The Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford with The Barricade Boys and Family Entertainment

Free Two-Day Festival Celebrates Community, Culture and the Arts in the Heart of Guildford

The Big Free Fringe Weekend, Guildford’s flagship free arts and community event, will return to Guildford High Street on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025, promising an expanded programme of live performance, family fun and cultural celebration.

Organised by Guildford Fringe, the weekend will feature a headline performance by internationally renowned vocal group The Barricade Boys, alongside an afternoon of street theatre, live music, arts and crafts, and food stalls—all free to attend.

The Barricade Boys to Perform from Guildhall Balcony

The weekend kicks off with a special open-air performance by The Barricade Boys at 6.30pm on Saturday 9 August. Fresh from critically acclaimed runs in the West End and on Broadway, the group—composed of performers from global productions of Les Misérables—will sing live from the historic Guildhall Balcony, offering audiences a unique chance to hear musical theatre favourites in an iconic setting.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the show, which is completely free and unticketed.

Family Fun Day on Sunday 10 August

From 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, Guildford High Street will transform into a bustling hub of family-friendly entertainment, with:

• Street theatre and interactive performances

• Live local music

• Arts and crafts for children

• Street food vendors and refreshments

The High Street will be closed to traffic throughout the weekend to ensure a safe and accessible environment for visitors. First aid services will be provided by Medirek.

While all events are free to attend, voluntary donations will be accepted to support the ongoing work of Guildford Fringe and help keep future events accessible to all.

More to Come from Guildford Fringe in 2025

The Big Free Fringe Weekend is just one highlight of an exciting year of programming from Guildford Fringe, which also includes:

• The inaugural Guildford Comedy Festival (7–11 July)

• The Guildford Fringe Festival, the town’s largest independent arts festival (5–20 September)

• Christmas productions, including a new family-friendly Cinderella at Godalming Borough Hall (13–28 December)

• An adults-only panto, Jack and His Giant Stalk, at the Back Room of the Star Inn (20 November–10 January)

Founded in 2013, Guildford Fringe is an open-access, multi-arts organisation committed to championing local talent, bringing high-quality performance to the region, and making the arts accessible to all.

With top-tier entertainment, vibrant street culture and a welcoming atmosphere for audiences of all ages, The Big Free Fringe Weekend 2025 promises to be a summer highlight in the South East’s cultural calendar. Whether you're there for The Barricade Boys or a day of hands-on family activities, Guildford High Street will be the place to be this August.