Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival

Karen Neville

Guildford

Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival features 16 events across 14 venues and is celebrating the best in UK and local jazz and soul from September 4th through to October 17th

Guildford Jazz has always been about bringing the best, established UK jazz artists to Guildford. Why go to Ronnie Scott’s when you can have the same experience in Guildford?

Its first jazz and soul festival naturally includes many of the sort of artists who you could see at major venues and festivals across the UK. Headline acts include Natalie Williams Soul Family, who make a rare appearance outside their monthly sold out residency at Ronnie’s, and Bill Laurance, the five times Grammy award-winning pianist and founding member of Snarky Puppy.

Other national artists already booked to appear include jazz pianists Jason Robello and Gwilym Simcock, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi and the Organisation, rising jazz stars vocalist Emily Masser and saxophonist Alex Clarke, BBC Radio Jazz Records Requests presenter Alyn Shipton talking about his latest book and performing music from the Jerry Mulligan Quartets as part of the Guildford Book Festival, The Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and guitarist Pete Roth.

Guildford Jazz’s founder, jazz bass player Marianne Windham explains why now is the right time for the festival. It was decided four years ago to organise the first locally curated Guildford Jazz Festival but just a week before it started lockdown hit. Since then Guildford Jazz has continued to grow and thrive.

It has teamed up with venues such as the Boileroom and The Stoke and attracted audiences at outdoor events and festivals and prides itself on being part of the community and having a reputation as one of the leading jazz clubs in the country.

She continues: “There are many lovers of live music locally who are still unaware of the world class music available on their doorstep. Rather than sit back and wait for them to stumble across us, we thought we would take the plunge and commit to a major high-profile festival to bring great live jazz and soul directly to music lovers who may not have heard of us, in venues across Guildford and in the streets, churches, restaurants, cafes and bars, wherever they normally hang out.

“We hope that the festival will bring the joy of live music to new listeners, bring more people back into the centre of town and be the next step in our journey to make Guildford a UK hub of creative live music.”

Many of the events are free. More information about Guildford Jazz, the festival and how to book tickets at Guildford Jazz


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Step out with Guildford Walkfest

Karen Neville

Guildford

Walkfest, the month-long celebration of walking, invites you to get out and explore Guildford and the surrounding area

Now in its 18th year, Walkfest is a community project run entirely by volunteers which acts as an “umbrella” to bring many groups together and promote walking, learning and enjoyment. 

Walkfest is designed to get people of all ages and abilities out and about, in and around the beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Whether you are looking for short informative walks, long rambles or anywhere in between, Walkfest has something for you. 

There are over 40 walks for you this year with a number of new locations, routes and providers. 

The festival starts on September 1st with the opportunity to discover the ancient yews of Newlands Corner and finishes on 30th with a walk up to Merrow Downs. 

The month-long event also invites you to take a stroll around Little Compton, discover the Guildford story on a guided walk, observe birds on a stroll around Ockham Common, take a circular walk along a section of the historic River Wey Navigation, explore Worplesdon & Merrist Wood, take a CAMRA countryside pub walk between Wanborough and Godalming or how about Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and beyond or you can explore Whitmoor Common. 

For the full list of walks and details, visit guildfordwalkfest.co.uk 
Walkfest couldn’t run without support from Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Dragon, C & H Marketing and Surrey Hills Society.  They say a big “thank you” to the organisations and individuals who have contributed to the programme. 


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Foodies Festival at Stoke Park

Karen Neville

Guildford

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Foodies Festival in Stoke Park, August 30th to September 1st, with a celebration of food, drink and music

Top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music are coming to Guildford for the first time with Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza courtesy of the Foodies Festival 2024.

Watch MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes in the La Española Chefs Theatre. Among those taking part are Alex Payne who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal and now has the Michelin starred The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters, Egham. Channel 4 Sunday Brunch bread expert Jack Sturgess, aka Bake with Jack and former MasterChef winner Druv Bhaker will also be showcasing their skills.

Learn how to make show-stopping cakes in The Pots & Co Cake & Dessert Theatre with expert bakers. Great British Bake Off stars will share their best baking hints and tips live on stage with easy to make recipes that are as delicious to look at as they are to eat.

Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours and meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions and food challenges! Kids can have fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre.

At the all new cook school, get hands-on in an authentic Thai Green Curry Cook School session with MasterChef star Yui Miles. £25 per person (45 min sessions).

The Flavour Town Fire Stage will host demonstrations of amazing fire-cooked recipes all day long, such as Louisiana Cajun Chicken, salmon cooked to perfection and Cowboy Butter Tomahawk Steak. Pop along anytime you want to and stay for a taste – you won’t want to leave!

