evening.” (BBC) A very modern sound combined with classic song writing ability, their music is a collision of haunting vocals, aggressive analogue sounds and bleeding edge electronic production.

Acoustic instrumental music from across Europe, Bellevue Rendezvous are “one of the foremost talents in traditional music, with a sound that stands out as truly distinct and imaginative.” Mike Wilson, folkandroots.com The band’s unique combination of fiddle, bouzouki and nyckelharpa result in a collective sound full of energy, drive and sheer musicality.

The Hut People are constantly gaining more of reputation as one of the most entertaining acts to appear on the folk scene in a long while. In their surprisingly engaging and often hilarious show, they perform a truly unique high-octane blend of folk music from around the world - perfectly formed & embellished with a foot stomping accordion and mind-boggling array of exotic percussion (with some Quebecois foot percussion & dancing thrown in for good measure too!). A hugely entertaining duo getting unbelievable feedback from audiences, festival organizers and music press alike.

A hazardous concoction of funk, folk, rock and country music from this trailblazing Scottish crossover band, whose Scottish roots just got a little more twisted. Man’s Ruin comprise 5 of Scotland’s leading cross-genre folk contemporaries; Hamish Napier, Innes Watson, James Lindsay, Scott Donald and Calum MacCrimmon.

Familiar to many thousands of music fans as the front man in the Scottish rock band Idlewild, Roddy Woomble is also a celebrated solo songwriter & performer, weaving together moving and quietly joyous strands of folk, jazz and country.

This Is The Kit is the musical project of Kate Stables and friends. You thought you didn’t like the banjo but you were wrong pal. Listen as Kate rips forward with her hypnotic twang pattern and a voice of rare, unaffected beauty. “Absolutely georgeous, like an aural bath with the warm water lapping over you” Cerys Matthews, BBC 6 Music - “just one of the best things i’ve heard all year, wonderful wonderful stuff” Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music.

Will Pound and Dan Walsh are two of the most exciting and unique young musicians on today's music scene. Labelled respectively as 'one of the most original harmonica players in Britain' and 'the UK's top Clawhammer banjoist', the two have joined forces to create a highly entertaining and astonishing live set. Prepare to be astonished by stunning vocals, frailing banjo wizardry and sounds you didn’t think were possible on harmonica. This duo is destined for great things, with their ability to encompass an amazing array of musical genres with ease, energy and excellence!

Bridie has a unique voice "that despite its strength and power has a whisper like quality that draws you in with its gentle intimacy and bewitching melancholy" (The Crack Magazine). Her voice and “inventive guitar playing that instantly intrigues" (Head Scaffold), are complemented by 'The Arbour', a talented group of musicians who provide rich layers of vocal harmonies alongside combinations of cello, violin, mandolin and bell plates. The range of instruments are used sparingly; "working up magic from seemingly simple elements" (Narc magazine), in a set which varies from entirely a capella to riotous, stomping bluegrass-tinged new folk.

The Solfest institution that is Liverpool’s Dub Jazz Sound System, comprising funky jazz outfit Marley Chingus and an ever-changing roster of amazing new musical friends, return to take the late evening on the Drystone into another dimension. A booty shaking, mind-bending mix-up of heavy dub and psychedelic modal jazz, brought to you by a mischievous collective of jazz dissidents and session musician monsters from across the country.

Inspired by the floor-shaking rhythms and vibrant dances of North-eastern Brazil, Juba do Leão take you on an enlightening tour of the intoxicating grooves of Brazil and beyond. Drawing influence from the natural elements (fire, earth, wind, and water), the Orixás (deities) of the Candomblé tradition, and the meeting of cultures within Brazil and Africa, Juba do Leão shine a light into the enticing bottomless depths of Brazilian folkloric music and dance, whilst reaching into the contemporary treasure chest of uplifting modern Western styles.

... make indie, folky loveliness with their voices and various instruments. “Intricate and absorbing, they display a talent for crafting instantly memorable songs, breaking through the underlying insipidity that often bogs down indie-folk” – Manifesto. Formerly a prison psychologist, Matt "exudes geeky cool" (Laura Fraine, newcastlegateshead.com); his obsession with the English language, eye for the minutiae of things, and his juxtaposition of the tongue-in-cheek with the sentimental make for lyrical themes ranging from unspoken intimacy through to the misuse of punctuation. ‘Fables’ is a changing collective of gifted musicians whose armoury of instruments intertwine with Matt's intricate guitar work and Buckley-esque vocals to create beautiful 'chamber folk'.

Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra play an eclectic and original musical brew of 1930’s swing, gypsy jazz, hokum blues, cajun, and country, all with similar themes of debauchery, dandyism, disasters and drink. With a set that comprises of original songs and speakeasy favorites, they are sure to make your feet tap and your booty shake.

New for 2012, the first ever Solfest ‘community musical’ tells the story of an epic theatrical journey to the Cumbrian Solway coast, featuring contemporary and historical folk songs from Cumbria and beyond, led by Cumbrian performers Dave Camlin and Ian Douglas with the Sing Owt community choir, percussion by Manchester's Juba do Leão Brazillian percussion ensemble, and lots of visuals. Don’t just be the audience – join in! Workshops throughout the weekend will help you learn the songs for your voice or an instrument, or make important parts of the set, so that you can be part of the performance. All ages welcome!

