THE Rural Life Centre opened its doors once more last weekend (August 17 to 19) for the Weyfest music festival, returning for its 11th consecutive year.

This festival is hosted in the surrounds of the outdoor museum in Tilford, nestled amid the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills, and the site became a hub of energy with live music throughout from more than 50 artists.

These included headliners such as Aswad, 10cc and the all-star SAS Band on the main stage - boasting some of the world’s greatest rock artists including Paul Young, Madeline Bell, Toyah Willcox, Chris Thompson and special guest Roger Taylor of Queen.

Since their debut in 1994, the SAS Band has performed at concerts and events around the world, including The Prince’s Trust ‘Party in the Park’ and the Mandela 46664 concerts in Cape Town, Hyde Park, London and Radio City Music Hall, New York.

Weyfest is also an opportunity to experience up-and-coming musical talent, and featured a multitude of lesser known bands and local talent on the smaller stages.

The event prides itself on offering a comfortable and “personal” festival experience, alleviated of the drawbacks that usually come with such an environment.

Tickets started at £40 and children went free, and a lack of mud combined with high-quality toilet facilities as well as polite and accommodating staff all contributed to a truly unique experience for all ages.

The weather was clear and comfortably cooler than the recent summer months.

One of the organisers, Richie Ellmer, said: “We put lots of thought into planning Weyfest to create a unique and friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable experience that’s more like a mini-holiday.”

The event being hosted in a museum, dedicated to encapsulating an industrial age, allowed visitors to indulge in some much needed respite from the modern age.

The popular light railway and other quirky attractions specific to this unique venue kept the day evolving and fresh.

Visitors were greeted by a nostalgic array of aromas, spectacles and tastes, not to mention the feel good family vibe.

With comfort being very much encouraged, visitors were seen carrying chairs around to the four stages throughout the days, getting up and dancing in moments of carefree abandon and simply taking in the rich atmosphere.

Many families or groups of friends set up a base on picnic rugs, often by the main stage.

The transformation of this usually sleepy Surrey countryside attracts more people each year and proves to be a great source of annual escapism for those who get involved