Brooke Theis rounds up the top events happening in Surrey this summer
The smell of freshly cut grass, the sun on your face and the sizzling sound of a barbecue in the distance: British Summer is fast approaching. Hallelujah! Gone are the dreary, dank days of yester-winter, so pack up those polo-necks and tuck away your trench-coats because now is the time for the mighty t-shirt to stand up and be heard.
If you're wondering where you can proudly sport the seasonal short-sleeve, Surrey has an abundance of exciting events you won't want to miss while soaking up that delicious vitamin D. Grab your diary and a Pimms too while you pencil in the ones that take your fancy.
(In chronological order)
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The Ghost Tour of Guildford
From Apr 14 until mid-Nov
Informative, silly and downright nasty, the Ghost Tour of Guildford reveals the true sinister side of the town. Suitable from ages 8 and up, this tour is the spookiest way to spend a summer evening.
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Creating Children's Books
Apr 24 – Jun 23
Learn what it takes to create an appealing children's book. Diane and Christyan Fox are a multi-award winning author and illustrator team who have created over 50 worldwide-selling children's books and stories for the BBC. This beginner-to-intermediate course will help develop your written ideas or illustrations, teach you the fundamentals of children's publishing and show you how to prepare a manuscript ready to present to a publisher.
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The Deepdene Trail
62 West Street, Surrey, RH4 1BSMay 1-31
Dorking Museum runs guided walks on the Deepdene Trail through the newly rejuvenated and historic Deepdene Estate. Tours take in the grotto, woodland walks, parterre and temples, spectacular views across the Weald and exclusive entry to the grade II* listed family mausoleum, constructed by Thomas Hope on the death of his young son in 1817. If you'd prefer, you can also explore the trail on your own. Either way, it's an incredible insight into the Greek revival in the decorative arts of the nineteenth century.
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Henry Moore Exhibition
Until May 7
This exhibition explores Modernist artist Henry Moore’s use of found objects – bones, skulls, flintstones, driftwood and shells – and the way these objects relate to his drawings, graphic work, and sculpture.
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Sunset Cinema: Breakfast at Tiffany's
May 13
A classic film screened in one of Surrey’s most incredible venues. Meet Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak on the big screen under the stars. Bring a blanket or chair, and fancy dress is positively encouraged so bring your pearl-strings! Hot food and bar drinks will be available throughout the event.
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RSPCA Fun Dog Show
Lion Green, Surrey, GU27 1LDMay 20
Bring your dog, check out the show and maybe win a rosette or two! The show is open to all dogs, but classes include Best Veteran (10+ years), Waggiest Tail, Best Rescue, Best Child’s Friend and Owner Most Like Their Dog.
The show will help fund welfare activities such as paying vets’ bills for local animals in need.
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Guildford Cathedral Abseil
May 27
Calling all you charitable thrill-seekers! Join Parkinson’s UK for an exciting challenge to abseil 160ft down the iconic Guildford Cathedral. Once you’ve climbed the 249 steps to get to the top you can experience the beautiful panoramic views of Guildford before making your descent. The views are breathtaking, the challenge is a little daunting for most, but the cause is rewarding. Are you up for it?
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English Wine Week: Tasting and Tour
May 27
Celebrate English Wine Week with a tour of the beautiful Albury Organic Vineyard overlooking the picturesque Surrey Hills, followed by a tasting of their latest releases. The vines are the traditional Champagne varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, as well as some Seyval and Pinot Gris. Perhaps best to organise for transport home!
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Foodies Festival
May 27-29
Visit the UK's biggest food festival, featuring Michelin starred chefs Atul Kocchar and Alyn Williams cooking their signature recipes with celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, and MasterChef’s Tony Rodd.
There's a street food avenue, cake and bake theatre, vintage tea tent, drinks theatre, artisan market and even a children's cookery theatre. Plus enjoy live music on the Unsigned Music Awards Stage, and if you're feeling brave enter the Chilli Eating Competition.
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Half Term Terracotta Workshop
Down Lane, Compton, Guildford, GU3 1DQMay 30
Learn about how Victorian children helped Mary Watts to decorate Watts Chapel, before trying your hand at terracotta design and making your own terracotta flowers and birds
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Beer Fest
Guildford Cricket Club Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RPJun 2-3
Featuring more than 80 ale casks from independent and micro breweries in Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and Berkshire, and a good selection of hand-made ciders, wine and soft drinks, the Guildford Beer Festival is not one to miss for Surrey beer enthusiasts. This year there will also be a Gin Bar, serving locally produced gins and spirits, as well as food concessions (including a hog roast) and a stellar line up of live music in a separate marquee.
