Say it with Roses...

As you can imagine, an event like Solas Festival doesn't happen on its own. So, before we get carried away with raving about what a good time we all had, we want to take a moment to thank those who made it all possible. (In no particular order, you understand.)

Three cheers for the contributors: the musicians, speakers, panellists, artists, film tutors, youth and children's workers, writers, poets, workshop facilitators, exhibitors, traders and caterers.

Thanks to our individual supporters: our Solas Saints who sustain us all through the year; the festival-goers who bought their tickets well in advance; and those who surprised us on the gate.

Thanks a million to our funders and those who have given in kind: Greenbelt, Christian Aid Scotland, The Iona Community, The Seedbed Trust, The Novum Trust, The Scottish Book Trust, Wellington Church of Scotland, Bert, Hillhead Baptist Church, Stirling Methodist Church, Langside Parish Church, Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, We See Lights, CAOS (Community Arts Open Space), The Young Stars Stage School, BEES, Glasgow City Mission, Youth for Christ, The Big Issue Scotland.

A big shout-out to those who put in a good word for us: the journalists and gig reviewers; the music bloggers and the DJs; the living room gig hosts and our fantastic community reps.

Very big thanks to all our volunteers: the programme team, the fundraisers, the marketers, the administrators, our fabulous photographer, the site crew, venue managers and stewards, the drivers, the safety team and the sales team.

To all: "Thank you very very very very much".

We've got you covered.

You don't have to be Ian McCaskill to know that the weather is looking a bit uppity this week. But this is Scotland and we're prepared for four seasons in one day!

Who knows? We might get T-shirt weather or maybe you're one of those who are only happy when it rains. Let it snow?

Whatever the weather, we've got it covered. As you'll see from our lovely little festival site-map.

All the festival venues - including those for children - are sheltered and within easy walking distance. There will be covered eating areas as well as the 4 on-site cafes and meeting areas.

So, the only time you might get a bit wet - or sunburned - is when you're skipping excitedly to your next venue.

Interview with Julia Doogan

Julia & The Doogans are an uplifting folk infused pop outfit from Glasgow. Julia writes the kind of pop songs that will stay in your head days after you hear them. Last summer Julia released the fantastic Come Home EP featuring tracks like Come Home, Borderline and New York City; the EP has created a lot of buzz, leading to shows at The West End Festival, Belladrum, Happy Valley festival in Ireland and now Solas. Let's see what she has to say for herself.

Tell us about your band, Julia and the Doogans.

We like to play with a guitar, piano, cello, flute and voice. Sometimes there are twinkly things and a melodica too.

Tell us about you?

I like to write little pop songs and what better way to do it than with a bunch of fantastic musicians and friends?

So last year you released the fantastic “Come Home”, what's next in the pipeline for releases?

There are lots of new songs written now and there should be something new out soon enough should anyone be hoping for another release. 

You're just back from playing Happy Valley festival in Ireland, how was it?

It was good! Sadly I think I brought the rain over with me but other than that, it was a good experience. I have a soft spot for Ireland considering that's where my family are from and it was nice to go and sing some songs in somewhere that's new to me.

What are you most looking forward to about Solas festival?

Getting a chance to play some new songs and soak up the atmosphere.

Any bands you're planning to check out? Or do you reckon you'll sneak off and maybe catch a film in the festival cinema? 

I'm going to try and watch as many bands as possible but I am very eager to catch a film and chill out. Will be the perfect way to spend the Sunday.

Perhaps some samba drumming?

Why not!?

What is your must bring items for going to festivals?

Camera, some spare cash and a friend.

Interview by Solas volunteer, Wull Swales. Julia & the Doogans play the Solas mainstage on the afternoon of Sunday 26th June - let's hope she leaves the rain at home this time.

The lowdown on our 2011 programme for young people

We’re very grateful to the Novum Trust for supporting Solas again in 2011 with a grant to help us develop our programme for young people. Here's a rundown of what's on offer:

Have a go at slacklining or streetdance.  Give Banksy a run for his money on our graffiti wall. Release your inner Animal in our drumming workshop. Stay up all night playing midnight football and hike Tinto Hill in time for sunrise. Use pedal power to make yourself a delicious smoothie and pile in on the rugby drop-in.

Feeling creative? Get crafty in one of our visual arts workshops. Feeling lazy? Veg out in front of a great movie in the Solas cinema with a massive pile of popcorn or get behind the camera and make one yourself with our film-making workshops. Hot tips from the Hollywood front line will be provided by superstar producer, Alan Greenspan.

Do not miss the hilarious rapper-come-poet Harry Baker – he is incredible! – and hang around to catch the Rory Butler album launch right after. Feast your ears on a whole host of incredible bands including Stanley Odd, The Starlets and Silver Caves.

Feed your grey matter and get to grips with a couple of the Solas speakers by joining our introduction and debrief sessions for young adults – find out what Pete Ward has to say on celebrity culture and join Alison Urie’s interactive session on the concept of Home and what it means for each of us. Hear Sarah Brown’s personal reflections on Israel/Palestine which she’s written especially for a younger audience.

Grab a wee slice of peace and lose yourself in your thoughts and our labyrinth. Get a team together for the pub quiz. Control the action in our Forum Theatre workshop. Become a statue on our touring plinth. Steal the limelight by giving us a turn on the Open Mic stage.

Did we mention the awesome bands? We did!? Well, we’ve also got Aerials Up, Open Swimmer, We See Lights…

The action kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday 24^th June with a meet-up session where all the young folks on site can get together and meet our youthwork team. 

For text updates to help you keep track of our jam-packed programme for young people over the weekend, text 'The Long Light' to 07842 121577 [small print: costs one standard text and we promise not to give your number out to anyone else or call you at 3am pretending to order pizza...].