Kicking off the live music on Friday night is Symphonic Ibiza taking you on a journey through the legendary sounds of the White Isle fusing iconic Ibiza dance anthems, live vocals, a sensational DJ and an amazing live orchestra. Close your eyes and you could be back partying in Ibiza. Kathy Sledge headlines on Saturday, 31st August. The singer, songwriter, author, producer, manager, and Grammy-nominated music icon is the signature voice in Sister Sledge known for anthems such as We Are Family. Blue round off the weekend on Sunday, 1st September. Formed in London in 2000, the four piece have sold a phenomenal 16 million records, scored multiple number one hits and collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars including Elton John and Stevie Wonder, as well as winning two BRIT awards.


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Portraits of Brotherhood exhibition in Guildford

Round & About

Guildford

Head to Guildford House Gallery to enjoy the solo exhibition by Curtis Holder, winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, before 28th September

Curtis Holder: Portraits of Brotherhood features a compelling selection of large-scale figurative drawing depicting imitate portrayals of Black men, rendered in vibrant in vibrant coloured pencil on paper.

Drawn from life in conversation with sitters, Curtis Holder’s works offer a multifaceted view of his subjects, exploring identity, masculinity and emotion in the face of society’s stereotypes. “Behind each drawing lies an unspoken narrative that we share in common – stories of conflict, exclusion and vulnerability interwoven with stories of perseverance, creativity and hope,” Curtis says.

Visitors can expect to see more than 20 works on paper, including two monumental room-length drawings, 10 large-scale multi-layered portraits and a selection of exploratory studies in both coloured and graphite pencil.

Exploring the intersection between drawing and dialogue, Curtis Holder’s works emerge from profound engagements with his subjects. “The subjects are men of different ages, backgrounds and occupations including; a dancer, an artist, a photographer, a business owner, a theatre director and a fashion model,” says the artist. “The final drawings reveal something of the inner world of individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to share this deeply personal part of themselves.”

Curtis Holder’s drawings invite viewers to look beyond the surface. As the artist explains: “I feel these works ask the viewer to look closer, not only at the febrile lines that form the figures in my drawings, but also inward at their own perceptions about the people looking back at them.”

Installed within the historic context of Guildford House Gallery, a 17th century Grade 1 listed townhouse, Curtis Holder’s works will be displayed in an intimate space with a rich history.

Guildford Borough Council Heritage Lead, Amanda Hargreaves, says: “We are excited to host this solo show. Especially curated for Guildford House Gallery, this exhibition of Curtis Holder’s dynamic drawings is sure to be a highlight of our 2024 programme. It should be a treat for all art lovers.”

The gallery’s opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.


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Join DINOTRAIL at the Friary

Karen Neville

Guildford

Roar into summer with the free family event in Guildford from August 5th to September 1st

Dinosaurs will be making a stomping comeback at The Friary’s roarsome summer holiday event DINOTRAIL with an exciting collection of lifelike dinosaur models.

From Monday 5th August until Sunday, 1st September, visitors of all ages will be able to embark on a prehistoric journey, encountering some of the biggest and most formidable creatures to ever walk the earth.

These amazing prehistoric displays will be located throughout Guildford’s biggest shopping centre and will allow dino fans the chance to get up close and personal with all their favourite dinosaurs to include Doris the Dilong Paradoxus, Danny the Deinonychus, Stan the Stegosaurus, Vanessa the Velociraptor and of course the king of the dinosaurs, Tony the T-Rex. Plus, there will also be a display of some adorable baby dinos and hatchlings! 

DINOTRAIL promises to be an unmissable experience for families to create memories and enjoy during the school summer holidays… and it’s absolutely FREE!

As part of this prehistoric adventure, visitors can participate in an engaging trail by collecting a free Dino Fact Sheet available in-centre or also online at the centre’s website. This fun educational activity will challenge young explorers to find out and learn more about each dinosaur while uncovering fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures.

Katie Watt, Centre Manager of The Friary Guildford, said: “We’re delighted to bring the dinos back to The Friary this summer! It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a free, educational experience during the school holidays here in the heart of Guildford. After the success of our summer event ‘Dinos Rock!’ last year, we’re confident this year’s event will once again bring a lot of joy to all dino fans especially the little ones as they interact with these amazing life-like dinosaur models and embark on a thrilling summer adventure.”

DINOTRAIL at The Friary will captivate the minds of both young and old, fostering a love for history, science, and exploration allowing imaginations to take flight like a ptero-dactyl as visitors embark on a prehistoric journey right here in heart of Guildford. It also provides the perfect opportunity to capture a Dino selfie or two!

