Kokova Magazine

Just a week ago we were standing ankle deep in mud waiting for the rain to stop long enough to run from one stage to the next.

And in the last seven days we seem to have seen more sunshine than in the last seven months!

Did the persistence of the organisers, musicians, revellers and everybody who was involved with GuilFest 2012 finally win the weather over and chase the clouds away - or did Tim Minchin manage that all on his own!

On the last day of GuilFest 2012 the sun shone for all who had braved the weather and the terrain to show their support for the many acts that entertained; the numerous food stalls that fed; and all who navigated the slippery mud, that left no survivors...

Not one person escaped at least some coverage, and as you can see from our pictures, some were more unlucky than others.

But was it worth it?

After seeing so many planned events fall to the rain and get cancelled, we were expecting a call to say that GuilFest would not be going ahead.

So it was with some trepidation that we set off last Friday to start our coverage of the weekend event, and we have to say we wouldn't have missed a thing!

From a musical stand point, every genre is covered and you can find something to suit your taste on at least one stage throughout the festival.

With some big names gracing the Main Stage (or not in the case of Tulisa's no-show) and virgin bands making their GuilFest debut on some of the smaller stages, this festival brings you to the heart of music - and music to your heart.

For food, you are spoilt for choice and anything goes - from Pizza Express to veggie salad - exotic tagine to home-cooked pie and mash - and even freshly made sushi and chuncky chips.

Plenty of stalls were on hand to replenish your wardrobe - with everything from jewellery to wellies available to buy.

The kids were well entertained in their own mini-festival area that included small fairground rides, side stall and shows.

As ever, the toilet facilities functioned throughout the event and the organisers did their best to keep everything sanitary.

The only shame on looking back as we walked away was the lack of people making use of the many bins supplied around the grounds, simply dropping their litter to the floor.

So we should all show our appreciation to the 'clean-up' team who come along after we have all gone home and help restore Stoke Park to its former glory - ready for GuilFest 2013

If you haven't been to GuilFest yet then we would strongly advise you to put the date in your diary for next year and make sure you secure your tickets as soon as they go on sale.