The Drystone Stage is set to be invaded by Scotlands finest childrens entertainers THE SINGING KETTLE.

For their performance at Solfest, THE SINGING KETTLE will bring some animal antics with their fantastic new show “Farmyard Party”. A special 1-hour fun filled singalong. Cilla, Artie, Gary & Kevin will guarantee to have the whole family dancing, laughing and singing with loads of audience participation in this action packed festival of animal fun and frolics.
Fantastic Singing Kettle favourite songs like “Old MacDonald had a Farm”, “Do Your Ears Hang Low”, “One Man Went to Mow”. There’s also the brand new “Three Pigs and the Wolf” and the chance for some lucky children to join in the fun on stage for the Sheep Dip Derby!

A modern acoustic Cumbrian folk outfit playing their own original contemporary folk, alongside a fun mix of traditional folk, old timey American music and Gypsy Jazz, all in their Wander-Band kind of way!

Solo set from Cumbrian songstress with her own unique material. Powerful, catchy songs, beautifully delivered.

High Energy party band taking influence from world music traditions such as Klezmer, Cumbia, Reggae, Afrobeat and Hiphop. Featuring conscious lyrics inspired by the sub-conscious to stimulate the collective conscience.

An alternative-jazz group based in London, who play mostly original music, with a few covers of unusual material (Aphex Twin, Mr Scruff), and arrangements of the music of Cumbrian composer, Ella Jarman-Pinto.

One of Cumbria’s best-kept secrets, ‘Griff’ Bowie is a superb singer-song writer whose special blend of original songs we came across while he was busking on the streets of Keswick. Blessed with a characterful voice and some great songs, he’s one to watch.

Formed a year ago through a mutual love of the music of Hank Williams, The Lonesome Cowboys have been blazing a trail through the badlands of the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border with their unique mix of old time country and Americana. They are recently returned to the UK from a successful short European tour.

Peddling his own brand of ‘British Blues’, Matt “plays an acoustic guitar, he plays it fast and he plays it hard, sometimes with a slide but mostly without.” His slap and pick right hand technique and big range blues shout have earned him considerable success on the acoustic, folk and blues scenes alike.

Tim Elvin’s folk ‘army’ of musicians from west Cumbria and beyond return to the Drystone with their own quirky mix of Tim’s cleverly constructed folk tunes. Lots of the best local musicians playing tunes written specially for Solfest - now in their 6th year!

Newly formed Manchester based folk/blues trio who focus on authenticity and energy within their live performances. Kirk McElhinney's raw vocal delivery and intricate finger picking style on guitar, is backed up with Pete Turner and Sam Draper’s tight rhythm section, with tunes ranging from fast bluegrass and folk ballads to more experimental instrumentals.

Solo acoustic set from Room Full of Mirrors’ lynchpin, with his own inimitable digital dexterity, flair and wit.

Stephen Hudson is a singer songwriter from Lancaster who writes semi-literate heart-on-sleeve pop songs about dog-walking, the evils of Heat magazine, and grandparents. Inspired by musicians such as Daniel Johnston, Belle and Sebastian and the Lemonheads his live shows veer between fragile, funny and fierce, whether solo or backed by the ragged country-garage of his band the Fiat Pandas.

Prominent in the revival of traditional Cumbrian music, Striding Edge deliver a feast of roots music sourced from and inspired by the stark Eastern moors and mountainous central valleys of Lakeland. Seventeen years of playing the community venues of Cumbria and North Lancashire have forged Striding Edge into one of the hottest roots bands around: a people’s firm favourite for their energy-packed concerts.

Resident DJ at Inertia in Newcastle and the brains behind NE-based Triptik Records, Cumbrian Tim Shaw is a versatile musician with a long history of experimentation and originality. For this late-night set, expect an eclectic blend of grooves to keep you dancing, with special guest percussionist Nik Alevroyiannis’ funky rhythms adding to the mix.

Sticking two fingers up the musical outlet, and playing with the switch! The Wierdstring boys are back and they're taking no prisoners... Cos they’ve got nowhere to keep them, and don't really bear any grudges either. Ready, willing and able to render audiences helpless with laughter and amazement, the Wierdstring boys return to unleash their annual mass ceilidh on an eager Drystone audience.

A welcome return to the Drystone Stage for Cockermouth’s own dynamic young folk band.

ODCD take inspiration from popular music across the African continent mixed with blowing jazz and leftfield pop. Sampling lyrics from the likes of Don DeLilo and the Dalailama, the guitar driven, horn spiked poets of Afro-pop make joyously idiosyncratic, intelligently uplifting dance music

“invigorating and life-affirming” “impossible not to dance to”

Legendary German techno DJ Timo Maas finds his way to the Solfest Dance Tent for what is sure to be a very special set.

