While Glastonbury might still be considered the Daddy of the plethora of festivals now held in the UK each summer, it’s re-assuring to know that there’s another long-running event just a stone’s throw from the capital; Guilfest.
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Now in its 18th year, Surrey’s Guilfest attracts crowds of up to 20,000 each day which as the organisers say places it firmly in the ‘not too big, not too small’ category. The emphasis is on the slightly more mature band which means the event is popular with a slightly more aged crowd than the light headed beaujolais nouveau set down at Worthy Farm in Somerset, with recent performers including Paul Weller and Blondie.
Headlining this year will be Motorhead (Friday), Brian Wilson (Saturday) and the Happy Mondays (Sunday). Support artists include The Stranglers, The Charlatans and reggae legends The Wailers. Will Young makes an appearance on the Sunday night too.
Above all it’s a family orientated affair (it won Best Family Festival Award at the UK Festival Awards in 2006), with plenty to do for the kids across a large but not overwhelming chunk of Stoke Park in Guildford. So aside from the music there will be comedy, children’s entertainment, street theatre, theatre tent, art/craft exhibitions and the usual array of festival food stalls.
Guilfest has a sizeable campsite for those choosing to bed down for the full three days, but for those who like their home comforts, there’s always the chance of slipping off home each night before a well-rested return down the A3.
Guilfest Tickets:
Guilfest Site | GetMeIn
Mainstage Listings at Guilfest:
Friday 10 July
Motorhead
The Stranglers
Ginger
Tragedy: All Metal Tribute to The Bee Gees
JB Conspiracy
Macavity’s Cat
Yearner Babies
Saturday 11 July
Brian Wilson
The Charlatans
Athlete
Toploader
Linda Lewis
Trans-Global Underground
Florence Rawlings
Dolly Rockers
The Rock Choir
Sunday 12 July
Wailers
Goldie Lookin’ Chain
Melo Park (Sian Evans of Kosheen)
Skaville UK
The Beat
The Hamsters
The Rock Choir
plus Will Young headlining the Ents24 stage
For full line up on all 8 stages see:
Guilfest Lineup
Guilfest
Guilfest Official Website