To find out more about DINOTRAIL visit The Friary Guildford or follow The Friary on social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.


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New book celebrates Surrey’s ancient trees

Round & About

Guildford

Children invited to enter competition to design inside covers for The Thousand Year Tree

Children from the Weyfield Primary Academy Guildford are creating a beautiful new children’s book to encourage conservation of the thousand year old yew trees at Newlands Corner, Surrey.

Working with author Lucy Reynolds and illustrator Katie Hickey, the children are bringing to life 10 centuries of history, reflecting the elements of permanence and change that have bridged this time, and inspiring children everywhere to protect trees and woodlands for generations to come.

As England’s most wooded county, Surrey is home to some of our nation’s oldest trees, including the 4,000 year old Crowhurst Yew.

“These incredible trees have seen so much,” said Lucy, “from the Magna Carta and Norman Conquest, through rebellions, plagues and wars to the modern day today. But the trees are also fragile and have been struggling, so it’s been wonderful to see the children connecting with this vulnerability and expressing their care so beautifully through poetry and verse”.

“The artwork created by the children has been just as inspiring”, added Katie, “combining their vibrant variety of different styles and interests to create a colourful, joyful array of illustrations for the book, in which all of their different personalities shine through”.

One of the participating pupils Lola said: “I’m so proud of all the work and concentration everyone put into the book, this project’s helped me realise that nature has its own important part in all our lives.”

The Thousand Year Tree will be published in October by The Old Dungate Press – and an exciting competition gives children across Surrey the chance to have their own artwork included in the book!

Kids aged 4 to 11 are invited to design the inside covers of the book, based around the theme of trees and nature. Entry forms can be collected from any of Surrey’s libraries, with more information available at https://www.surreyhillssociety.org/the-thousand-year-tree-book-endpapers-design-competition/. Children have until 4th September to submit their creations.

The Thousand Year Tree project is a creative collaboration between the Surrey Hills Society; Surrey Hills National Landscape; Surrey County Council; author Lucy Reynolds; illustrator Katie Hickey; the Guildford Book Festival; The Old Dungate Press; Surrey Libraries and the Weyfield Primary Academy. The project is made possible through the Surrey Hills Access For All fund, which enables everyone to love and protect Surrey’s National Landscape.


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Bells and beers for Pilgrim Morris

Round & About

Guildford

The cheery sight and sound of morris dancers is a sure sign of summer, so make sure you catch Pilgrim Morris this season

Pilgrim Morris of Guildford were established in 1972 and dance a variety of traditions in the Cotswold style, generally dancing around Surrey and north-east Hampshire during the summer season.

After kicking off the season on St George’s Day as one of the guest sides on a walking tour of Odiham, Pilgrim Morris followed up with the ever popular Summerpole event on Guildford High Street – perhaps you enjoyed their dancing last month?

There is a full schedule of events for the summer season that can be found on the Pilgrim Morris website with some of the highlights for the coming year being the Walking Tour of Windsor dancing as guests of Windsor Morris in the streets of the historic town on Saturday, 29th June and the Albury Produce Show on Saturday, 20th July as well as numerous pubs this month and next.

Pilgrim Morris always welcome new members so if you fancy giving it a go, come along during the Practice Season (October to April). We practice at Holy Trinity Junior School, Addison Road, Guildford, on Wednesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm.

Being a Pilgrim is about more than dancing: we normally have a music session after our pub gigs and the team has a strong social side. We also present the traditional Guildford Mummers Play on Twelfth Night (January 6th) in the oldest pubs in Guildford town. Please come to one of our events this summer and join in the fun.

Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Round & About

Guildford

You’ll find him and Juliet in Guildford Castle Gardens and seven other town locations

This summer one of greatest of all love stories will explode onto the streets of Guildford.

For three weeks, June 21st to July 13th, Guildford Shakespeare Company is closing the High Street every evening to bring to life the passion and excitement of Shakespeare’s impulsive star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. In a society fuelled by greed and entitlement, can their fragile vision of a better world survive their families’ ruthless feud?

Featuring, amongst others, the iconic Guildhall balcony, historic Abbot’s Hospital and stylish Tunsgate Quarter you will follow the action as the story unfolds, ending in the stunning Castle Gardens. You will walk roughly 1,500m from Holy Trinity Church down the High Street to Tunsgate Quarter, and back again. Scenes will unfold as you move with the action. Stewards will be on hand. The second half of the performance will be static in the Castle Gardens, around the Bandstand.

