New children’s summer book festival brings stories, creativity and family fun to Watts Gallery

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Award-winning authors, illustrators and interactive workshops are coming to Watts Gallery this summer as the inaugural Children’s Summer Book Festival celebrates books, creativity and the joy of reading.

Families are invited to step into a world of stories, imagination and creativity this summer as Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village hosts the inaugural Children’s Summer Book Festival from 23 to 29 August 2026.

Featuring a packed programme of events with bestselling authors and illustrators, the new festival promises a fun-filled day of storytelling, drawing, music, hands-on workshops and interactive performances designed to inspire young readers of all ages.

Among the highlights is a magical session for aspiring wizards with First Class Wizard and A.J. Wood, bestselling creator of the acclaimed Ologies series. Nature lovers can enjoy an enchanting butterfly workshop with author and illustrator Jonny Lambert, while little artists can join award-winning picture book creator Emma Dodd for an interactive draw-along inspired by her much-loved Love You books.

Music and laughter are firmly on the agenda too, with children’s poet and musician James Carter leading an energetic hour of songs, riddles and rhymes. Meanwhile, illustrator Alex Milway will host a lively sea shanty singalong, penguin draw-along and even teach families how to dance the hornpipe.

Young explorers can discover fascinating insect facts with Yuval Zommer, creator of The Big Book of Bugs, while Adam Stower will reveal the inspiration behind his latest picture book, Little Acorn. Budding astronauts can also blast off with author Catherine Cawthorne during an interactive session based on We’re Moving to the Moon.

At the heart of the festival will be a giant bell tent transformed into a magical children’s marquee on the Gallery Lawn, complete with family games and a pop-up serving drinks and ice creams. Visitors can also explore the nearby Verey Playwood, while the Watts Café and Shop will be open throughout the day.

Perfect for young bookworms and curious minds alike, the Children’s Summer Book Festival promises a memorable day of stories, creativity and outdoor family fun.

Tickets are available now via wattsgallery.org.uk/events/childrens-summer-book-festival.

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Shrek the Musical comes to G Live as 100 young performers take centre stage

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

More than 100 talented young people will bring the magic of Shrek the Musical to Guildford’s G Live this August, as the venue’s hugely popular Summer Youth Project returns with its biggest production yet.

More than 100 young performers are set to light up the stage at G Live this summer when the venue’s annual Summer Youth Project presents the spectacular Shrek the Musical on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August.

Following the success of last year’s production of Annie, this year’s cast of local performers aged eight to 18 has spent two weeks rehearsing with theatre professionals to bring the much-loved musical to life in a full-scale production.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical follows the adventures of everyone’s favourite reluctant ogre as he sets out to rescue Princess Fiona, joined by the ever-entertaining Donkey and a colourful cast of fairy-tale characters. Along the way, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, memorable songs and a heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance and discovering that true beauty comes from within.

Now in its fifth year, G Live’s Summer Youth Project has become a highlight of the local arts calendar, giving aspiring performers the chance to experience every aspect of producing a professional musical. From auditions and rehearsals to performing on G Live’s main stage, participants develop confidence, teamwork and valuable theatre skills while creating lasting memories.

The production is the project’s most ambitious yet and showcases the incredible talent of young people from across the region, making it a fantastic opportunity for audiences to support the next generation of performers.

Perfect for families, musical theatre fans and anyone looking for an uplifting summer day out, Shrek the Musical promises colourful costumes, energetic choreography, show-stopping songs and plenty of fairy-tale fun.

Performances take place at G Live, Guildford, on 14 and 15 August. Tickets are available now and are expected to be popular.

Book tickets and find out more at: https://trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/en-GB/event/creative-learning/summer-youth-project-presents-shrek-the-musical-tickets

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Guildford Fringe Festival returns with comedy, theatre and family fun

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

From laugh-out-loud comedy and thought-provoking theatre to live music, cabaret and family entertainment, Guildford Fringe Festival returns this September with an eclectic programme of affordable performances across venues throughout the town.

Guildford Fringe Festival is all about making great arts accessible for all and now in its 13th year it is continuing that tradition.

The open-access multi-arts extravaganza spreads across an eclectic mix of venues from traditional pubs and historic churches to Guildford Institute and a nature reserve.

