UK progressive rock band Solstice have announced that singer Jess Holland (referred to as Phillips in the headline) is leaving the group so she can focus more on her teaching career and life outside music. The split marks the end of a seven-year run with the band, which Holland has described warmly, saying Solstice feels "like a family" and that she will always cherish the memories and friendships built while performing with them.

Holland's departure will take effect after a run of live dates this summer and autumn, with her final shows being Solstice's annual hometown gig at the Stables in Milton Keynes on 31 October and a headline slot at the Prog Before Xmas mini-festival in Glasgow, which raises money for Maggie's Cancer Centres. The band shared a video statement featuring Holland and guitarist Andy Glass to mark the announcement.