GSC’s professional cast will also be joined by a community ensemble of adults and young people. The Youth Ensemble will form the street of gangs of Montagues and Capulets and come from three local schools and GSC’s own GSC Saturdays. The Adult Ensemble of community actors are the guest at Capulets’ masked ball.

Join GSC for a truly unique telling of Shakespeare’s heart breaking tale, as they continue their 18th birthday celebrations this year.

Romeo & Juliet also has two static performances on June 29th and July 13th. Book tickets at Tickets – Guildford Shakespeare Company.

Uplift your spirits with Vayu Yoga

Round & About

Guildford

Forget your cares and de-stress in the calm inviting studio space of the new Vayu Yoga in Guildford

December is a non-stop whirl of activity, going here and there, school and work functions to attend and all amid the joy/chaos that Christmas brings so never is there a greater need for some ‘time out’ to take a breather for yourself.

Step into Vayu Yoga above Black Sheep Coffee in North Street, Guildford, and you’ll be stepping into a haven of all that is tranquil. Peace exudes and you’ll feel a lifetime away from the crazy world outside.

The clean, warm, inviting interior will have you letting out an instant sigh of relief as you absorb the unique experience that awaits, inviting you to feel the benefits of moving your body and calming your mind.

The only independent yoga studio in Guildford, Vayu Yoga is run by Lucy Butler, a yoga teacher and Reiki master. Lucy wants to share her passion and love for yoga through her calm and welcoming studio space ‘where you can breathe deeply and energise your morning or release into your evening’.

Vayu Yoga embodies three core principles – philosophy, community and your wellbeing. The philosophy is to curate sessions in which you can experience the rich variety yoga has to offer. Community is at the heart of Vayu Yoga with the emphasis on offering an accessible approach to yoga for everyone from beginners to those more experienced. Your wellbeing and self awareness will increase through the practice with a calm mind and healthy body helping to add to the feeling of overall contentment.

Lucy says: “We’ve created a beautiful environment with the best teachers in the area, where you will receive individual attention and guidance. We offer an experience, a step away from the stresses and strains of daily life, where you can focus on an hour of ‘you’ time from beginners to advanced practitioners.

“We also offer a range of intimate workshops for a longer immersive experience. A luxurious experience like no other studio, a clean beautifully scented space where you can relax and enjoy our tranquil atmosphere.”

A range of classes is available including hot vinyasa, Hatha, mindful flow, and the popular candlelight restorative as well as the relaxing Yin. One-to-one private sessions and small groups sessions, can also be enjoyed, alongside Reiki.

To find out more and book your class click here

Win!

Lucy is offering five Round & About readers the chance to join a free taster class. To enter click here.

Q&A with Fiona Allen on tour

Liz Nicholls

Guildford

We chat to comedian & Smack The Pony star Fiona Allen who is on tour with her debut stand-up show On The Run, including stops at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on 28th September, plus Swindon, London & Maidenhead

Q. Hi Fiona. Seeing as your show is called On The Run, can you tell us about your impulse to get away from your hometown?

“I think I get my wanderlust from my mum and dad. My mum grew up in the time of Franco and left Spain as a young woman. She couldn’t speak English and was an au pair, then she became a nurse in the north of England where she met my dad (a psychiatric nurse). He then went on to work in Saudi Arabia when I was eight (interesting school holidays in Saudi…). Then the family home moved back to Spain, then back to the UK, so basically itchy feet are hardwired into me. I think I’m genetically predisposed to look at the horizon and think I wonder what’s over the hill. I was like that as a chid, and I simply haven’t changed.”

Q. How did you meet your husband & how has the whirlwind of family life affected ‘romance’?

“He was a location manager on the first series of Smack The Pony. We kept glancing at each other but trying to look like we weren’t. Then the director, who was getting slightly irritated, said ‘for God’s sake, talk to each other and go on a date’. One day I slipped filming a scene and missed the crash mat as it was the wrong way round. I banged my head, and he took me back to the base. It was then, when I was dazed, confused and slightly concussed that he asked me out for a drink! I could be flippant about the romance question, but I won’t be as one thing I really believe is that marriage is sometimes how you navigate the tough times together. Flowers, kind thoughts and actions are lovely, but nothing is more romantic than knowing that every day, no matter what, someone has always got your back. However he doesn’t tidy up and drives me bonkers.”

Q. What about meeting your father-in-law, Michael Parkingson?

“He was just a normal (very) Northern bloke who happened to be famous. Good to chat to as a journo and cut through stuff. He can ask a question. I can so answer it.”

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