The tiny Perthshire village of Errol is set to host an incredible midsummer festival for the whole family this weekend. Located approximately halfway between Dundee and Perth, this little-known gem is around an hour's drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Daily Record's latest Village of the Week, Errol, has a population of about 1,500 and is home to popular spots like the all-day Lass O'Gowrie café and the Errol Fish Bar fish and chip takeaway.
Errol Park and Solas Festival
The village is perhaps best known for Errol Park, a historic private estate set amidst 3,000 acres of spectacular grounds overlooking the River Tay, with a breathtaking mansion house at its heart. This weekend, the park will host the annual Solas Festival, taking place from June 19 to 21. Solas is a music festival that also showcases poetry, art, politics, dance, philosophy, and literature. Visitors of all ages can enjoy live concerts, yoga sessions, performance and writing workshops, and more.
Music and Activities
Among the musicians set to appear are folk musician Rachel Sermanni, folk band RURA, and singer-songwriter Becky Sikasa. Festival-goers can also enjoy poetry and dance performances, a herbal walk, and a sound bath. A Football Fanzone will mark Scotland's return to the World Cup, featuring football-mad poets Stephen Watt and Hamish MacDonald, writer Ron Ferguson, and a match screening at 11pm.
Inclusive and Family-Friendly
The Solas Festival website states: 'Solas Festival—Scotland’s midsummer festival—has been running since 2009. The all-age, weekend-long celebration of music and the arts is designed to entertain, inspire and challenge. Our programme makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum. The festival offers a broad, inclusive, creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment; everyone is welcome.'
Travel and Amenities
The festival site is about 75 minutes from Glasgow and just over an hour from Edinburgh by car. A range of caterers will serve vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and camping is available. For more information, visit the Solas Festival website.
