Kokova Magazine

Guildford Summer Festival, with official sponsor Silent Pool Gin, is back for its 35th year with over one hundred events to enjoy over the summer in Guildford.

Silent Pool Gin is hand-crafted in the beautiful landscape of the Surrey Hills. Using water from the spring-fed Silent Pool and 24 of the finest botanicals, the award-winning gin is a rich and clean juniper-driven spirit with floral layers of lavender and chamomile, grounded with the subtle sweetness of local honey. Director Ian McCulloch commented: "We are delighted to supporting such a great event in the community."

The first Guildford Summer Festival took place in 1983 and centred around the Guildford Pageants which used to take place in Shalford Park, and were organised by 'Pageant Master' the late David Clarke. Every year, events were organised in the Town to coincide with Festival time, and so it grew. Regular annual events include The Guildford Festival Craft Fair, Farmers' Markets, Guildford Cricket Festival, Guildford Lions Raft Race, Drama in the Castle Grounds, and classical concerts all return for summer 2018. There will be a whole host of theatre, sport, art, music, walks, heritage, tours and days out to keep visitors and residents busy over the summer months. Two events making a welcome return are the free Alice Day in the Castle Grounds on 6 August, and the Cheese and Chilli Festival on Shalford Park in July.

New events in 2018 include:

• The Guildford Town Guides offer their 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 new themed walks for 2018
• As always Arts and Heritage, events are in abundance with the annual Guildford Arts exhibition at the Mill Studio, Watts Gallery, Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Museum having lots of events that ensure you have something to do on a rainy day
• Those who prefer their theatre indoors will not be disappointed. G Live, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Back Room of the Star 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 Hogs Back Cycle Tour is designed for all ages and a perfect way to get fit or keep fit. For those who would rather watch sport than participate head for the Cricket Festival
• Local ale is celebrated at the Guildford Beer Festival at the Cricket Ground and there are many chances to listen to live music while taking a glass

This year, many of the events are completely free to attend so grab a brochure and see what takes your fancy. With so much to choose from there is something for everyone.

Guildford Summer Festival runs across the borough from 8th June to 12th August 2018. Brochures are available to collect from Guildford Tourist Information Centre and other distribution points around the borough from Mid May. 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