Riva Starr couldn’t be hotter right now. Stefano Miele - aka Riva Starr - has smashed out of the blogosphere with his unique patchwork of styles, swiftly establishing himself as one of the most unique and recognisable producer / DJ today.
Riva – with his love for re-inventing any music that inspires him – has coined the term “Snatch!” to describe his very personal bootleg remix technique, snatching and pickpocketing any music style and making it his own. Also known as “Mezcla” - the Spanish word for blending or fusion - Riva’s music moves from mood to mood, genre to genre, but always leaving his cheeky, wobbly footprint. His eclectic love of contrasting sounds reverberate through his productions – Disco, Folk, Electro and Balkan beats are all thrown in there…

Let's just say it's Bass-Driven-Warehouse Music for want of a better description.

System 7’s latest album UP tips the balance a bit in a more techno and tech house direction, still showcasing the unique System 7 sound with ultra modern production and a feeling of positivity. The album was inspired by time spent in Berlin, and features collaborations with Berlin-based A Guy Called Gerald. The single PositiveNoise also has great new Japanese animation video clip on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUFz5b-cCPs

The previous album Phoenix (released January 2008) has a more psychedelic direction and is based around the iconic Japanese manga series Hinotori (meaning Bird of Fire) drawn by manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka.

SYSTEM 7’s Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy have had a strong influence on the birth of psychedelic dance music and it’s journey up to the present, forging a unique and bang up-to-date identity on the genre map, in a space where techno, progressive and trance meet - and with the added element of Steve's highly specialised techno guitar.

Since the beginning of the 90s System 7 projects have been marked by a series of high powered collaborations, working with Detroit luminaries Derrick May and Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier, The Orb, Jam El Mar, Son Kite among others, and the System 7 club singles have had outstanding remixes from the likes of Plastikman, James Holden, Dubfire and Liquid Soul.

System 7 are equally at home at a major dance music festival or at a psy-trance festival, having a large body of music to draw upon to make a killer live set, which in all ways is guaranteed to lift up the crowd on a journey to Planet 7!

2012 is a milestone in Eat Static’s career as it is exactly 23 years ago that Merv Pepler, Joie Hinton and Steve Everitt first got together and recorded their brand of Sci-Fi/Worldly infused electronic dance music in a dusty attic somewhere in deepest Somerset.They were one of the UK’s first all live dance acts cutting their teeth at numerous free partie’s and raves in the early nineties plus regularly appearing at the legendary RAGE nights at Heaven alongside such names as Fabio and Grooverider,Carl Cox and also playing many of the early incarnations of the huge Universe and Tribal Gathering raves.
After a while, tiring of how the rave scene was turning into a battleground of musical genre’s, gangster wars and the majority of acts standing around,miming to DAT players, they developed their live set into a spectacular show featuring dazzling lightshows,a giant illuminated brain and a whole studio running on stage. A loyal following quickly formed after people finally realised that dance music could be performed live and have that same energy as the traditional rock bands had had for decades.
2012 see’s founder member Merv Pepler as the only surviving member of the original band, Steve Everitt having left in ’94 just after their ‘Implant’ album hit no.9 in the national album charts, and Joie Hinton leaving in early 2008 after going to ‘one party too many!’ These 23 years has seen 12 Eat Static albums released to date, with a new anniversary album in the pipeline for release later in the year. Their own label ‘Mesmobeat’ is also a breeding ground for new up and coming talent and will see some interesting releases in the coming months. True to form, Merv has promised that none of this music shall be predictable or follwing any commercial trends!
‘’Experimentation equals progress.’’
Alongside this, Merv has also found time for several remixes for numerous artists including Charlie Watts, Duke Ellington, Frontline Assembly, Uzumaki, Infected Mushroom and Shpongle and worked on several side project’s, including Dendron, De-Fex, The Flexitones with Propellerheads’ Will White and The Hi-Fi Companion’s with Tangerine Dreams’ Steve Jolliffe. He has also released a string of sample cd’s providing top sounds for contemporary dance producers and tv music producers alike…
He plays many festivals worldwide again this year,so be sure to catch him melting people’s brain’s in the Solfest Dance Tent…
Keep watching the skies!

DJ Templehead (Dom) is founder and resident DJ of the seminal 90's Leeds Trance/Techno club 'Templehead' and will be playing Techno, Electro, squelchy, bendy, noises, classics and more. The Templehead club ran monthly from 96 to 2001 playing underground trance and techno and featured guest DJ's and live acts including Chris Liberator, Lab 4, Oberon, Beamish, Aaron Liberator, Dave the Drummer, Roland the Bastard, K90, Micheal Dog, DJ Evolution, The Secret and many more from the 90's party scene. Dom was also a resident DJ with the legendary Megadog and regularly played slots at their parties in Leeds and Manchester plus festivals including the Eclipse Festival, the Beach Festival and Womad. Vote Techno Party!

