Surrey residents react to the return of GuilFest and its venue change

Music fans and residents across Surrey have reacted to the news that GuilFest is set to make a comeback this summer. The music festival is returning to our county after an eight-year hiatus. However, the location has changed from Stoke Park in Guildford to the grounds of Hurtwood Polo Club near Cranleigh.

The family-friendly event will take place across July 16 to 17 and includes mix of top tunes, food, drink and plenty more. Headlining on Saturday night is disco legends Sister Sledge, while headlining on Sunday is Peter Hook and The Light (New Order and Joy Division). But there has been mixed reaction to the festival’s comeback among SurreyLive readers.

: I went on Surrey’s magical bluebell walk and found perfect time to go “Ewhurst is the nearest village and currently without a shop or a pub,” said Nick Bates. “It’s a mad place for an open air festival or a polo club.” Andy Soltysiak commented: “Hardly a line-up to inspire the masses to return.

Why have tribute bands?” he asked. “I prefer a mix of decent headline acts and local acts, too.” And Darren Pike replied, saying: “Sadly, it costs [a lot] of money to put on an event and the acts’ cost is massive – they are trying to keep ticket prices down. Why not support them in going?”

What do you think about the location change? Join the conversation with other Surrey readers here. Andy responded, adding: “I would rather support local bands and venues – I’m not a fan of tribute bands. [There are] plenty of good local bands they could add to the line-up and they wouldn’t break the bank, either.”

Julian Lewry said: “GuilFest always had a very eclectic line-up, including name acts, up-and-coming acts, local acts and the occasional tribute, like Bjorn Again and even the Australian Pink Floyd. This festival is also on a much smaller scale than the old Guilfests, so they have to have a line-up which will draw people in.” Steve Harrison commented that “it’s now miles from Guildford, in the middle of nowhere.” And Neil Hill agreed. “Why not Stoke Park?

He asked. “This is out in the sticks.” However, Richard Petrie is relieved the venue has moved, adding: “Thank goodness for that. I was fed up of hearing it in the early hours, even though I don’t even live that close to the park.”

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