The beloved Solas Festival, often dubbed “Scotland’s wee Woodstock,” has launched a crowdfunding initiative to raise £20,000 by the end of April. Organizers emphasize that this fundraising effort is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the festival, which takes place annually at Errol Park in the Carse of Gowrie.
While this year’s Solas Festival is scheduled to proceed as planned on June 22-23, the organizers are facing significant financial pressures. Director Kirsty Hughes highlighted the challenges facing festivals across Scotland, including rising costs, the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and decreased public funding. She stressed that these factors have put the future of Solas at risk. Community Support Vital for Festival’s Survival
A generous donation of £10,000 has already kickstarted the campaign, bringing them halfway to their target. The remaining £10,000 is being sought through an online Crowdfunder appeal, aiming to rally community support and secure the necessary funds. The success of this campaign is vital not only for the upcoming festival but to create a stable financial base for years to come.
The Solas Festival, now in its 16th year, provides a unique blend of music, arts, and cultural experiences. Having relocated from Blackruthven, near Perth, to Errol Park in 2019, the festival has continued to grow and evolve. Its not-for-profit ethos and focus on creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement have resonated with audiences throughout Perthshire and beyond. A Diverse Program for All Ages
Beyond its renowned musical performances, which have featured prominent Scottish artists like Ricky Ross, King Creosote, and Shooglenifty, Solas offers a diverse program of spoken word events, thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, yoga sessions, and engaging activities for families. This year’s theme, “Rest and be thankful,” emphasizes wellbeing, with a particular focus on mental health and neurodiversity, creating inclusive spaces and experiences for all attendees.
James Coutts, marketing manager for Solas, reassured The Courier that preparations for the 2025 festival are well underway. He explained that securing early funding provides much-needed stability in the festival planning process, especially as many public funding streams for events are often confirmed close to the event date. He noted that this proactive fundraising campaign is essential to reinforce the festival’s future and provide a buffer against the current challenging financial climate.
The situation highlights the increasing difficulties faced by arts and cultural events in Scotland. The loss of another local Perthshire festival, Mugstock at Strathallan Castle, due to similar financial pressures in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of such events. Solas Festival’s crowdfunding initiative demonstrates its commitment to adapt and innovate in order to continue bringing enriching experiences to the community for years to come.
While this year’s Solas Festival is scheduled to proceed as planned on June 22-23, the organizers are facing significant financial pressures. Director Kirsty Hughes highlighted the challenges facing festivals across Scotland, including rising costs, the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and decreased public funding. She stressed that these factors have put the future of Solas at risk. Community Support Vital for Festival’s Survival
A generous donation of £10,000 has already kickstarted the campaign, bringing them halfway to their target. The remaining £10,000 is being sought through an online Crowdfunder appeal, aiming to rally community support and secure the necessary funds. The success of this campaign is vital not only for the upcoming festival but to create a stable financial base for years to come.
The Solas Festival, now in its 16th year, provides a unique blend of music, arts, and cultural experiences. Having relocated from Blackruthven, near Perth, to Errol Park in 2019, the festival has continued to grow and evolve. Its not-for-profit ethos and focus on creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement have resonated with audiences throughout Perthshire and beyond. A Diverse Program for All Ages
Beyond its renowned musical performances, which have featured prominent Scottish artists like Ricky Ross, King Creosote, and Shooglenifty, Solas offers a diverse program of spoken word events, thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, yoga sessions, and engaging activities for families. This year’s theme, “Rest and be thankful,” emphasizes wellbeing, with a particular focus on mental health and neurodiversity, creating inclusive spaces and experiences for all attendees.
James Coutts, marketing manager for Solas, reassured The Courier that preparations for the 2025 festival are well underway. He explained that securing early funding provides much-needed stability in the festival planning process, especially as many public funding streams for events are often confirmed close to the event date. He noted that this proactive fundraising campaign is essential to reinforce the festival’s future and provide a buffer against the current challenging financial climate.
The situation highlights the increasing difficulties faced by arts and cultural events in Scotland. The loss of another local Perthshire festival, Mugstock at Strathallan Castle, due to similar financial pressures in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of such events. Solas Festival’s crowdfunding initiative demonstrates its commitment to adapt and innovate in order to continue bringing enriching experiences to the community for years to come.