London-based producer and live performer RuN RiOT is one of the UK's fastest-growing dance acts. Winner of Best New Producer at the International Breakbeat Awards 2011, his unique peak-time sound combining all things Dubstep, House and Breaks has been met with widespread acclaim. Since the release of his debut Charge EP RuN RiOT has released on Skint, Distinctive and Play, received airplay on MTV, Radio 1, KISS and XFM, achieved numerous Beatport top tens, and gained support from the likes of Groove Armada, Utah Saints and The Crystal Method. With iDJ and Mixmag labelling his material as "highly original", "barnstorming" and "superb", trackitdown say "expect big things from this young producer"

Slamboree is a 10-piece live band with a Smörgåsbord of performers, daredevils and entertainers. We take each show as it comes, assembling a different crew from our collective for each show and every gig is very different to the last. ??Bass-driven beats, live orchestra, guitars, percussion, loops, visuals, brass, accordian, pyrotechnics and circus. The genres bounce around breakbeat, dubstep, drum & bass, dub, techno and electro fused with balkan, folk, and 'gypsy' flavours... all original and all live.

If you were to ask us 2 years ago how far we would thought we would have come when we first started to fully embrace the breaks / techfunk / bass music scene, we never would have predicted our dream to come true: warming up for Elite Force, one of our favourite artists in front of thousands of you amazing party people! We have been lucky enough to pick get nominated in the top 5 Best new Breaks DJ's in the Breakspoll awards (please vote for us in Feb next year!) & played alongside many of our idols at our night with a name which descibes our sound perfectly: mUSIC dEMANDS mOVEMENT aLWAYS!

Mr. Psik's sound represents a breaks fuelled hybrid born from the combined effects of a love of Evil Drum’n’Bass, an obsession with the lowest realms of bass frequency, years on the free party scene and many happy hours spent pootling around on a skateboard. And eating the odd baby.

With over a decade of experience on the deck's, and his own unique take on underground House n Techno, self confessed vinyl junkie and all round nice bloke Sam P will be gracing the Solfest dance tent once again in 2012! Expect cutting edge beats, deep vibes, infectious minimal groove's and a "rather large dollop" of funk! DANCING SHOES ON!

Ginny Koppenhol's mission is to make you dance! She is passionate about music and loves to share it. Playing a variety of house styles dependent upon where the mood and crowd takes her, festivals are the perfect venue for her DJ sets.
Ginny is a DJ, a promoter, a producer, and radio host. She is also one of Skiddle.com's resident DJs, an opportunity which has seen her play at The Warehouse Project, and warm up for Steve Lawler at The Wickerman Festival this year. She has played all over the country and beyond, including regular sets on the White Ilse.
Her tracks have seen support from Pete Tong, Dave Seaman and Nick Warren. A particular highlight was hearing Danny Rampling play her tune "Veena" whilst she was watching him DJ in Ibiza. Ginny is also passionate about bringing great music to her local area and hosts events with Stylus (Josh Parkinson) in Lancaster.
Ginny's tunes rocked a packed dance tent at Solfest last year, and is hugely excited about her return.

C.L.U DJ's aka Wakeem Coderro and Stu Angus these two have been wowing crowds for over 15 years as individual dj's all over the country with some of the biggest names in dance like Andy Farley, Lab 4, The Orb, Mark EG plus many more!!
Since forming C.L.U DJ's 18 months ago they have had great recognition for their unique sets of Minimal Tech House / Techno playing at Beaverfest, Riff Raff, Sin:ergy an Goodgreef plus many more!! Thier productions are starting to cause a stir as well with new releases coming thick an fast!!
Their unique style of throbbing Tech House basslines with dark Techno hooks keep the crowds on their toe's an are sure to blow the roof off!!!

A Brighton based dj who likes to play it a bit different. Bringing some deep basslines and some bouncing beats to skank to in the afternoon sun. Playing a selection of dub and reggae inspired dance music and some fine repetitive beats! Returning to his home county to give you all something to groove to for Solfest 2012

Nem selects an eclectic mix of music, making each set she plays different to the next. She plays a mixture of funk, soul, hiphop, ska, and party classics. Reggae and Dancehall is her love and 7 years ago she started up a night in Essex called 'Rum and Pineapple'. Nem is now based in Edinburgh, taking her night with her and has a residency set in The Jazz Bar. She is a regular festival DJ and has played at Beatherder, Kelburn Garden Party, Eden, Insider, and has played at Solfest since it started. Check her out in The Dogs in Space too.

Hailing from the early 90's rave scene, founder of Lancaster based party collective Stylus, Josh has over 20 years of djing experience at festivals and clubs all over the UK. Playing a groovy, euphoric blend of techno & house, expect rolling bass lines and plenty of drums.

A pair of musical minds seperated by a moon sign & the Scotish border line. Collectivly these 2 have nearly 30yrs dj/partying experience... This is the evolution of that experience in the making. Sometime promoters, soundsystem crew, DJ's, selectors, hosts, compares, entertainers, musicians & noise makers. United by a love of open, spontaneous, unedited, creative, conscious & kaotic freedom of expression & cosmic channeling of the GROOVE... through the medium of playing other peoples records & mashin them up...! Always on a mission to evolve there sound & push the boundaries of whats acceptable, fun or accessible & never ever cool, trendy, hyped or fashionable... Expect to hear the unexpected & have your illusions shattered..... your soul massaged & your ego kicked to feckin death....

