Alfold Rock and Blues Festival – From Lockdown Dreams to a Powerhouse of Rock and Blues

Written By Glen Parkes

Images By Sam Conquest

Every great festival has a story. Some begin in muddy fields, some in city parks, and others in the minds of dreamers who believe that music deserves a home where community, atmosphere, and passion matter just as much as the line-up. For the Alfold Rock and Blues Festival, its story begins not with blazing sunshine and roaring crowds, but with silence – the silence of lockdown.

Alfold Rock and Blues had humble beginnings, with its journey marked by resilience and determination in the face of challenges. The inaugural event was set for June 2020, but the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced its cancellation before a single note was played. Determined not to let the dream die, the festival was rescheduled for June 2021, though lingering restrictions and public unease made it a difficult year to navigate. Ultimately, the organisers shifted to 3–5 September, implementing strict Covid protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Despite two Sunday bands having to withdraw due to last-minute positive tests within their line-ups, the weekend went ahead successfully, proving the strength of both the team and the loyal community supporting the event. That resilience and passion didn’t go unnoticed — to the surprise and delight of founders Dave and his team, Alfold Rock and Blues was soon ranked among the Top 20 UK blues-related festivals in 2022. The recognition didn’t stop there, as the festival went on to secure a place in the Top Five three years running (2022, 2023, and 2024), a testament to the hard work, heart, and music-loving spirit that continues to define Alfold Rock and Blues today.

For many, the dream would have ended there. But not for Alfold. Its organisers held firm, weathered the storm, and kept the fire burning. When restrictions finally eased, the festival found its footing. And on a chilly weekend in September 2021, the gates opened, the amps buzzed to life, and history was made.

The First Notes: Alfold’s Debut

The honour of playing the very first set at Alfold Rock and Blues Festival went to Flying Tigers – a fitting choice, their name symbolic of the resilience and soaring spirit that the festival represented. From that moment on, the Alfold crowd knew they were part of something special.

The line-up for that debut year spoke volumes about the organisers’ vision. Friday night was headlined by John Coghlan’s Quo, bringing the timeless boogie rock spirit of Status Quo to the Surrey fields. Saturday kept the bar high with Martin Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash, serving up twin-guitar classics for fans of British prog and hard rock. And to close out that first triumphant weekend, Dr. Feelgood delivered a Sunday headline drenched in rhythm and blues swagger.

Despite the cool September air, there was warmth in every corner of the site. Fans who had been starved of live music during lockdown finally felt alive again. Bands, many of whom hadn’t played to a crowd in over a year, rediscovered the thrill of performance. That first Alfold wasn’t just a festival – it was a reunion, a revival, and a reminder of how vital live music is to the human spirit.

The Setting: A Perfect Home for Music

One of Alfold’s greatest strengths is its setting. The Springbok Estate provides a picturesque backdrop of rolling countryside, offering festival-goers a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse themselves in a weekend of music, food, and camaraderie.

Practicalities are handled with the same care as the line-up. Camping is available, allowing fans to fully settle into the festival spirit. For those who prefer a little more comfort, nearby hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs provide plenty of options within easy reach of the site. Free parking makes life easier still. Combine all that with good food stalls, great beer, and a friendly atmosphere, and it’s no wonder Alfold has quickly built a loyal following.

This is not a sprawling mega-festival where you spend half your day walking from one stage to another. Alfold is deliberately intimate – big enough to host serious talent, yet small enough that every performance feels close, personal, and powerful. That balance has become its calling card.

Growing Stronger Every Year

From its modest beginnings in 2021, Alfold has gone from strength to strength. Word spread quickly among both fans and musicians. For fans, it became known as a hidden gem – a place to see both legendary acts and rising stars in a relaxed, welcoming environment. For bands, it became a date to look forward to – a festival where the hospitality was genuine, the crowds were enthusiastic, and the vibe was unbeatable.

Each year, the line-ups have expanded in ambition and variety. Alfold has showcased the best of classic rock, blues powerhouses, prog greats, and rootsy singer-songwriters, reflecting the wide palette of the UK’s live music scene. From thunderous guitar-driven headliners to soulful, intimate sets, the festival has embraced diversity while staying true to its rock and blues core.

