GUILFEST 2025: A FAMILY FESTIVAL THAT STILL ROCKS HARD

Stoke Park, Guildford – 5–6 July 2025
Winner of Best Family Festival in the UK
🎟 www.guilfest.co.uk

There’s no shortage of UK festivals, but few do it quite like GuilFest. Held in the heart of Guildford at the scenic Stoke Park, it’s a rare mix of grassroots charm, multi-generational joy and lineups that somehow mash soul, punk, rave and nostalgia into something that works. Returning to Stoke Park on 5–6 July and crowned Best Family Festival in the UK, GuilFest 2025 delivers a bold, eclectic lineup packed with energy, nostalgia, and enough surprises to keep even the most seasoned festivalgoer guessing.

SATURDAY: SOUL, SWAGGER AND ICONS

Topping Saturday’s bill are The Jacksons, legends of soul, Motown, and pop who deliver a masterclass in rhythm and stage presence. Before them, Soul II Soul brought London-born groove, while Leo Sayer, Stereo MCS, Sleeper, and The Wedding Present span decades of sound with unshakable confidence. Clubland throwbacks Baby D, N‑Trance, and disco mainstays Odyssey keep the tempo high, while Bay City Rollers add tartan charm. Tribute sets aren’t filler here; they’re headline-worthy. Expect faithful, high-energy sets from Definitely Oasis, Letz Zep, The Marley Experience, and The Spice Girls Experience. Local legends Rock Choir, Guildford Vox, and Horsell Sings round out a Saturday rooted in community spirit.

SUNDAY: INDIE, BRASS, AND BEAUTIFUL CHAOS

Razorlight take top billing on Sunday, with Brit-rock bravado and a hit-filled setlist. Joining them: KT Tunstall, full of charisma and loop-pedal magic, plus the genre-defying brilliance of Dub Pistols, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, and the surreal genius of Elvana (Elvis fronting Nirvana, because why not?).

There’s more: Altered Images bring synth-pop sparkle, The Amy Winehouse Band offer a heartfelt tribute with real weight, and Beans on Toast delivers ramshackle folk-punk storytelling that cuts through.
Elsewhere, The Primitives, Skids, Sex Pissed Dolls, Voodoo Radio, Fuzzbox Kollective, Gavin Thomas, Trojan Beats, Blondied, and Royal Surrey Choir ensure the day stays loud, weird and wonderful.

A PROPER FAMILY AFFAIR

This isn’t just a place you can bring your kids, it’s one that welcomes them. The KidZone offers circus skills, crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, and bubble discos, making it one of the best-equipped family zones on the circuit. For adults, there’s live comedy, craft beer, cocktail bars, artisan food, therapy tents, and enough live music to wear your legs down by sundown.

GETTING THERE & GETTING HOME

Stoke Park is walkable from Guildford Station, and there are direct trains from London. No camping means real beds and no muddy Monday mornings. Hotels and B&Bs nearby seal the deal.

BOTTOM LINE

GuilFest 2025 is loud, loose, and proudly unpolished. It’s a joyful blend of icons, local legends, weird acts and family-first energy. Whether you’re raising a pint or a juice box, this one’s worth showing up for.
5–6 July. Don’t miss it.

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Kevin O'Sullivan

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