Directly from the future the original space cadets playing their own extra terrestrial electro techno. Johnny T founder member of Fractal Smarties has been producing his own music for over 20 years performs a rare live set with ArwenVarda electro DJ, Solfest resident and Space scape artist. To infinity and beyond!"

A newly formed collaboration consisting of Solfest Regular “Deaf Eric” and music producer Nick “Super Cell” Graham, Gravity Cops are here to kick off your Dance Tent experience.
Playing the latest in Big Bass festival killers and pumping Electro, theres really no excuse not to get your dancing boots on!
Start the weekend as you mean to go on!

Got my first pair of decks in late 1994. Got my first gig at Glastonbury 97. Have been one of those people who has a tendency to pop up in unexpected places ever since.

The Karma Kanic's self-penned DJ set is a constantly evolving, digitally altered lo-fi hi-fi electro-acoustic intergalactic mission of cosmic proportions.

The songs start on one planet, and end in another galaxy. Don't be afraid of the dark digital dirt, this is normal, do not adjust your speakers, set phasers to Bwaaarp….

One of the originators of the psychedelic dance/ambient dub crossover sound, Astralasia have released countless recordings over the years since their formation in the early 1990's. Still going strong and now performing as a 6-piece lineup, the band bring their unique brand of vocal-infused psychedelic electronica up to Cumbria for your aural delectation.

Hailing from Cork, Coaltraan effortlessly fuse nu-jazz, quiet rock and smooth bluesyness to produce a sublime sound that feels like musical sunshine no matter what the weather! Currently making a name for themselves at jazz festivals across Europe, this laid back 4-piece were made for lounging out to on a summer's day.

Better-known for his pounding psi-trance and techno workouts, Eat Static's Merv Pepler has long since nurtured a love of all things groovy and his performance at Dogs in Space offers a rare opportunity to enjoy his downtempo live set which combines world-music tinged lounge with a plethora of psychedelic and middle-eastern rhythms and grooves.

The smash-hit of last year's Dogs in Space live performances, Kava Kava mix big beat grooves with a top-class live lineup and the powerful vocals of frontman par excellence, Pat Fulgoni. Phat, funky grooves, a massive brass sound, guitar solos and Pat's belting vocals combine to deliver a groove-tastic performance!

Downtempo grooves, lush spaced-out guitar and synth vibes define the sound of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy's lounge combo side-project Mirrorsystem. Expect only the best in psychedelic atmospheres from these elder-statespeople of the psychedelic groove, along with a live video mix from their own VJ, Antonio Pagano.

One of the very best live reggae bands working in the UK today, Resonators combine beautiful vocally-enhanced skanking beats with a faithful 'oldschool' dub sound that wouldn't have been out of place in the UK reggae scene of the mid-1970's (probably before any of them were even born!). They've been wowing festival audiences up and down the country and last year's debut album 'Resonators' drew huge acclaim from all quarters including reggae DJ legend David Rodigan.

Combining elements of maniacal jazz, ska, gypsy, klezmer and swing along with a madcap theatrical presentation bordering on the insane, Dan Spanner's travelling band of lunatics ain't your average mild-mannered jazz combo. Tracing their roots back to the legendary French chainsaw-juggling circus outfit Archaos, Spanner Jazz Punks mix upbeat jazz grooves with a punk ethos to massive effect. Be sure to stand back if they get the chainsaws out though!

You wouldn't think that Preston was the northern home of contemporary funk but The Templebys who hail from this fair Lancashire town, have been working up a storm with their own brand of northern boogaloo, playing to audiences all over the north of England. Chunky funk rhythms blended with gutsy soulful vocals will for sure, bring a ray of groovy sunshine to Dogs in Space on Sunday afternoon, no matter what the weather!

Atmospheric songs and multi-instrument arrangements define the sound of this collective of acoustic musicians hailing from the Northeast. Drawing influences from the worlds of folk and the quieter end of rock, The Woven Project conjure up an absorbing and entrancing musical journey, perfectly suited for listening to whilst lounging on one of the Dogs in Space sofas.

Unlikely to leave you snoozing in an armchair, this energetic new London-based multipart combo bring their phrenetic live show to your favourite Cumbrian lounge venue. Hi-energy hip hop meets intelligent machinegun-paced rap all sewn together nicely with a good helping of phat funky beats. A real Saturday night treat designed to set you perfectly into late night party mode. Unless you plan to go to bed instead, you really need to check these guys out!

Mixing influences from North African Amarzigh music, Afrobeat, Ethiopian funk (yes, really!) and Latin jazz, this multi-ethnic combo bring a unique musical round-the-world-trip to the Dogs in Space stage. Through their music they take the audience on a journey across continents celebrating diversity and hope for mutual understanding of different cultures. Heavily horn based and with the colour and excitement of 70′s funk blended with Balkan inspired odd time signatures, prepare for a diverse multicultural musical treat.

A regular to Dogs in Space and making the trip from Brighton again this year to play an eclectic selection of electronic beats. Expect some nice chilled out vibes from Bonobo, K&D and Dj Shadow to some cheeky reggae and dub and everything inbetween! Back again to the best chill out in the UK for some early morning beats.

