On Saturday 16th September, the popular River Wey Festival returns to Dapdune Wharf in Guildford culminating in the magical illuminated pageant at dusk.
2023 sees the 31st year of the festival – having only been cancelled three times: during the droughts of 2005 and 2006, and last year, due to the sad loss of Her Majesty, the Queen.
Free to enter, the fun starts at 11am and everyone is invited to come along and soak up the atmosphere of this colourful annual festival by the river. There will be local food and craft stalls to browse and craftsman such as the Surrey Wood Turners will be demonstrating their skills.
There’s plenty for the children to do too – families can have fun exploring Adventure Island and take part in a variety of activities such as willow weaving, den building, bug hunting and have fun in the mud kitchen. There will also be the opportunity to play with the River Wey Trust’s interactive augmented reality sand box, and discover more about the features of the River Wey.
There’ll also be Morris dancing and music, with the Honeysuckle Jazz Band providing a wonderful musical backdrop to the occasion.
National Trust boat trips will be running from 11am – 6pm. Tickets cost £8.40 per adult and £2.50 per child and can be bought from the ticket office on the day. Visitors can also pick up a bargain in the well-stocked second-hand bookshop located in the old Carpenters’ Shed.
The highlight of the whole day is the illuminated pageant at dusk, with boats travelling from the centre of Guildford to Dapdune Wharf, brilliantly lit up with fairy lights and they arrive at Dapdune Wharf.
Tristan Brown, National Trust General Manager said: “The Festival is one of the highlights of the year along the River Wey. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Dapdune Wharf, this hidden green oasis in the centre of bustling Guildford, and we hope they have a fun-packed day and enjoy discovering more about the River Wey at the same time”.
The River Wey Festival takes place on Saturday 16th September from 11am to 8.30pm. Free entry to Dapdune Wharf. There is no parking at the Wharf although drop off is available. It is advisable to park in one of the many car parks in Guildford and come down to the Wharf on foot.
