Live Review: Guilfest 2014.

by | Aug 10, 2014

Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

It was great to see Guilfest back in 2014, the crowd and performers seemed to be so ready for it, I had never attended but had heard how much fun the Festival was so I was looking forward to be there. As soon as I arrived I felt welcomed and everything was running smoothly and organised. I got my photo pass and knew it would be a special three days running around with my camera photographing great bands.

Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

The weather was like we were in Greece or Spain…blue skies and the sun kept shining for almost the whole weekend The people were so friendly and happy, everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time…I understand why, in the past, it has been voted the best small Family Festival, it certainly felt like a perfect community celebration with people of all ages and background gathering together to enjoy a variety of music and activities. The people of Surrey seem to like Guilfest with over 45,000 coming through the gates over the weekend.

Weekend festival happening in Guilford The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldoff (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Weekend festival happening in Guildford.  The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldoff (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

There were so many stages with a mix of rock, punk and main stream music for everyone around Stoke Park, not only music but a variety of acts, and a extensive choice of eating stalls and shopping for fun stuff as well. On Friday the main stage was set to keep the festival goers entertained bringing The Hoosiers, Doors Alive, Fun Lovin’ Criminals but undoubtedly headliner The Boom Town Rats made the biggest impression with so much energy and Sir Bob Geldorf was a true legend on stage. Finishing the night I went see Sham 69 and they really made it a special occasion in the hot sweaty tent , it felt like the place was on fire.

Weekend festival happening in Guilford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Sham 69 @ Guilfest 2014 a weekend festival happening in Guildford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Saturday was another hot day and it was by far the the busiest one, the field started packing up early with people dressed up, dancing around, drinking socializing, perfect to see the older generation and the kids having a good time. The main stage there was a fantastic line up, so varied and full of great performers starting with Loyd Grosman with his band The New Forbidden , what a surprise for me, all I knew was about his recipes and pasta jars, but he rocked hard with a guitar as well. The top act of the night Kool And The Gang didn’t disappoint and had enough hits to get people partying definitely a Celebration.

 

Weekend festival happening in Guilford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Kool & The Gang at a weekend festival happening in Guildford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

The second stage the great attraction was Jedward with a very enthusiastic crowd and how much fun the young men were. I never thought I’d ever see them live and it was quite special experiencing the moment with their fans. The headliner was a heavily pregnant Sam Bailey (X factor winner) , a very family friendly end of the night.

Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Jedward @ Guilfest 2014 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

The Big Cheese stage features newer bands with a hard rock feel and what a  grand line up as well. I didn’t manage to catch many bands but Black Futures were on my list and I would recommend you get over to see those guys, great show. On the Vive Le Rock stage my favourite act was The Buzzcocks, truly legends and fantastic to be there.

Weekend festival happening in Guilford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Buzzcocks @ Guilfest. Weekend festival happening in Guildford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Sunday started a bit on the cool side but not for long. Starting was Katrina (Ex and the Waves) , Shane Richie and his band The Prelude were such a revelation, for me anyway…he promised the crowd if they were good he would tell some Eastenders secrets. And the fun continued with Blobbie Williams, Kingsland Road, Norman Jay who got the festival goers on their feet with so many top tunes. The Sugar Hill Gang following on from where Candi Staton and Chic left off a few years ago getting the whole festival on their feet for feast of righteous rap.

The Human League headline Guilfest 2014 (Simon Jay Price)

The Human League headline Guilfest 2014 (Simon Jay Price)

Other great acts on that day were Ward Thomas, a British country music duo and The Enemy a feisty indie rock 3 piece from Coventry. The night ended with the Human League taking charge of the main stage playing so many great songs from the past…for me it was perfect. The smaller tents had so much to offer too, two of my favourite bands playing there, you can never fail to feel alive watching Feed The Rhino and Gallows.

Weekend festival happening in Guilford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Weekend festival happening in Guilford (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

In all it was a perfect weekend a truly special festival with so much to offer. Director of GuilFest, Tony Scott was delighted by this year’s event, saying “We’re so pleased that it happened, I have to say a huge thanks to all those who came, but also to all those who petitioned for us back in October to bring the festival back. There were lots of moments where we thought this wasn’t going to happen at all – so it really is truly amazing that it has turned out to be the best one we’ve ever put on! We really can’t wait for next year!!”

Solange Moreira-Yeoell was at Guilfest along with Simon Jay Price. A weekend festival in Guildford 16-19th July 2014.

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000hAO84MANDMA” g_name=”Guilfest-2014″ f_show_caption=”t” f_show_slidenum=”t” img_title=”iptch” pho_credit=”iptc” f_link=”t” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”t” f_fullscreen=”t” f_smooth=”t” f_up=”t” f_show_watermark=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_mtrx=”t” fsvis=”f” width=”640″ height=”480″ f_constrain=”t” bgcolor=”FFFFFFF” btype=”new” bcolor=”#FFFFFF” crop=”f” twoup=”t” trans=”sweep” tbs=”4000″ f_ap=”t” bgtrans=”f” linkdest=”c” f_topbar=”f” f_bbar=”f” f_bbarbig=”” target=”_self” ]

The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

House of Protection (Anthony Tran)

House Of Protection Drop Electrifying New EP ‘Outrun You All’ & Announce UK Tour Dates

One of the most thrilling new forces in heavy music, House Of Protection have released their sophomore EP Outrun You All via Red Bull Records—a genre-hopping, high-octane project that confirms the duo’s position as one of 2024’s most fearless acts. Known for fusing atmospheric trip-hop, art punk, underground electronic, and hardcore chaos, the band wastes no time diving deep into their expansive musical world on this blistering seven-track release.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing