G Live Guildford

Nestled in the heart of Guildford, Surrey, G Live stands as a beacon of live entertainment, drawing acclaimed artists and diverse audiences alike. Far from the intimate confines of a traditional grassroots music venue, G Live distinguishes itself not by its raw, community-driven ethos, but by its modern architecture, versatile performance spaces, and its ambition to host a broad spectrum of national and international talent. While it may not echo the smoky intimacy of yesteryear's legendary dives, its strength lies in its ability to offer a polished, comfortable, and technically superior experience for both performers and patrons, making it a cornerstone of Surrey's cultural landscape.

G Live, which opened its doors in September 2011, represents a significant investment in Guildford's cultural infrastructure. Its creation was part of a larger regeneration project for the town, aiming to provide a state-of-the-art facility capable of attracting major touring acts and hosting a wide array of events, from concerts and comedy shows to dance performances and conferences. The venue's design, spearheaded by architectural firm Foster + Partners, was a deliberate move away from older, more traditional theatre structures. The emphasis was on creating a contemporary, multi-purpose space with exceptional acoustics and visual sightlines. The distinctive exterior, featuring a striking geometric pattern, immediately set G Live apart as a modern landmark. The building itself was designed with flexibility in mind, incorporating a main auditorium and a smaller, more adaptable studio space, allowing for a diverse programming schedule. This architectural ambition, focused on a premium visitor experience and technical excellence, is the bedrock upon which G Live's reputation is built.

The opening of G Live was not just the inauguration of a building; it was the launch of a new era for live entertainment in Guildford and the wider Surrey region. From its inception, G Live aimed to fill a gap in the local market for a venue that could comfortably accommodate larger touring productions and established artists. Its impact has been to elevate the profile of Guildford as a destination for quality live entertainment, drawing audiences from surrounding towns and cities. Unlike many venues with a deep, entrenched history tied to specific musical movements, G Live’s significance is more about its role as a facilitator of contemporary culture, providing a platform for a vast range of genres and performers. It has become synonymous with high-calibre events, offering a reliable and professional setting that appeals to both promoters and fans seeking a top-tier experience. Its success is measured not in decades of underground lore, but in its consistent delivery of memorable, professional-grade entertainment within a modern, accessible setting.

G Live’s strength lies in its versatility and its ability to attract a wide range of celebrated performers across various genres. While its history is relatively short, it has already played host to a multitude of memorable nights. Its Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is its commitment to delivering a premium, state-of-the-art entertainment experience within a modern, architecturally significant building, catering to a broad demographic with a diverse programme of national and international artists. This focus on quality and broad appeal defines its legendary status.

Here are just a few of the iconic performances and legendary nights that have graced the G Live stage:

• Sting (2011): Kicking off its inaugural year with a performance by the legendary frontman of The Police, this concert set a high bar for the calibre of artists G Live would attract.
• Elvis Costello & The Imposters (2013): A masterclass in rock and roll, Costello’s energetic performance solidified G Live's reputation for hosting influential musicians.
• Bryan Adams (2015): The Canadian rock icon brought his anthemic hits to Guildford, filling the auditorium with timeless rock ballads and energetic performances.
• Olly Murs (2017): The charismatic pop star delivered a vibrant show, showcasing the venue's capability to host popular chart-topping artists and their energetic fan bases.
• Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (Annual Appearances): A perennial favourite, Jools Holland's festive and musically rich performances have become a staple of the G Live calendar, often featuring a star-studded line-up of guest vocalists.
• Katherine Jenkins (2019): The acclaimed Welsh mezzo-soprano showcased the venue’s acoustic excellence and broad appeal, drawing a dedicated audience for a night of classical and crossover music.

G Live is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors.

• Wheelchair Access: The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Accessible seating is available in the main auditorium, and can be booked in advance. Lifts provide access to all levels.
• Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets are available on all levels.
• Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome. Please inform the box office when booking tickets.
• Hearing Assistance: Induction loops are available in the main auditorium. Please check with the box office for specific seating arrangements.
• Visual Impairment: Guide dogs are welcome. The venue can accommodate specific seating requirements for patrons with visual impairments.
• Personal Assistant Tickets: Patrons who require a personal assistant to attend with them are eligible for a complimentary ticket for their assistant. This should be arranged when booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to G Live, please familiarise yourself with the following:

• Door Times: Doors typically open one hour before the advertised start time of the performance. It is always advisable to check your ticket or the G Live website for specific timings on the day of your event.
• Age Restrictions: Most performances are suitable for all ages, but some may have specific age restrictions (e.g., 14+, 16+, 18+). Please check the event details on the G Live website or your ticket for any age restrictions. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Bag Policy: For security reasons, large bags and backpacks are generally not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to bring only essential items. Please check the specific event details for any variations to the bag policy.
• Security: Security staff will be present to ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons. Please cooperate with any security checks.
• Photography Rules: The use of cameras, including mobile phones, for photography or recording during performances is generally prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the artist or promoter. This is to avoid disturbing other audience members and to protect the artists' rights.