GuilFest 2007 - The Quality Festival

Are you wondering if festivals are for you this year? Do you love the festival scene but get tired of the endless commercialism? just because you've got family responsibilities can't find one that really suits? Did you miss out on those precious Glastonbury tickets and you're looking for something that has real atmosphere? - well with the accolade of being voted the Best Family Festival in 2006 we think you might want to give Guilfest a go. It 's the sort of festival that once you've discovered it you'll want to go back again and again.

So what can you expect if you're either off to Guilfest or thinking about buying those tickets? well for starters we think you'll be in for a very pleasant surprise - this is a non commercial festival with a real laid back vibe and a friendly atmosphere that will make you remember what festivals were really always all about.

Make no mistake here this really is a major festival but it still retains its not too big, not too small philosophy, it attracts some really big names, is sponsored by Radio 2 and has a Radio 2 stage as well as a Unison stage - but Guilfest still gives out a caring and positive attitude and message - the festival goer actually matters.
Previous line ups at Guilfest have included A-Ha | Blondie | Paul Weller | Embrace | Billy Idol | The Pogues | Katie Melua | JoolZ Holland | David Grey.

Guilfest makes itself just that little bit more special than many others manage - a cut above the norm - and they've done this by providing a festival experience that recognises and responds to the importance of those little things that make us, the fans, just that bit more comfortable. They've also made it easier for those who might have responsibilities that they feel may preclude them from other festivals - they make it easier to be there and be part of the whole festival experience. They recognise that festivals are for everybody and that it is possible for everybody to have a great time whatever their particular likes/dislikes or needs.

Guilfest makes that little bit extra effort that many other festivals simply don't - for example, how many times have you had water confiscated because on a blistering hot day you've tried to take in more than a mere 1 litre? what if you're on a special diet and you've not been allowed to take in the food you need? Often it feels as though this is just a ruse to make us spend more money with little recognition of the importance of certain basic needs and the impact it can have on your day if you are deprived of them - certainly for those of us with special dietary needs a festival can be made very difficult if you aren't allowed to bring in the food that most simply don't cater for. You won't find yourself in this position at Guilfest because all those involved with the organisation of this festival recognise the importance of happy guests and the difference that actually feeling valued makes - so you won't find water being confiscated at Guilfest - your well being actually seems to matter.
This strategy of listening to and responding to the fans has had a positive impact - Guilfest is now an event with a very strong following. Guilfest is firmly established on the festival circuit yet even so it retains the intimate caring feel it's known and loved for - it won't let itself grow into something it never set out to be yet it still retains the ability to learn and grow from each event - putting lessons learned into practice. Guilfest will also allow you bring in a limited amount of alcohol as long as it's for personal consumption and not in a glass bottle - this is a really unusual allowance for any festival and just another great example of the non commercialism that pervades the whole ethos of Guilfest and sets it apart from others.

Guilfest is a festival that attracts quite a diverse audience and is also totally family friendly - this means that all those music fans who find many of the big commercial festivals a bit too difficult or feel that some are just to risky to traverse with a young family in tow will find a welcome and refreshing change at this one, the organisers have thought through the sorts of things that can make a really big difference when you might want to be at a festival for the weekend but have been prevented because you don't think you can do it any more with a family to worry about. Guilfest is a festival that knows you're not 'past it' just because you have responsibilities and that festivals are not just solely for those without responsibilities. With that in mind they've managed to come up with a formula that hits the mark both for people who do have family or other responsibilities and for those that don't - and in a climate where the big corporate style festival is becoming the norm this is no mean feat. This is where Guilfest really does have the edge - they stay away from the big corporate sponsorship so common in many other festivals - Guilfest maintains it's integrity and still appeals to a diverse audience - you just don't hear negative comments about Guilfest - it's a very positive festival that focuses on making sure that everyone has a good time and goes away from the event feeling happy, chilled and relaxed. There's a whole value for money thing going on here....

You won't find a simple nod toward 'child friendliness' at Guilfest - children are as valued as adults and entertainment is provided specifically for them - an extensive Kidszone is provided which is packed full of things for them to do - qualified staff entertain the kids and get them involved in activities that range from face painting to drama workshops and there is even a children's parade on the Sunday where the kids get to show off their creations! (don't get carried away though - it's not a creche!) We all know that happy kids makes for happy and relaxed parents!

For fans with different abilities Guilfest expects them to be able to enjoy the festival every bit as much as those who are able bodied, people are permitted to bring a carer free of charge if one is needed. There are proper facilities, easy access and 2 viewing areas - there is also camping near to the arena. As well as all this the organisers have it written into the agreement with caterers that "traders should and must be able to easily and comfortably serve you as part of their traders agreement with the festival" stewards are well trained in awareness and are on hand to address any problems should they arise. There is also site-wide signage in a large format. Also provided is at least one wheelchair access toilet in each toilet block area. The organisers look to continuous improvement for people with different abilities and welcome suggestions and ideas in order to ensure that they achieve this.

Guilfest brings you proper toilet facilities - proper, clean flushing toilets - no festering, foul stinky horrors for the likes of Guilfest - properly maintained facilities - it's beginning to sound as though Guilfest are spoiling their customers isn't it? Maybe the real question should be if Guilfest can do it why oh why isn't it standard? But then again it's down to the caring ethos and philosophy isn't it? Guilfest want you to have a good time and they aren't just in it for the money - there are standards at this one - proper valuable and valued standards.

GuilFest simply has loads to do and guests can expect a full weekend of live music, comedy, street theatre, theatre tent, art/craft exhibitions, and some of the very best food caterers from around the world providing a variety of meals in a truly festive atmosphere. GuilFest caters for young and old alike, to local visitors wanting to just come for the day, to families from further a field camping for a 3 day mini holiday!

Guildford's outdoor swimming Lido and Spectrum Leisure Centre on either side of the festival grounds offer easy breaks from the main festival site with a refreshing swim as well as a showering opportunity for the campers and oh course a simply 'splashing time' for the kids - a weekend at Guilfest just isn't going to be enough.

All in all Guilfest is a special festival - rather like a mini Glastonbury - very unspoiled and very responsive to its guests - and one of the few festivals that can really cater for everyone - and it's probably this ability to mix and cater for all, coupled with a genuine caring attitude toward the crowd that will ensure and maintain it's rather special place on the festival circuit.

You'll need to get those tickets quickly though - festivals like this are rare and will sell out very quickly as word spreads.

The line up for Guilfest is shaping up nicely with tranche of great artists with wide appeal - the first main headliners are:

Madness Madness are all around us and now they're back on stage at GuilFest, bringing Madness to the masses again, so "move your feet, to the rockiest, rock-steady beat of madness. one step beyond!		The Magic Numbers Regular gigging spawned a fervent fan base and crowds that could sing back every word of the bands songs long before a record deal was on the table. Guilfest proudly brings you The Magic Numbers!		Supergrass Supergrass have always excelled as live performers The GuilFest crowd can expect to hear the bands joyous and positive attitude spilling over and lighting up the opening night at GuilFest 2007.
Squeeze This will be the only summer show for this hugely influential British band and the first time their founder members Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford have performed together as Squeeze since 1998.    Guilfest - Expect the Best Held in the beautiful surroundings of Stoke Park Guildford over the weekend of 13/14/15th July 2007. A real gem of a festival - a great line up - a great festival.   Best Family Festival 2006 Guilfest has something for everyone - so give this one a go and see for yourself why Guilfest has been nominated as best family and medium sized festival for the past 2 years.