Weyfest September 4, 2010

WEYFEST returns to the unique setting of The Rural Life Centre in Tilford, Surrey this September with another dazzlingly eclectic line-up of the very best in Rock, Blues, Prog, Folk and most things in between.

Weyfest kicks off on Friday 3rd September with an intimate gathering of just 500, featuring mostly acoustic sets by the amazing Rodney Branigan playing two guitars at once (incredibly well!), the fantastic folk-punk-rockers Leatherat (described as Hawkwind meets Fairport Convention!) and Mungo Jerry. Mungo are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their world-wide mega hit "In The Summertime", and whilst all the hits are sure to be on show leader Ray Dorset will also showcase his sublime mastery of blues guitar and authentic jug-band music. A rare chance to get face-to-face in this limited entry party to launch the festival.

Saturday 4th September sees the multi-award winning new superstar of mainstream/folk crossover Seth Lakeman headlining the main stage, and during the day we have an abundance of legendary bands sharing stages with the stars of tomorrow. Classic rock from Thijs Van Leer and Focus, Curved Air, and Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash rubs shoulders with good time rock and blues from living legend Jackie Lynton, Cryin' Out Loud and The Flying Tigers. The mighty Predatur make a rare appearance with their awesome Status Quo-esque onslaught, and a raucous good time-knees up will be served up by The Band From Co. Hell and Neck, "the heavy artillery of Irish music".

Also on Saturday, the menacing genius of Jackie Leven, the delightful harmonies and wonderful music of Tiny Tin Lady, and the progressive hard rock of Scotland's Jiezuberband. And it's a very warm welcome back to two of the hits of Weyfest 09 in the shape of Ten City Nation and Alphabet Backwards. Rodney Branigan will play another set, this time on the main stage, and some of our favourite local bands such as Blimus, Brassneck, New York Public Library and Weyfest regulars The True Deceivers round off a fantastic Weyfest Saturday

We are truly delighted to announce the Sunday headliners, the mighty Stranglers. Tilford is of course just a few miles from Guildford, home town of the legendary band who actually started life as The Guildford Stranglers. They will be playing a full concert length set to close the festival on Sunday night.

Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone bring The Zombies to Weyfest, and also on Sunday we have the comic genius Ade Edmondson with his band The Bad Shepherds, delivering brilliant folk renditions of pop and punk rock classics. The Christians continue their brilliant comeback at Weyfest, and Chris Difford, one half of the lauded Squeeze writing team of Difford & Tilbrook will perform his dazzling solo show, hot on the heels of a major Squeeze tour.

Fans of progressive rock are in for a real treat as Weyfest presents two of the leading lights of the genre in the award winning Karnataka and the recently reformed Solstice featuring Andy Glass. In a similar vein, the lovely Anna Phoebe returns for her third Weyfest (last year as a special guest with Jethro Tull) but this time with her full band performing her sensational new album of symphonic rock music. She will also play an acoustic set with guitar maestro Byron Johnston.

Returning to Weyfest after a gap of two years are Banbury based Spank The Monkey, one of the hottest r'n'b bands in the country, whilst their neighbours Leatherat play a full set having recovered (hopefully!) from their Friday 'party' set.

Drunken Balordi with their fantastic mix of Irish/Gypsy music are back by public demand, and fans of violin music will be delighted to see another real master of the instrument, Fairport Convention's Ric Sanders with his new 4 piece band.

Two local bands destined for big things will be kicking off proceedings on the main stage. Julia K is a tremendous singer and writer, and is causing quite a stir in the local area and beyond, and we are quite sure stardom is not far away, whilst heavy rockers Raising Sand are currently receiving rave reviews for their stunning debut CD. They are going to be BIG!

Rounding off the line-up we have the newly reformed classic rockers Ciao Buddha, local favourites The Outcast Band, outstanding singer/songwriter Frazer Kennedy, the zany comedy jazz of Otis B Driftwood, Stevie - One Bloke One Mandolin playing with and without members of Leatherat, The Quarrel and popular Level 42 tribute band Level 42nd.

Many other bands and solo artists will perform on The Rustic (Acoustic) Stage, line-up TBA.

Of course all the usual Weyfest attractions are there this year, including the Rural Life Centre museum artefacts, a working light diesel and steam railway, the Kids Zone, sci-fi characters, an ample and varied selection of food stalls, craft stalls, music workshops, and the excellent Appledram bar.

Why not have a weekend break at the festival? Take full advantage of the beer tent by booking a camping pitch with your weekend ticket!