The Back Room of The Star Inn serves as the festival’s hub once again with highlights including Juliette Burton: Villain Era, Adam Flood: Life and Death of the Party, Michael Brunström: William Tell versus the Algorithm, Jack Barry: Let’s Get Barried and Comedy Shomedy. Fans of improv will find plenty too including Adult Panto [Unscripted], CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and the galaxy-brained Space Planet Mission: The Improvised Sci-Fi Epic.

This year’s theatre includes Alan Bennett’s celebrated monologue An Englishman Abroad and Lady Bracknell’s Confinement, a reimagining drawn from the world of Oscar Wilde. Gothic literature lovers are in for a treat with One Man Poe: The Black Cat and The Raven, and Christ Church Guildford provides a fitting setting for From the Dawn of Time to the Last Battle. The line-up also includes the intimate drama Behind Closed Doors, the unsettling Ghost Light, and Pandora: The Musical which is an original rock/folk retelling of the Greek legend.

Music fans have plenty to look forward to with the annual free concert Opera on the Balcony and Café De Swing bringing jazz to Clandon Wood Nature Reserve. Cabaret fans can enjoy Glitter, Guilt and Good Intentions at the Fallen Angel Bar, Keys and Tease, and the cheerful irreverence of Vince Taylor: Punk to Pension Plan. The Rock Choir takes over Guildford High Street once more, and there’s a free community UkeJam at the Britannia Pub.

Younger audiences are catered for with The Wow Bubble Show for Kids at Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and The Smallest Sardine of the Seven Seas at The Stoke Pub. In Juliet’s Garden by Judy Elliot McDonald brings original outdoor theatre to Clandon Wood.

Charlotte Wyschna, Managing Director of Guildford Fringe, said: “The 2026 programme is one we’re really proud of. There’s so much variety and so many brilliant performers coming to Guildford this September. At the heart of everything we do is a belief that great arts should be accessible to everyone, and this year’s programme is a real reflection of that.”

Special thanks to Guildford Fringe’s sponsors and supporters, Chapters Financial, Experience Guildford, Churchmill and Kellys Storage.

Most ticketed shows at Guildford Fringe are priced at £12, and several events are free. For the full programme, visit: guildfordfringe.com or call the Box Office on 01483 361101. During the Festival, there will be a daily Box Office at The Star Inn, Quarry Street, from 6-7pm.

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Great Pottery Throw Down star to host exhibition in Guildford

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller explores British colonial history at Watts Gallery until Sunday 28 June 2026.

From crowns to lampposts, piggybanks to rum bottles, ceramicist Rich Miller uses familiar objects and symbols to ask questions that spark conversations.

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller is the first solo exhibition by the artist, who is also well-known as a judge on Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

More than 100 works feature in the exhibition which delves into his own mixed-race heritage and explores British colonial history, examining the complexities of migration and lasting cultural influences that have, for many years, inspired the artist’s practice.

While respecting their beauty, Rich considers other resonances: the crown and its links with empire, the lamppost and the recent ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign. His work asks questions that are intended to spark conversations around these issues, while promising no answers.

Rich said: “Much of my work explores British colonial history and my place in it. I have a real fascination with social history and the way we interact with objects, and the hierarchical structures that exist. All of the individual pieces I make ask the questions that I’ve always been thinking myself, such as how was British society formed, how was the wealth created and why am I, as a mixed-race person, here in Britain?”

“I’m delighted to be presenting this work at Watts Gallery, a place I’ve known for years. As a student in Farnham, we visited Watts Chapel and the Gallery, and when Watts Gallery was restored in 2010, Froyle Tiles was commissioned to create tiles for several spaces.”

A graduate of Surrey Institute of Art and Design (now UCA), he spent 20 years of his career at the helm of Froyle Tiles, the bespoke Surrey-based stoneware tile company.

All work is for sale with profits supporting the Art for All community learning programme.

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Give retired hens a forever home – before Friday

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Zoe Gater

Could you offer a loving home to some joyful characters? Friendly, curious, and surprisingly affectionate, hens make brilliant pets – and they reward their keepers with the occasional fresh egg too.

