What's in a name?

Depending on which free online dictionary you consult late on a Saturday night the word ‘solas’ could lead you to:

• “an indian shrub” 
• “the upper layers of a soil profile in which soil formation occurs” 
• “the Gaelic word for light”.

I think the last one is my favourite.

However ‘Solas Festival’ means something different to everyone involved. Whether we have been there from the start, planned and developed the programme or whether we just came along to enjoy the weekend in 2010, we all have our own experiences of it and our own understanding of what gives the festival its unique and exciting identity. That’s one of the many delights of joining in with a festival that has so many different elements, offering something for everyone.

There has been lots of discussion at Solas Festival HQ of late about how we define those two words. How we capture all the different ideas and motivations and make them accessible, how we turn them into a vision for Solas that we can all share.

Over the next few weeks and months we’ll be bringing you the view from those involved in the running of the festival but we’d also like to hear from you – why not write a blog piece telling us what Solas means to you?

Here’s the official line – the new ‘About Us’ document launching on our website this week:

Solas Festival aims to create a generous, hospitable space in Scotland where the arts can be performed and enjoyed by all. Our programme also makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum.
Solas Festival offers a creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment.

Solas Festival derives inspiration and values from its roots in the broad Christian tradition. This underpins our commitment to equality, justice, beauty and hospitality. Our aim is to create a space which is tolerant, inclusive and free of prejudice.

Solas Festival has a heart for justice in our global outlook and in the running of the festival. Campaigning organisations work closely with us and help ensure that issues of social justice and responsibility feature in our programming.

Solas Festival is keen to keep an open mind and, as such, we are not sole operators but prefer to work with partners. We also encourage artists not only to showcase their own work, but to help bring out the artist in everyone.

These ideas and values are the foundation stones of our organisation and of our whole festival community, but the weekend itself will be what you make of it. Why not come along and define ‘Solas Festival’ on your terms?

by Shona Morrison

Shona volunteers with our marketing team and as our Volunteer Coordinator.
She loves to travel and hates cake. Yes, really - cake.