By Linzi Watson

Last updated 13:47, Monday, 25 August 2008

MORE than 10,000 festival goers gathered at The Tarns near Silloth for what has been branded the biggest and best Solfest so far.

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With internationally acclaimed acts on the bill alongside home-grown Cumbrian talents, music lovers from up and down the country congregated in a relaxed atmosphere.

More fields than ever where invaded by campers who queued for hours to secure their place.

Three stages – the main stage, bar stage and the Drystone stage – were packed out from Friday afternoon until Sunday night, with a dance tent keeping revellers occupied long after the live music had finished.

The family friendly festival also hosted children’s activities, stalls and workshops from massages and yoga classes to a UV sand pit and story telling sessions.

David Davidson, 52, from Wigton, said: “There are so many different people here and there is a real atmosphere of acceptance.

“No one has any attitude, it’s brilliant.”

Phil Hastlehurst, who was the compare for the main stage, also praised the crowds of thousands.

“It is my job to try and get the crowds going, and this year they have been fantastic.

“The atmosphere at this festival is second to none.”

Phil, AKA The One and Only Mighty Tree, was also involved with the festival organisation.

He added: “When this festival was first run it cost £54,000. This year it is more like £250,000.

“Solfest is bigger and better in so many ways.”

He added: “Cumbria is getting a really good name for itself as a place with good local talent and top live performances.

“Alongside Solfest, Maryport Blues Festival has become one of the best of its kind in England.

“Sixty per cent of the acts on the Drystone stage are Cumbrian.”

The first night did not fail to impress as Roisin Murphy, formerly of Moloko, entertained the masses with an energetic and theatrical set.

Saturday night brought fancy dress and Brit-pop legends Supergrass who wowed one of the biggest crowds of the weekend with a thumping set.

Frontman Gaz Coombes summed up the atmosphere when he told the dressed-up festival-goers: “I like this, you are a beautiful crowd.

“I have never seen so many freaks.

“I have had a great day – I am not just saying that.”

Following the headlining set, the dreaded but inevitable rain forced revellers to continue their party in one of the many tents to wait out the downpour in high spirits.

But with Sunday came the sunshine and UK indie rockers The Bees, who rounded off the weekends antics.

Chris Gibson, 34, Currock, Carlisle said: “I have had a fantastic time. I will definitely be back next year – I am looking forward to it.”