Paul and Alli Baird: Solas from the start
Paul and Alli Baird are relatively new to the Solas Board, but they’ve been loving and championing Solas from the very beginning. Here’s their story. If you fancy becoming a Solas Champion, we’d love to have you on board – more info at the end!
Paul writes
Festivals are an awesome concept! All over the world people gather to enjoy time out of ordinary life and commune artistically, socially and spiritually.
The early mega music festivals such as Woodstock and the Isle of Wight were experienced by most folks from the safety and comfort of the armchair watching TV. Not quite the real thing, but fascinating nonetheless! Since then, festivals large and small have proliferated.
My first proper festival experience in 1979 – armed with tent, sleeping bag, primus stove etc – was the Greenbelt Festival in the south of England. Started in the early 1970s by a Baptist minister and Christian-based, it provided a heady mixture of the kind of music which would have older churchgoers beating retreat to the exit doors, along with arts and politics.
One of many fascinating performances – a youthful U2 playing an unannounced set mid-tour. Greenbelt proved addictive, and I returned many times. Greenbelt survives and thrives today, but with an emphasis less on a youthful pop audience and more on family.
Solas Festival started fifteen years ago as a kind of Scottish version of Greenbelt, and has subsequently developed its own special mix. I have been attending since the first year and enjoy watching my favourite festival evolve. It’s a something-for-everyone weekend: arts, drama, music, culture, friends, coffee, great chat, wellbeing, fun, relaxation, thought-provoking and just awesome.
Family friendly with a great vibe. I experience something fresh, new and unexpected every year! This wee festival gets better and better. It’s a safe space, lush and green and has a great feeling about it.
So many musical and other highlights through the years – Ricky Ross solo (the Deacon Blue frontman playing a great set with only piano accompaniment), Michael Marra, the gravel-voiced bard from Lochee – thrilling stuff. Hamish Hawk – a revelation! A stunning performance – deep baritone voice, great songwriting and a tight band. Brian McGlynn leading unaccompanied singing of black and white gospel songs – a heavenly scratch choir!
Alli writes
I have never been a camping type of gal. Despite having three wee boys who would have loved a camping adventure in a tent, I didn’t give them the opportunity. (I apologise boys for not realising earlier how much fun it is – please forgive me.) We did however stay in various venues nearby over the years.
Having been at Solas since the very beginning, 2010, I have seen many changes. Change in venue, change in theme, change in weather and change in my accommodation! For many years we stayed in local accommodation such as Airbnb, local bed and breakfast, the local Travelodge and Premier Inn. We even did glamping in a yurt on two or three occasions. Nothing, however, beats the last few years staying in our wee tent.
You can’t beat camping on that field in Errol and waking up with Dave Sedwick on the campsite, offering tea from his china teapot with an enormous smile on his face. That is the Solas spirit.
Solas is the most wonderful wee festival – it is fresh, it is fun, it is inclusive and it feels good.
Rocking up on a Friday afternoon with great anticipation is always interesting. I am always hoping I have remembered my toothbrush and my other essentials. Suncream (ever hopeful), my camping chair and my sanity. It is always a super busy time at work and getting ready for Solas is always very last minute. My tired brain always looks forward to the joy that is Solas but never quite anticipates the huge joy that is about to unfold.
Tent, check.
Sleeping bag, check.
PJs, check.
Warm clothes just in case, check.
Shorts and sunnies, check.
Loose clothing for yoga, check.
Guitar for Bairdy, check.
Camping chair, check.
I always forget something…
Friday late afternoon is tent-putting-up time! Meeting new and old friends, yapping to our new neighbours on the field as they do the same, and then heading to the main stage. Our Solas has well and truly started. Time to relax, enjoy the fantastic offering and get into the Solas vibe. It truly doesn’t take long at all.
From great talks, to amazing music, to super workshops and ideas – the variety is superb. There is something for everyone.
I told you I always forget something – last year it was a notebook. I like to jot down ideas learned and keep a blog of my amazing weekend. Thankfully one of the wee stalls sold notebooks. Bairdy doesn’t understand my stationery obsession – perhaps one day he will. I digress.
Friday evening is always wonderful but goes so quickly. It is like being immersed into a big Solas bubble. Dancing, listening to the bands on the main stage and not wanting the evening to end, despite being puffed out after a week at work. I always find the time and energy to get to the Stables for the open mic. Wee gems are always discovered there. Last year, the wee gem was a primary school rockstar.
Saturday morning always starts with that cuppa and straight to yoga on the field with the wonderful Mark Russell. Is there a better way to start the day?
Bairdy heads to Straw Bale to drink his coffee and chat with whoever he meets whilst planning. Planning the day's activities is a must – loads to do, see and hear. Bairdy is a master at it and can get from one session to another like Linford Christie to ensure he doesn’t miss anything.
And we both go home with enough memories to see us through the year – just the nuggets we need to enthuse our chums to come and join us!
Become a Solas Champion
Love Solas as much as Paul and Alli do? Become a Solas Champion and help spread the word about our special wee festival. It’s simple — share your Solas story, invite friends, and keep the community spirit growing.
As a Solas Champion, you’ll:
Help bring at least three new people to Solas each year
Share two personalised social media posts each month to keep the buzz alive
Suggest great local spots for flyers, posters or promo materials
In return, you’ll get:
A free Solas T-shirt
Your name featured on the Solas website
An invitation to our exclusive Champion Gathering at the festival
Ready to jump in? Drop us a line at office@solasfestival.co.uk — we’d love to have you on board!