It is not uncommon for people to head away and enjoy a holiday in the likes of the Spanish or Greek islands. The likelihood is that you will have had your own favourite area to go to when you were younger, from Ayia Napa to Magaluf via Malia and Kavos. One of the ones that people still love today, even if they are far too old to be heading there anymore, is Ibiza. For those based in and around Guildford who loved the Spanish island, there is now a chance to relive your memories thanks to the Ibiza Orchestra Experience.
What You Can Expect from the Evening
For those of you who remember the biggest anthems from Ibiza over the years, this is the experience for you. As you might imagine if you’ve ever spent any time in Ibiza and the clubs there, this is an experience that is aimed at adults, so kids aren’t welcome. Anyone in attendance will have to provide identification to prove that they are over 18. This is something like a cross between a concert and a festival experience, so you can take along small camping chairs if you wish to have a sit down. Do bear in mind, though, that the likes of picnic blankets, tablets and tents are not allowed.
You will find a 26-piece live orchestra putting a classical twist on all of the brilliant tunes that you will have fallen in love with in Ibiza, with the White Isle classics being banged out. This is an event that takes place all across the country with special guests often in attendance, so who knows which stars you’re likely to see in Guildford? Previous guests have included the likes of Basement Jaxx, Example and Marvin Humes, amongst many others. Little wonder, then, that the party people from Ibiza’s glory years gone by are all so keen to get along and watch the orchestra live.
More Than Just a Live Orchestra
Whilst the Ibiza classics being played by the live orchestra are obviously the main reason why most people will attend this event, they aren’t the only thing worthy of your attention. You can also enjoy a silent disco, for example, which will have you bopping along to club anthems as well as absolute bangers from the festival scene. There will be classic DJ sets performed on the night, as well as vocal performances ready to blow your socks off. You will be guided through the whole thing by a live MC, who will help take you back to your time hitting up the clubs of Ibiza.
As far as the show itself is concerned, you can look out for glitter artists giving you that clubbing look you’ll remember, whilst laser shows will bring the stage to life as the sun goes down and the darkness sets in. Add in the use of pyrotechnics and the presence of fire breathers and you will soon understand exactly what it was like to be on the island during its heyday. If you’ve been to see the Ibiza Live Orchestra Experience before then you will have a vague sense of what to expect, but do bear in mind that they try to put together a new experience each year.
Venue & Timing
Visitors to Guildford for numerous different events will no doubt be familiar with the use of Stoke Park for the hosting of such things, so that is where you’ll need to get along to for this one. The location will be open for people to head in to at 6pm with the last entries allowed at 8pm. If you head along after that then you’ll find that you may be denied entry, which is obviously less than ideal. It is also worth bearing in mind that the evening draws to a close at 11pm, so you will want to be there early enough to experience it to the max.
One of the things that you might want to think about is the fact that there isn’t any on-site parking, so if you’re planning on driving, then you will need to find somewhere nearby to leave your car. It is a flat site with no steps, making it good for disabled access. That being said, some of the terrain might be difficult to navigate and it will obviously have thousands of people trampling all over it, so any grassy areas may become too boggy for a wheelchair to be used. There are staff members on-site, however, who will be happy to help anyone who has any access requirements.
Things to Think About
Given the start time of the event, one of the things that you might be wondering is whether or not you will be able to get any food whilst you’re there. The good news is that there are a range of different options for you to choose from, looking to cater for the majority of different needs. On top of that, there is a quick-service bar that is large in nature and will have a wealth of different beers, cider and spirits on offer, as well as other drinks, such as wine and Prosecco. If you have a specific dietary requirement, then you should contact the team in advance to let them know about it.
You need to make sure that you have a ticket for the event in Guildford, given the fact that the Ibiza Live Orchestra Experience tends to sell out. The earlier you buy your tickets, the better the price will be. There is a VIP area where the tickets are obviously more expensive, but you get to jump the queue, have a private area from which to see the stage and your own bar. Perhaps even more importantly, given the fact that most of the attendees won’t be teens or in their early 20s, is the fact that you will also have access to posh toilets that you can use during the evening.