ONE of Cumbria's longest-running music festivals has announced its lineup for 2016.

Craig Charles' Funk and Soul Club, Dreadzone and The Mouse Outfit will headline an eclectic bill at Solfest, which takes place at Tarns, near Silloth on August 26 - 28.

The popular all-ages festival will feature a large variety of bands, art installations, theatre and storytelling, with a focus on creating an interactive environment for visitors.

Ben Parkinson, part of the volunteer team that organises the Solfest, said: "Lots of people are really happy to see that the festival is back happening every year again.

"Last year the festival came back after taking a year off in 2014 to rest and regroup. We've had lots of great feedback from last year.

"Over the years we've deliberately kept the festival small so that it keeps its intimate and friendly atmosphere.

"It's an event where you can move around and see lots of different things over the weekend. It's really relaxed and there is something for everybody of all ages to do."

Solfest has been going for over ten years, having started in 2004. Since its beginning it has always been run entirely by local volunteers.

It was set up by a group of people who felt that Cumbria needed an arts festival of its own. A number of others have followed Solfest's lead, with more festivals, including Kendal Calling, being founded more recently.

Mr Parkinson, who has been involved with the festival since its beginning, credits the festival's long-running popularity to its beautiful location as well as it's welcoming atmosphere.

"The festival pulls in locals and people from further afield; there's a lot of love for it," he said.

"The location is amazing. It's set right next to the Solway coast and you can look across rolling hills and see Scotland. There's beautiful views all around.

To add to the location of the festival, Solfest has invited a number of independent artists to create sculptures and interactive projects that will be placed around the site.

Tickets for the weekend cost £89 and can be found on the Solfest website at: www.solfest.org.uk