This spring, the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is offering a special opportunity to give 200 ex-commercial laying hens the retirement they truly deserve.

On Sunday 12 April 2026, the Guildford rehoming event will welcome these resilient hens into loving new families – but their next chapter can only begin if animal lovers register by 2pm on Friday 10 April.

After spending their first 18 months producing eggs for supermarkets without pause, these hens’ commercial careers are over. Yet they still brim with curiosity, personality, and affection – ready to bring joy and warmth to those who open their hearts to them.

BHWT wants people to know that these gentle, funny, and curious birds make wonderful companions – with personalities as distinct as any pet cat or dog.

Andy Hill from the BHWT says: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

If you’d like to welcome some feathered friends into your home, register by 2pm on Friday 10 April to attend the rehoming event on Sunday 12 April.

To adopt, visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click ‘adopt’ next to your nearest location, or call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.

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GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

Want to go to the biggest party in Guildford this summer? Join disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and legendary Scottish duo The Proclaimers as they headline the 26th Guilfest.

You won’t need to walk 500 miles and there certainly won’t be any ‘crying at the discotheque’ at the party of all parties – you won’t want to miss out on this hit with tickets available now for the perfect start to your summer.

Alongside Sophie on the bill on Saturday are Rudimental, The Lottery Winners, ABC, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Echobelly, Elvana, Old Time Sailors, Uncle Funks Disco Inferno, Phats and Small, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Daft Funk Live, Tankus, Bob Marley Revival and The Rock Choir.

Bringing the music before The Proclaimers on Sunday’s lineup are Kula Shaker, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, The Bootleg Beatles, Hugh Cornwell, The South, The Smyths, Letz Zep, Gavin Thomas, The Dolly Show and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, huge beer tent, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing and drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Oh, and did we mention it has been voted Best Family Festival in the UK? Proving that it really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

If Guilfests of previous years have been anything to go by having featured Simple Minds, Pulp, Madness, Aha, Paul Weller, Motorhead and James, you won’t want to miss this year’s musical extravaganza!

A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets are available now and will only be available until they run out. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be.

Payment plans options are available.

Book your tickets at guilfest.co.uk.

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Take part in a real recording session in Guildford

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Take part in a hands-on guitar recording masterclass at Lark Studios Guildford, covering miking techniques, re-amping, signal flow and processing for acoustic and electric guitar.

Join a masterclass focusing on the art of recording guitar at Lark Studios in Guildford, on Monday 30th March 2026.

This unique opportunity is designed for music creators and enthusiasts who aspire to enhance their guitar recording skills and elevate their productions.

Led by the studio’s head engineer, this session will delve into key topics such as microphone techniques, signal flow, re-amping, hardware versus plugins and processing for both acoustic and electric guitar recordings.

Participants will get the chance to experience a real-world recording session featuring a guest artist while assisting the head engineer.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get some hands-on studio experience, or are more experienced and want to refine your theoretical knowledge, this workshop offers a fantastic platform to learn and interact with other like-minded music creators and guitarists.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and take the first step in expanding your recording skills!

For more information or to register, contact Lark Studios Guildford at studio@larkrecordings.com or call 01483 958511.

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Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford with Outdoor Fun for Everyone

Round & About

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Guildford

The Barricade Boys will headline from the Guildhall Balcony on Guildford High Street 

The Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford – August 9 & 10, 2025

Guildford’s much-loved Big Free Fringe Weekend is back on August 9th and 10th, and it’s bigger, better, and more vibrant than ever — all in celebration of local community and culture.

Organised by Guildford Fringe, the weekend kicks off on Saturday at 6:30pm with an unforgettable open-air performance by The Barricade Boys. This theatrical vocal group, fresh from acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, will perform live from the Guildhall Balcony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening in comfort.

Then on Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm, Guildford High Street will come alive with free family entertainment. Expect a packed afternoon of street theatre, live music, arts and crafts, and mouthwatering street food. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with the whole family.

Importantly, all events are completely free to attend. However, donation points will be available for those who wish to support the Fringe and help keep this community tradition going strong.

