A bloody excellent time this last weekend. Faffed all week about what to do, as was unsure whether I’d be needed for the DoE Gold trip, but as my paperwork hadn’t arrived by midweek I reasoned I’d not be able to do it. Trouble was, go do Solfest, or the more expensive Shrewsbury festival – though the AfroCelts were playing there – a band I’ve wanted to see for many years. As the title suggests, I plumped for Solfest, though at the last minute really (Sam getting me a ticket on the door).
A swift drive up there, then off to watch the Alabama 3 on Friday night. There was a rather bizzare band on before, playing Russian Ska. Very good to dance to, especially their classic track “Psycho Tractor”. Mentalists to a man. After them were the Alabama 3, who played an excellent set. Played most of their bestest songs – was holding out for ‘Strange’ but was denied. Not to worry though, the crowd was electric – really good.
Saturday led to a gradually building session throughout the day, watching Noah go nuts in the kids festy and re-doing the hat mission with Sam. Can’t remember a massive amount, though by the end of the afternoon we were turning to the programme to see what was on later. I was holding out for Peatbog Faeries – my bestest band to see live. Scottish folk with a hell of a beat – they were on at midnight. Someone mentioned that James were playing, and I thought that’d be interesting to bob along to. Started though with Eat Static, on a 9pm set.
Went over to the Dance Tent and did some bopping to them – not full on tuneage, but ok. Think I was in there for a calm bit. Wandered over to the Drystone stage, to see a band called Pikey Beatz … a bunch of college/uni kids from Allerdale with some attitude and musical talent combined. Check them on myspace – worth it. Though young, they’re great at working a crowd!
After this, I wandered over to the main stage to see James. Somehow met Sam and Simon, though not entirely sure how. Utterly blown away by the gig. Must have known 3/4 of the tunes, though I don’t own any James clobber. They’ve still got it – massively so, and played an absolute blinder. Great to dance to, the crowd were electric, and Tim Booth was wearing a glitter suit, stood on top of a 6′ high glitterball for a chunk of the gig. Stunning.
After this, went over to the Drystone stage to muscle our way into the pit just before Peatbogs came on. Good to form, the boys played a superb set, all the tunes I wanted came out, and evan better both Si and Sam had an awesome time (glad as I’d been bigging them up all weekend!). Everything was very, very wet with sweat at the end of this! As ever, they finished with an excellent version of Folk Police – we staggered off for some food, more beer, then to collapse in tent.
Sunday led to a walk over to the coast for Si and I – took a couple of hours but good to stretch out. Watched a variety of people in the day, some music, quite a few comedy & street acts, and got a caraciture done by Paul from Preston (hoping to get him for some Scouting gigs, as he’s bloody impressive). The combined effects of much beer and little sleep started to catch up with me, and by around 11pm I’d crashed out, leaving Si and Sam to go catch some other bands and party the night away.
Drove back Monday to relax for a bit & start unpacking and generally be tired everywhere. A fantastic trip – Solfest was a good call.