As one musician remarked after playing: “Alfold isn’t just another festival on the circuit. It feels like playing for family – a family that just happens to love rock and blues with all their heart.”

Weathering the Storm of COVID

To understand Alfold’s rise, you have to remember the climate in which it was born. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just delay its debut; it reshaped the entire live music landscape. Venues closed, artists struggled, crews were out of work, and the festival industry was on its knees.

When restrictions finally lifted, there was no guarantee that people would return in the same numbers. Financial fears, health concerns, and uncertainty clouded the scene. Yet, when Alfold finally opened its gates in 2021, it was proof that music lovers were hungry, not hesitant. Fans turned up, bands gave it their all, and the atmosphere was one of sheer joy.

That post-COVID context gave Alfold a special energy. Every note carried extra weight. Every cheer from the crowd meant more. It wasn’t just about entertainment – it was about healing, reconnecting, and moving forward.

The Spirit of Alfold

If you ask fans what makes Alfold unique, you’ll hear recurring themes: intimacy, community, quality, and heart. It’s a festival where you can watch a band that once headlined arenas, and then bump into them later walking through the site. It’s where fans strike up conversations with strangers over a shared love of a riff or a memory of a classic track.

The organisers have carefully cultivated that vibe. By keeping the festival manageable in size and focusing on quality over quantity, they’ve avoided the pitfalls of soulless corporate events. Alfold feels handcrafted, curated with passion, and delivered with care.

For many, it has become an annual pilgrimage. The familiar rhythm of arriving on Friday, setting up camp, grabbing a beer, and letting the music take over has become a cherished ritual. And with every year, the “Alfold family” grows.

Bands Love It Too

It’s not just the fans who rave about Alfold – the bands do too. From established legends to up-and-coming acts, performers often comment on the professionalism of the organisation and the warmth of the crowd. There’s a mutual respect at play: the festival treats its artists well, and the artists, in turn, deliver performances that raise the roof.

That first weekend set the tone, but subsequent years have only reinforced the bond. Headliners relish the chance to play to such engaged audiences, while newer acts benefit from the exposure and the chance to be part of a prestigious line-up. Alfold has built a reputation on the circuit as a “must-play” festival, and that reputation continues to grow.

A Festival for the Future

As the organisers continue to build on their vision, the scope for growth is wide. More stages, more variety, and more opportunities for emerging acts could all be on the cards. Yet at the heart of it, the goal remains the same: to celebrate the best in rock, blues, and roots music in a way that feels authentic, inclusive, and unforgettable.

The story of Alfold Rock and Blues Festival is a story of resilience, passion, and community. Born in the shadow of COVID, it has blossomed into one of the UK’s most beloved boutique festivals. From the very first chords of Flying Tigers in 2021, through headline performances from the likes of John Coghlan’s Quo, Martin Turner, and Dr. Feelgood, to the expanding line-ups of today with the likes ofhe Glenn Miller Orchestra, Troy Redfern, Dom Martin and The Blockheads. , Alfold has stayed true to its vision: good music, good food, good beer, and good times in a beautiful setting.

For fans, it is a weekend to cherish. For musicians, it is a festival worth playing. For the organisers, it is proof that perseverance and passion can turn a dream delayed into a dream realised.

And for anyone yet to experience it, one thing is certain: the next Alfold Rock and Blues Festival will be more than just another date on the calendar. It will be a celebration of everything that makes live music essential – connection, joy, and the sheer pA Festival for the Future

Looking ahead, the future for Alfold Rock and Blues Festival looks incredibly bright. Having established itself in just a few short years, it is now a fixture in the UK’s rock and blues calendar. The combination of a stunning location, top-tier acts, excellent facilities, and a warm atmosphere ensures that fans will keep returning and spreading the word.ower of a great band on a summer night. in Surrey, every summer, another fire burns – the fire of Alfold Rock and Blues. so why not grab your tickets for next years event