Ambient Green Picnic 2003

A sunny Sunday in Guildford ... what to do? More than 6,000 or so got themselves to Shalford Park, and they certainly didn't waste their day. Many of the organisers noted how much busier it was eariler this year, everyone seemingly keen to take full advantage of the full 9 hours.



The main site is laid out as a large oval, with stalls and enteratinments around the sides. Through a gap in the trees is the Healing Field and the Acoustic Tent. Kids are well catered for, with a large tent and circus-type skills to try, and as well as the Live Tent there's Dance and Ambient too.



With such great weather, the temptation was to sit in the sunshine in the middle of the field, and with the stages being low key - and low volume - you wouldn't know what you were missing. Those adventurous enough to check them out will have been pleasantly surprised.



An example was Don Piranha in the Live Tent. Starting with just a few dis-interested people in the tent and twenty or so mulling around outside, they managed to build up a sizable enthusiastic crowd for their energetic jazzy sound. The tent filled with people on their feet, dancing away, and disappointed for them to finish. Those sat just 20 yards away would have had little idea of the treat they missed.



Later on, the tent rawked, with The Parkinsons, Jesse James, and then local boys with painted faces, Reuben. At 9pm it was all over, just when I was getting going ... shame.



eFestivals is proud to have sponsored the Picnic this year - helping to make it happen - and our thanks go to all members of the Coalition of Guildford for their work that put on such a great event. I'm looking forward to next year already ...

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