Country Club is A night of entertainment which tour between hebden bridge and manchester, music and art works provided by DJs Annie, Fraser, Lindsey and Peaches from Trailer trash plus special guests.

'Strictly Business' consists of Lancaster trio Imran, Leon Wanless & Nick Dagger. The trio have been promoting, producing and DJing for a number of decades now, and have been an integral part of the early house music seen in Lancaster. Mostly playing their own tracks and re-edits of electro funk disco and deep house, they are guaranteed to destroy any dance floor.

The Homegrown collective wriggled and burped into life back in 2005. With the aim of bringing together the performers and DJ's from the locale under a banner of peace, unity and parties. Around this time there were various nights grooving to a Homegrown soundtrack around the town's bars and an almighty annual bash at The Vic Park Hotel. These early outings cemented the tribe and gave all involved the appetitie to push forward and go on to bigger and more adventurous escapades...
Time flies and the last 6 years have seen the Homegrown DJ's venture out into the clubs, live gigs, one offs and festivals, appearing alongside some esteemed company..The Freestylers, Lo Fidelity Allstars, DJ Food, AIM, Jon Kennedy, Craig Charles, The Scratch Perverts, Martin Brew, Donald D, Coldcut, Krysko, Gripper...you get the ilk...

Only on the up, looking forward to even bigger and even bumpier parties to come..keep your peepers peeled..

and the beat goes on...strictly analog since 2005

Father Funk (aka Will Williamson) hails from the North West of England and is fast becoming one of the sharpest producers in the Ghetto Funk scene. With flawless production skills and an ear for coolest funk samples around, he has been delivering us an abundance of quality bass heavy funk for the past six months. Many of his infamous bangers have already been supported by many of the main players in the scene - both Russ Cuban and Ghetto Funk Label boss Slim Goodgroove have included Father Funk tunes in their recent mixes.

Cumbria’s legendary outdoor party collective. Responsible for some of the friendliest outdoor parties amongst the fields, barns and farms of the North West over the last 16 years.
Now fast becoming festival favourites playing in The Snug @ Beatherder, The Nut Shack @ Nuts in May as well as the Solfest Love Shack.
Their music is always aimed well and truly at the dance floor to keep you bouncing, The DJ rosta is headed by Martin Ibbotson and Stu “The Farmer” Miller playing a funky mixture of House & Breaks with other special guests often invited along from their large group of party DJs.

Vinyl Miners is the name for the home of a small but dedicated collective of Vinyl Record Obsesssives.
We have a common love of all things Vinyl, of unearthing and sharing obscure and incredible records, of digging through dusty boxes and of that feeling you get when you put the needle on the record and know you were right.

All the members of the collective actively DJ and Produce Bespoke Mixes.

After doing a pa set in House of Joy last year we had to get them back but this time with the full band!
With a huge back catalogue of material and new releases for 2012 you cannot miss this high octane live performance!

Bristol based DJ and producer Jinx, is widely regarded as the one of the UK's top rankin Dubwise breaks producers. Starting his career in the Nuskool Breaks camp back in 99' his sounds over the years have become a wide variety of styles and tempos of Electronic Roots, Dub & Dancehall style Rhythms which have been smashing up clubs and major festivals in the UK and Europe.

The mighty CoJo, owner / operator of Bushrocker HiFi will be once again selecting the finest tunes to keep you going to the early hours from his strictly vinyl collection.

9 piece ska band based in the south lakes in Cumbria. Sharing a love and passion for all things ska/reggae the close knit group of friends set out to create a band that's sole purpose is fun. They recently supported The Selector on their latest tour and have just released their first EP, these guys are gonna get the House of Joy rocking.

we have selecta Marek Bogdanski one half of the Producer/DJ duo that is the mighty DREADSQUAD

Dreadsquad instrumentals have been used by such artists as Marika, East West Rockers, Ras Luta, Junior Stress, Kacezet, Natural Dread Killaz, O.S.T.R., Pablopavo, Reggaenerator, Tede, Numer Raz, Grubson and many more. They have also worked with many European and Jamaican reggae artists (e.g. Ward 21, Tenor Fly, Top Cat, General Levy, U Brown, Milion Stylez, Lady Chann, Tipa Irie, Jah Mason, Perfect, Dr Ring Ding).

Apart from hundreds of gigs in Poland, they have also performed in many European countries (including Portugal, Holland, England, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania) as well as the USA (New York, Miami and Chicago) and Canada (Toronto).

Dreadsquad’s songs and gigs are the fusion of reggae, dancehall, ska, rocksteady and hip-hop. The duo freely mixes genres, plays with sounds and bases their music on deep bass and broken rhythm. They often combine Jamaican music with modern sounds of Breakbeat, Jungle, Dubstep and Garage.

According to the musicians themselves, their music – being energetic and lively – is made for dancing and having fun. And they are right. Go to one of their gigs and you will surely hit the dance floor. Music is their passion, hobby, way of life and it shows.

So far Dreadsquad have released four mixtapes, two full-length producers albums and many vinyl singles which made it into the top of the best dj-shops in Europe. Dreadsquad’s mash ups can be always found in the record cases of such pioneers of the genre as J Star, Upstate Rockers, Mr Blennd or even Daddy G [Massive Attack]. They are among a few Polish artists who have been bootlegged abroad – two of their mash ups have been released as 7” single of unknown origin.

