After cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most welcoming and family-friendly festivals, GuilFest returns to Stoke Park, Guildford, on 4–5 July 2026 with a line-up that balances chart-topping nostalgia, indie favourites, dancefloor anthems and emerging local talent. Set across seven stages in the heart of Surrey, this year’s edition looks set to be one of the strongest in the festival’s recent resurgence.
Saturday’s bill is headlined by pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose remarkable renaissance continues to gather momentum. Joining her is a special DJ set from Rudimental, bringing one of Britain’s most successful dance music exports to Guildford. The day also boasts a diverse mix of indie, dance and alternative acts including The Lottery Winners, ABC, Inspiral Carpets, Echobelly, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Rozalla and Elvana, the irreverent Elvis-meets-Nirvana phenomenon that has become a festival favourite across the UK.
Sunday offers a distinctly feel-good closing chapter. Scottish legends The Proclaimers top the bill alongside Britpop and psychedelic rock veterans Kula Shaker. Elsewhere, festival-goers can catch performances from Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, Hugh Cornwell, The Bootleg Beatles and The Specials’ Neville Staple. The inclusion of Happy Mondays and Haçienda legend Bez adds another dose of Madchester spirit to proceedings.
What continues to distinguish GuilFest from many of its larger rivals is its commitment to offering far more than a main stage experience. Alongside the headline music programme, visitors can explore dedicated comedy and dance tents, a literary stage, workshops, street theatre, an art and craft village, family entertainment zones and a wide selection of food and drink offerings. The festival’s long-standing focus on accessibility and family appeal has earned it recognition as one of the UK’s leading family festivals.
Beyond the established names, GuilFest remains deeply rooted in its local community. The Acoustic Lounge, Local Heroes Stage, Castle Stage and Rock Cave Stage showcase dozens of emerging artists from Surrey and beyond, providing an important platform for grassroots talent while ensuring attendees can discover something new between the headline sets.
At a time when many festivals are chasing ever-larger line-ups and sprawling sites, GuilFest’s appeal lies in its ability to combine recognisable headline acts with a relaxed atmosphere and genuine sense of community. With dance music heavyweights, indie legends, tribute favourites and family entertainment all packed into a single weekend, GuilFest 2026 looks set to be one of the most enjoyable and accessible festivals on the UK summer calendar.
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