Revamped Guildford Village opens tomorrow – Eagle Radio

It is a big day in Guildford tomorrow - as the revamped Village shopping and events site is relaunched.

The space in the town centre has been overhauled after the previous pop up concept closed earlier than expected back in January.

At the time, the council blamed the closure on the current retail climate and bad weather.

This time, it is a more permanent feature - with stalls and an events programme throughout the year.

It is now named The Village, Guildford.

Guildford Borough Council says it is no longer a pop-up site but offers a longer-term opportunity with a flexible, different space for retailers, traders and entertainment.

The site, near the Friary Centre, between Commercial and Woodbridge Roads, will also feature a stage area, an open public space and seating.

A mix of food concessions serving street food, retail outlets and a licensed bar will also be available.

Each week there will be themed events and activities, including food festivals, film nights, live music, live big screen showing of summer sporting events, a car show, community and arts events as well as day time activities for all the family.

The Village will also have free WiFi for visitors to use.

It will be open each week from Wednesday through to Sunday until December.

Christmas Pop-UpVillage being constructed last year

The Village opens with a street parade tomorrow which starts in the High Street at 10.30am before making its way to the Village by 11am.

Egbert the Eagle will also be joining in - along with the Eagle Radio Love Crew.

The parade will also include a giant puppet called Eartha Queen of the earth, characters from Alice through the Looking Glass and The Wizard of Oz.

Eagle Radio will be there - we will be broadcasting the launch live from the site.

In the evening, Kane FM's House of Dice will be playing electronic music from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Over the weekend there will be fun-packed free entertainment, makeand take sessions, aeroball, free prize draws, face painting and giveaways.

Lead Councillor for Economic Development, Tourism and Climate Change, Cllr David Bilbe says:We want to provide residents and visitors with a new and unique venue in which to shop, eat and enjoy themselves.

It continues to be important that we are able to provide an opportunity for local business and new start-ups to develop and grow.

"This type of new offering takes time to establish and we have improved the Village to make better use of this dynamic space ahead of the proposed redevelopment of lower North Street.

Eagle Radio's Peter Gordon from the Breakfast Show says: "Eagle Radio is delighted to have been asked to help promote the launch of The Village its so important that a town like Guildford keeps its mind open to progressive ideas, especially when they are aimed at generating a feeling of community. We feel that people should give The Village a real chance of helping towards generating that feeling. Were looking forward to being there for the launch!

Nick White, Head of Youth & Education at theYvonne Arnaud Theatre says:"We are delighted to have been asked by Guildford Borough Council to perform at the launch of the events programme of The Village. The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatres summer production The Wizard of Oz, is following the yellow brick road to Guildfords very own Emerald City. Join us on Sundayat11am, 1 and 3.30pmto meet cast members and watchperformances from our upcoming, main stage, production."

What will be at the new site?

Theme

Date

Days

Emerald City

10/06 11/06

Sat - Sun

Spring into Summer!

14/06 18/06

Wed - Sun

Health & Wellness

21/06 25/06

Wed - Sun

Street food & gifts

28/06 02/06

Wed - Sun

Big Screen Sport

05/07 09/07

Wed - Sun

Big Screen Sport

12/07 16/07

Wed - Sun

Sport

19/07 23/07

Wed - Sun

Micro Motor show

26/07 30/07

Wed - Sun

Food & Drink

02/08 06/08

Wed - Sun

Festival of music

09/08 13/08

Wed - Sun

Summer Fun

16/08 20/08

Wed - Sun

Summer Fun

23/08 27/08

Wed - Sun

Film Season

30/08 03/09

Wed - Sun

Culture & Heritage

06/09 10/09

Wed - Sun

Health & Wellness

13/09 17/09

Wed - Sun

Our Planet

20/09 24/09

Wed - Sun

Back to School / The big draw

27/09 01/10

Wed - Sun

Food & Drink

04/10 08/10

Wed - Sun

Business in action

11/10 15/10

Wed - Sun

Inspired by Jazz

18/10 22/10

Wed - Sun

Halloween / Community in action

25/10 29/10

Wed - Sun

The Arts

01/11 05/11

Wed - Sun

Christmas

15/11 19/11

Wed - Sun

Christmas

22/11 26/11