Notice: Something For Everyone At The Guildford Summer Festival

Published on: 11 May, 2019
Updated on: 14 Apr, 2019

Running from Saturday, June 8, to Saturday, August 10, Guildford Summer Festival, with official sponsor Silent Pool Gin, is back for its 36th year, with more than 100 events to enjoy.

New events for 2019 include animal encounter tours at Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon and the University of Surrey’s conductors’ concert, taking place at Holy Trinity Church in the High Street.

Look out for the Woodland Fairy Fair at Watts Gallery and Guildford on Sea – when the beach comes to Guildford outside the Electric Theatre.

Guildford on Sea, outside the Electric Theatre.

There will be a host of theatre, sport, art, music, walks, heritage, tours and days out to keep everyone busy over the summer months. Regular annual events include the Guildford Festival Craft Fair, Farmers’ Markets, the Guildford Cricket Festival, Guildford Lions Raft Race, drama in the Castle Grounds, and classical concerts.

Two events making a welcome return are the free Alice Day in the Castle Grounds on Saturday, August 3 and the Cheese and Chilli Festival in Shalford Park on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.

Guildford Town Guides will offer free guided walks around the town, exploring its history and every nook and cranny. Their immensely popular Alan Turing walks are back, with a few surprises along the way and are now joined by the new Leading Lights Walk where you can meet some of Guildford’s artistic characters of times past.

Guildford Lions Raft Race.

As always, arts and heritage events are in abundance, with the annual Guildford Arts exhibition at the Mill Studio and with Watts Gallery and Guildford House Gallery promising lots of events to ensure you have something to do on a rainy day.

Those who prefer their theatre indoors will not be disappointed. G Live and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will play host to a variety of shows and Guildford Fringe Festival arrives in town in July across several venues.

There are plenty of opportunities to get fit this summer. The Round the Hog’s Back Cycle Tour is designed for all ages and a perfect way to get, or keep, fit. For those who would rather watch sport than participate, head for the Guildford Cricket Festival.

Guildford Cricket Festival.

Local ale will be celebrated at the Guildford Beer Festival at the sports ground in Woodbridge Road and there will be many chances to listen to live music while sampling a glass.

The first Guildford Summer Festival took place in 1983 and centred around the Guildford pageants that once took place in Shalford Park, and were organised by the late David Clarke. Every year, events were organised in the town to coincide with festival time, and so it grew.

This year, many of the events are completely free to attend, so grab a brochure and see what takes your fancy. Festival brochures are available to collect from Guildford Tourist Information Centre and other distribution points around the borough. Tickets for most events are on sale now.

For full details, sign up to the mailing list and receive weekly reminders of events throughout the festival. Alternatively, visit www.guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk or visit the Guildford Summer Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/guildfordsummerfestival.