Vibronics; the future sound of dub, have been vibrating the world with bass since 1995. Their music is at the forefront of the UK Dub scene, demonstrated by the 40+ releases on their own legendary SCOOPS label as well as a host of albums, singles and remixes for myriad labels, including Universal Egg, Jarring Effects, Dubhead and Jah Tubbys.

Whether it’s dub mixing live on stage, rocking the clubs or uplifting festivals, Vibronics continue to perform tirelessly across Europe, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. They’ve never stopped to look back and have built a huge reputation for kicking up a musical storm with their amazing live shows which feature the vocal talents of Parvez, Madu Messenger and Echo Ranks, supplemented by the Splitz horn section and the mighty I-mitri on percussion.

(Joe Wood and Matty B joined by the Blackdragon) lancaster based blackdragon soundsystem dj's
are back in the house of joy with joe wood and matty b playing roots reggae through to dancehall
with the blackdragon himself on the mic.

Honary west cumbrian dj / producer , back again for 2012 but this time with a string of productions
and exclusive mixes under his arm.

Making their Solfest debut this year the Irie Vibes soundsystem crew will be bringing selectors and
dj's from York , playing the very best in reggae , roots and dub .. yorkshire style !

Chapter Four selectors Daddytone and J-black, hailing from the Calder valley and known for their
bass culture events and regular radio sessions.

Aqua Livi & The RootsImansion are a roots reggae band based in Reading, England. Aqua and his band have been performing and recording for a number of years and despite changes in the RootsImansion’s line up the conscious message and high quality of traditional reggae delivered has never been stronger.

Aqua and his band are truly an uplifting live experience and over the years they have shared the stage with many reggae legends.

Dr Huxtable founder of Axis Soundsystem will once again join us in the House Of Joy , Playing out some sweet tunes from his strictly roots, revival reggae vinyl collection.

Mister Monster back again after storming the house of joy last year with an uplifting mix of reggae
mashups, digital dancehall and joined by some amazing live percussionists.

Edinburgh/Scotland based Reggae/Jungle DJ , def one to watch for the future.

Opening the House of Joy this year is the daddy of the Reggae Tent, the Jambeating Jameater himself.. 'Sky Banks'
He will be warming up the crowd and once again annoying the neighbourhood with big base riddims via his self made and designed monster combat green speaker stack, that is the mighty JAMbEATER Reggae Soundsystem......There is no escape

Keighleys one and only reggae sound, Apache Hi Fi will be coming to play only the best in dub,
roots and dancehall, strictly vinyl set. Operator and selector Geronimo will be joined by veteran
crew member Tony Roots for this one so expect good vibes.

Bradfords one and only Mr P back again after last years session in the house of joy, keeping the
energy up with his strictly vinyl dancehall vibe

Bristol Selector/Dj Ben-Jamin will be keeping the energy flowing into the small hours with a mix of
roots, dub and digital reggae ! Bringing out some exclusive mixes and a more uptempo flow with a
serious bass heavy riddim

Born Outta Kingston straight to Cumbria via Essex.
Chilled reggae to bad stylee Dancehall. Making body's move, gyals groove and man dem smooth.
Feel the vybz and get down n' dutty

Underground Roots selector Mr Scratch will once again joining us with his vinyl roots reggae
session, underground roots are a long established soundsystem known Lately for their Grange over
Dub nights, konflict radio Show and from the Trailer Trash tent at the Beatherder Festival

The User Friendly are an 8 piece ska band mixing 2 tone sounds with elements of punk and dance, formed in early 2009 as a small group of friends under the name "The Unity Division" work began on creating a set of ska punk songs, soon after new members were added to fill a void and create a distinctive brass section, also new technologies came along changing a clean keyboard sound into some dirty techno synth noises, de-banding at the end of 2010 for a winter break 2011 came with the arrival of 2 new members and the new line-up set about creating a fresh set of songs. Airing the new material in August of that year work began on creating a demo "Un-rest for the wicked" now armed with this demo The User Friendly are looking to take on 2012 head on.

Probably one the best known selectors / soundboys in the north , playing all the major festivals
his year and coming up from manchester to entertain us in the house of joy with his collection of
exclusive tracks and dubplates ! the Mikey Don session is not to be missed !

DJ Fiah Don from Carlisles Tonnes Of Reggae, this will be his first year at solfest and we are sure
he will be a perfect addition to the solfest house of joy lineup bringing a mix of lovers rock and a
dancehall style

Raikes Parade is a musician/producer who incorporates live instrumentation with digital production
techniques. He works closely with Herbal Sessions soundsystem, OneFiveEight projects, Gnod &
Nucleus Roots. Also with his live set he's supported the likes of Amon Tobin ISAM Live, Mungos
Hi-Fi & Jahtari.
Raikes Parade will be opening the house of joy each morning for an early chillout herbal session.