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Thames Jazz Boat Cruise
Jun 4
A flavour of New Orleans is brought to the River Thames with Turks quintessential jazz cruise. Enjoy a 4 hour cruise on board the Missisippi Style Steam Sterner, the New Southern Belle, with delicious food and the effervescent sounds of the Swanee Jazz band.
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Botany and Beer
Jun 10
An afternoon of matching beers and ales with fruits and herbs with the Botanist Bar's 'Beer Guru'. Take your appreciation of beers to a whole new level by becoming a connoisseur of their botanical flavours.
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Extreme Robots Live Show
Jun 10-11
If you're into robots, and more specifically robot wars, then this is without a doubt the event for you. This is your chance to see robots fighting live, but there's also a strong line up of special robot guests to add to the exciting show. Robots from another galaxy, robots from nobody knows where, the Extreme Robots show will have it all. Come to see the crash and smash of 100kg robots battling it out!
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Edible Flowers
Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond, Richmond, TW10 7AGJun 14
Edible flowers have become increasingly popular in the creative culinary world for more than decorative reasons: flowers can be used to infuse, flavour, and preserve. The Petersham Nurseries' Head Chef and horticultural experts will guide you through how to grow, select and cook with edible flowers. The lunch table will be beautifully decorated with edible flowers for you to use throughout the three-course meal.
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Vintage Summer Fair
Jun 24
A surplus of stalls selling antiques, vintage finds, french textiles and handmade treasures for you and your home. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds of the cathedral while taking in the far-reaching views over Guildford, or stop off in the lovely english-country style tea room for tea and cake.
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Farnham Fair
Gostrey Meadow Long Bridge, Farnham, GU9 7RHJun 24
The motto of the carnival: get involved! 2017's theme is "A Day at the Seaside", allowing for creativity to run wild. Be sure not to miss the procession of some 50 floats making their way through town, and check out everything the stalls have to offer.
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Supercar Event
Jun 24-25
If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime treat for a supercar-mad loved one, then this is the perfect day out! The event offers exhilarating passenger rides on the Top Gear track, rides in helicopters, hovercrafts, mini tanks, Diggerland, Lexus LFA and a 4x4 course plus so much more!
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Festival of Surrey
Horsham Lane, Ewhurst, Guildford, GU6 7SWJun 24-25
Presented by Hurtwood Events, the Festival of Surrey showcases local businesses. The goal of the festival is variety, meaning the atmosphere is enjoyable for everyone! The different exhibition areas include a kids zone, home and garden exhibitions, educational institutions, financial companies, and of course plenty of retail therapy opportunities to make for a fantastic day out!
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Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mind Over Matter
Jun 27
Sir Ranulph Fiennes offers a personal journey through his life, from birth to the present day. From light-hearted to strikingly poignant, Mind Over Matter covers Sir Ranulph’s childhood, misdemeanours at school, army life and early expeditions, right through the Transglobe Expedition to his current Global Reach Challenge. This includes record breaking and immensely challenging projects (which saw Sir Ranulph receive the Guinness Book of Records accolade as Greatest Living Explorer) while suffering frostbite and risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken. A must-see show this Summer.
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Hersham Beer Festival
Burwood Road, Surrey, KT12 4JJJun 30 – Jul 1
With music from Goldie Looking Chain, Judge Jules and Kieran Byrne (for a start!), you won't want to miss this one. While this is an excellent showcase for the best breweries and cideries around, you'll also find a neat selection of premium gin, rum and vodka. Soak it up with a brioche bun burger, or try out the street food on offer.
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Planning and Tending a Herb Garden
Jul 1
If you've always wanted your own herb garden, this introductory course is right for you! Explore the medieval ideals of pleasing aromas in the garden and take the opportunity to learn what might work in your own space in terms of both design and harvesting. Whether your aim is a wildflower garden having a natural appearance, an ordered knot garden or a selection of potted herbs to brighten and transform a balcony or patio, you'll receive great advice on how to get your herb oasis started!
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Hampton Court Flower Show
Jul 4-9
Explore the show gardens and take in the outstanding flower displays. Watch demonstrations by both celebrity gardeners and chefs around the grounds. On top of that, get tips for gardening at home and shop for supplies to create your own little haven.
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One Live Festival
Stoke Park, Nightingale Road , Guildford, GU1 1ERJul 8
The Boomtown Rats, The Darkness, Melanie C and Toploader headline this year's One Love festival. The festival is in aid of Professor Noel Fitzpatrick's mission to spread the word about One Medicine, Noel’s vision for a community of compassion where every person and every animal is our neighbour and we genuinely care about each other.
In addition to the great live music acts there will be walkabout acts and fun for all the family. Plus Flame Oz will be lighting up the skies after dark with a spectacular Fire Show.
