Saturday review

After possibly the coldest night in history, we woke to a lovely clear Solfest morning. The campsite was a lot less cramped than it had appeared on setting up, and after breakfast it was time to explore the site by daylight.

It is a different place during the day. Where last night there were lanterns and music and dancing, today there are yoga workshops and candle making, proving that this is truly a festival of the arts in all their forms.

The excellent kids field deserves a review all of its own, with youth groups for all ages, and more bouncy spinny noisy things than any child could ever tire of. This is certainly a family friendly festival, and all of the children lucky enough to have been brought along for the weekend looked delighted to be here.

Musical highlights of the day included Elin Ruth, a Swedish singer songwriter who was simply enchanting on main stage. She had a small crowd in the palm of her hand as she delivered musical tales of love won and lost, and she certainly could go far.

Fujii in the bar stage was fantastic. I'd never contemplated the idea of Japanese blues music before, but it is certainly a genre I will keep an eye on.

The undoubted highlight of the festival so far though was Nick Harper on the main stage. Biting wit, awesome songwriting, great guitar work, and the ability to change a string mid song all made for a highly enjoyable set. Managing to include snippets of Blur and Public Enemy alongside his own material, Nick made sure there were reference points for those unfamiliar with his own work, and I am sure that many will be rushing out to acquaint themselves with his studo output on Monday.

Unfortunately the day ended in a very damp manner, with a late downpour last night, but spirits are still high this morning, with people looking forward to the final day of this fantastic festival.

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