We gonna be in for a treat this year in the house of joy as mr jah-vis keeps the vibes going in his usual reggae style and will be joined by his son samson to take the vibe onto a drum and bass, dubstep tip.

The Members now comprises of Singer Songwriter JC Carroll "the Ray Davis of Punk" Chris Payne singer and bass player who first mixed Dub and Punk and the man who played on the introduction to the very first Uk Punk record Rat Scabies.

The Members are a national institution and with Scabies on the Drums they have a Legend of Punk Rock!!!

Fantastic 7 piece Ska/Reggae band from Northumberland with their own individual take on the music. Pikey Beatz are a fun and energetic band that can get a crowd moving with a smile on their face at the same time.

Random Hand have spent the last few years tearing full throttle through the UK scene with their ferocious in your face ska-punk-metal mashup. Stops along the way in the U.S.A., Russia and mainland Europe have enhanced a relentless UK touring schedule. In that time the West Yorks based 4 piece released two albums, ‘Change of Plan’ (Riot Music)and ‘Inhale/Exhale’ (Rebel Alliance) and a single, ‘Anger Management’, played countless festivals including Reading, Leeds, Slam Dunk and a headline set at Rebellion ‘09, and toured alongside the likes of Reel Big Fish, Propagandhi, Big D & The Kids Table, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Leftover Crack, Left Alone and Strung Out along with the cream of the UK punk and ska scene.

Hailing from Hull, The Talks provide frisky guitar jolt-pop with a regulation reggae influence.

Flying the flag for the singer/ songwriter, Davey Horne from Falkirk is a real talent, like a glorious mix of Neil Young and Ryan Adams, this guy knows how to craft a song. Soulful, bluesy, lazy, summery – a wonderfully authentic sound.

A tight rhythm section, fat punk guitars, sharp horns and ironic, funny lyrics about Party, Pogo and fried Mars bars. More From Jim features drums, guitar, bass, trombone, trumpet, alto sax and the cheesiest three part vocal harmonies that would even make G4 look bad!

Drawing their influences from rock n roll to indie to britpop and metal, this four piece band is set for the big time!

With influences from the Wurzels to the Ramones, Surfin Turnips are described as the dirtiest bleederz on the high seas playing cider punk, scrumpy and western, pirate core, westcountry apple stomp.

Nikki Rous sings and plays the guitar, she writes and performs heartfelt acoustic songs and has shared stages with the likes of Supergrass, Roisin Murphy, Level 42, The Pogues, Tom Robinson, Scott Matthews and Nerina Pallot.

Fiercely individual, her personality can be felt through her witty lyrics and unusual guitar-playing style. Though a fan of the 1950's aesthetic, her attitudes embody those of the modern, free-thinking, outspoken woman. Do not expect sentimental love songs...

Mixing Blues, Reggae, Pop & Rockabilly this fresh talent from Manchester are expecting an exciting year!

Hailing from the Newcastle music scene are a female fronted touring Hard Rock band by the name of Riff X. It’s a risk aiming to successfully combine influences of Classic Rock, Blues, Punk and Metal all at once, but this is what Riff X do – writing music they love and infecting those around them!

We are a local band all from Silloth. Our claim to fame the first time around (1994-1999) was to be picked to play on “Radio 1 sound city” which was the equivalent of the Radio 1 Introducing stage in the nineties. Steve Lamacq (modern equivelants are now Zane Low and Huw Stevens) was one of the muso royalty picking the acts and then went on to play our most popular song “Dive Bomber” on Radio 1 on his show during the week before the gig. He then quoted us in Music Week magazine in October 98 stating “they're all guitars going full pelt with shouty choruses, I like RIGSBY a lot

Melodic guitars, Elegant Vocals, Prominent Bass Lines and Energetic Drums, what more could you ask for?

Indie quartet from the north west. Their sound is youthful and evocative of 80s indie but with a modern twist. Fresh, bright melodies and driving rythyms make Jakarta Club a live band with a homely rawness largely absent in modern day indie music.

A five piece ensemble featuring the traditional instrumentation of drums, bass guitar, lead guitar and hammond organ, the female vocal led Eden's Daughter are a classic rock band for the 21st century. Emotionally charged hard rock that will assault your senses and blow your mind.

If you can't dance to this band... you can't dance!!

A talented young singer/songwriter from sunny Cumbria. Don't miss her!

Home grown Cumbrian talent that always hugely entertaining.

West Yorkshire 4 piece, the 309s, have spent the last three years rocking and rolling their swing / country / rockabilly repertoire at events all over the country.

Brewed Slowly have been together for 7 years and have an extensive repertoire which includes traditional and more contemporary Irish songs and tunes.

"Proving, if proof was needed, that great rock music still exists". Not many young, unsigned bands could say that they have been in receipt of such a compliment, especially when that compliment was paid by such a media juggernaut as BBC Television.

Dark, warm bodied indie pop, best served live. Mix together uplifting driving melodic guitars, psychedelic drums, a sublime bass and then garnish with horns, strings and organs. - With perfect pop tunes, they unearth such diverse subject matter as dinosaurs in discos, swashbuckling adventurers, needlework disasters and explore the massacre of lifeboat men by supernatural forces.