Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers have been announced as the headliners for the 2026 edition of GuilFest, one of Surrey’s most celebrated music festivals. Festival organisers confirmed that the event will take place on 4 and 5 July 2026 at Stoke Park in Guildford, promising two days of eclectic performances spanning multiple genres.
Ellis-Bextor, renowned for her iconic 2001 hit Murder on the Dancefloor, is set to headline one of the festival’s main days, while the Scottish folk-rock duo The Proclaimers, best known for their enduring anthem I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), will close the festival as Sunday headliners. Their presence underscores GuilFest’s reputation for blending contemporary pop with classic and timeless acts.
Additional artists confirmed for the 2026 line-up include electronic collective Rudimental, the psychedelic revivalists Kula Shaker, and indie favourites The Lottery Winners, ensuring a diverse mix of styles and performances. Festival founder Tony Scott expressed his enthusiasm in a recent interview with BBC Radio Surrey: “We’re getting really excited. It’s just so great to be back doing GuilFest again.”
GuilFest, first established in 1992, returned to the Surrey festival scene in 2024 following a 10-year hiatus caused by the liquidation of the company previously responsible for the event. The 2024 comeback featured headline performances from The Stranglers and Eurovision sensation Sam Ryder, while the 2025 edition welcomed The Jacksons and Razorlight. The festival’s revival has been widely praised for revitalising the local live music scene, drawing audiences from across the South East and beyond.
For 2026, organisers plan to host seven music stages across Stoke Park, providing festivalgoers with a vibrant and immersive experience. From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy headline performances, the festival promises something for every taste. Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale in the coming months, with early-bird packages and VIP experiences already generating anticipation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | GuilFest 2026 |
| Dates | 4–5 July 2026 |
| Location | Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey |
| Headliners | Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Proclaimers |
| Other Confirmed Acts | Rudimental, Kula Shaker, The Lottery Winners |
| Number of Stages | 7 |
| Notable Past Headliners | The Stranglers (2024), Sam Ryder (2024), The Jacksons (2025), Razorlight (2025) |
With its successful return in recent years, GuilFest 2026 is poised to build on its renewed momentum, offering fans a carefully curated mix of classic hits, modern chart-toppers, and emerging talent. As anticipation continues to grow, Surrey is set to become a hub of live music excitement once again next summer.