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Party in the Park
1 Kingfield Road, Surrey, GU22 9BAJul 8
The 'Woodstock of Woking' brings you the glam and groove of the 60s and 70s. This year's theme was chosen in honour of Rick Parfitt from Status Quo, and the festival will also pay homage to Paul Weller’s world famous band The Jam, both of whose origins are rooted in Woking.
Get ready to indulge in a whole day of peace, rock and roll at the most hotly anticipated summer party in Surrey.
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5k and 10k Park Run
Loseley Park Stakescorner Road, Guildford, GU3 1HSJul 9
Whether you're motivated by fitness or a good cause, this is a great opportunity to run/walk 5 or 10Km in a beautiful country estate. Loseley Park is located in acres of rolling parkland and has been a filming location for Midsomer Murders, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple as well as the Netflix series ‘ The Crown’. If that's not enough, you'll also be handed a glass of champagne at the finish line!
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Creative Writing at Kew
Jul 11
Need inspiration for your writing? This new one day course, led by author Lynda Waterhouse, will give you the chance to hone your creative writing skills in a productive and supportive atmosphere. You will be provided with a writer’s notebook and be guided through a series of short stimulating walks with accompanying writing exercises.
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Fire Tech Camp in Leatherhead
Epsom Road Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8SPJuly 17 – August 4
Looking for something to keep the kids entertained over summer?
Started by a West London mother of two who wanted to rectify the lack of core tech skills available to children, Fire Tech Camp is now the UK’s leading provider of tech courses for 9-17 year olds, and offer your little one a rare opportunity to combine fun with education. The road to becoming the next Steve Jobs starts here!
Over summer the company is hosting a number of different tech programs at St John’s School in Leatherhead, with courses ranging from junior coding, video game design and Minecraft maker (ask your teenager), to mobile app design and in-depth Python coding for 12-17 year olds. Top instructors teach all the courses from universities like Imperial, Cambridge etc. and because we love our online readership so much we’ve managed to secure a £25 discount for any bookings, just use the promo code ES25 at check-out (T&Cs apply).
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Open Air Cinema: Top Gun
Jul 14-15
The Guildford Lido is showing a handful of films over the summer: July features Shrek and Top Gun. The Lido offers a unique cinematic experience with a dip in the pool from 7-8pm included in the price of a ticket.
There will be refreshments on-site, and guests are welcome to bring picnic rugs, deckchairs, snacks and drinks.
- more info to follow at freedom-leisure.co.uk
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Decorative Home and Salvage Show
Loseley Park Stakescorner Road, Guildford, GU3 1HSJul 14-16
If you are looking for inspiration for a beautiful indoor or outdoor living or work space, this is the fair for you. Here you can expect to find the best in reclaimed and salvaged materials, garden furniture and statuary, restored and up-cycled furniture, period home fixtures and fittings, decorative and architectural antiques, furnishings and industrial items.
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Bat Walk
Aug 11
Join bat experts for an 8.15pm start to seek out the different species of bats on the RSPB Farnham Reserve. At this time of year, male bats will be starting to call to attract females: listen for bats with special detectors that translate bats' echolocation calls into a range within human hearing.
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Classic Vehicle Show
Poyle Road, Tongham, GU10 1DUAug 13
Browse the many classic vehicles on display and wander around the craft stalls and local charity stands. The kids can be entertained with face painting and plenty of games. There will also be a live music stage for you to sit back, relax and enjoy something tasty from the BBQ or cake stall.
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Traditional Tea Dance
Aug 20
Come along to Denbies and enjoy a Traditional Tea Dance accompanied with afternoon high tea and Denbies' award winning sparkling wine.
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BBC Good Food Show
Aug 26-28
Discover a huge selection of delicious artisanal delicacies and a phenomenal line up of chefs, set within the backdrop and grounds of the stunning Hampton Court Palace. Picnic in the grounds, and enjoy the live music entertainment. With entrance to Hampton Court Palace included in the ticket price, this makes the perfect family-friendly bank holiday weekend out.
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Food and Drink Festival
Guildford Cathedral Stag Hill, Surrey, GU2 7UPSept 1-3
Last year an estimated 100,000 epicures explored the Woking Food and Drink festival, where they met some of the country’s top celebrity chefs and enjoy the edible delights on offer. You can only expect 2017 to be bigger and better! Fill your boots tasting all the treats available, and take a few delicious finds home with you.
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Comedy Club 4 Kids
Sept 16
The Comedy Club 4 Kids give you fantastic entertainment for everyone over six years old (and under 400 years old). They bring to you the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best.
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5 Peaks Hikeathon
Sept 16
Up for a challenge? Climb the 5 peaks of Surrey (which includes White Hill and Box Hill) and walk either 13 or 26 miles for the Surrey Care Trust. There's also a 5 mile family challenge to join if the gang want to come along!
Looking for even more events? Check our our What's On Calendar
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