Even More Fringe Events in 2025

The Big Free Fringe Weekend is just one highlight in an exciting year for Guildford Fringe. Here’s what else is coming up:

  • First up, the Guildford Comedy Festival debuts from July 7–11, bringing a week of laughs with top comedy acts.
  • Following that, the popular Guildford Fringe Festival returns from September 5–20, offering a full programme of theatre, music, spoken word, cabaret, and more.
  • Finally, the year wraps up with festive fun during panto season:
    • Cinderella (Family Panto) – Godalming Borough Hall, December 13–28
    • Jack and His Giant Stalk (Adults Only) – The Back Room @ The Star Inn, November 20–January 10

Altogether, Guildford Fringe promises a vibrant and diverse year of culture, comedy, and community.

Don’t miss this joyful celebration of creativity in the heart of Guildford.
Click here for updates and more information

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Guildford High Street’s summer cycle races

Karen Neville

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Guildford

Karen Neville

The streets of Guildford will be alive with the sounds of cyclists in the Town Centre Races next month. Will Readhead from Charlotteville Cycling Club tells us more

Guildford’s historic cobbled High Street will once again host an action-packed evening of cycle racing on Wednesday, 9th July.   

These Town Centre Races have been a long-standing feature of summers in the Surrey town, and this year’s event is predicted to be bigger and better than ever. 

The races were conceived as a way of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Charlotteville Cycling Club in 1983, but permission wasn’t granted in time, and so the first race was held a year later on 11th July 1984. The Guildford cycle races have run almost annually ever since, becoming part of British Cycling’s National Circuit Series in 2023, and from this year, part of the new Rapha Super League. Now sponsored by Canyon, the Guildford races attract some of the best riders and teams from across the UK. 

But the racing isn’t reserved for the elite and, since its inception, Guildford’s Town Centre Races has strived to be a fun, family-friendly event with the focus on atmosphere, entertainment and a great evening out – in fact in its first year, the programme included a display of vintage cycles, and a race for newspaper boys and girls from the Surrey Advertiser! This inclusive approach has developed over time so that today the event includes races for everyone from Under 8s to local amateur cyclists (although they must hold a 3rd Category racing license). 

This year, racing starts at around 5.45pm with the boys and girls under 8s races, who will compete over two laps of the course, and culminates with the Women’s Grand Prix race at 7.30pm and the Open Grand Prix at around 8.30pm, both of which will last for just under an hour. 

All races start and finish outside Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street, with each lap comprising an initial sprint along the Upper High Street, before navigating a hairpin turn, returning back towards the start, and then turning right to descend on North Street, before a difficult left turn onto Market Street and a stiff climb up the cobbles of the High Street to get back to the start. 

The circuit is fast and technical and offers one of the few opportunities in the UK for riders to race a town centre criterium with some cobblestones thrown in to add to the excitement.  

It’s free for spectators, and roads are closed to traffic from early afternoon, so head down early, bring friends and family and perhaps have dinner or drinks in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants whilst enjoying an exciting summer evening of racing in the historic town centre. 

For more information, visit guildfordcrit.co.uk. Local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Austin Bell at austin@bellandspoke.com 

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Future dance stars with Ballet Central

Karen Neville

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Guildford

Karen Neville

Young dancers’ programme features classic and cutting edge performances

Ballet Central is back on tour bringing an exciting programme showcasing the talent of future stars at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Thursday, 12th June. 

This year’s company consists of 38 young dancers, many of whom will make their debut on a professional stage in a repertoire which crafts heritage with cutting edge. This touring company gives Central Shool of Ballet’s students the opportunity or professional performance experience. 

The mixed programme combines classical ballet with more contemporary pieces. Frederick Ashton’s restaged Foyer de Danse is being staged for the first time in more than 90 years, bringing to life Degas paintings and pastels of Paris Opera House. 

In contrast Ballet Central is also performing two works from Dickson Mbi and creative duo Thick & Tight. The ultra-contemporary innovative creation from Dickson Mbi explores the practises of ritual and shared human experience, striving to shine a light on what is next to come. Thick & Tight’s Keeping Up with the Apocalypse combines dance, theatre and mime. Set on Planet Earth of the future, only one species remains, The Kardashians, famous for being famous and living on money alone, they dominate a decimated planet. 

Kristen McNally’s Feast is the fourth piece. Boasting a new musical composition, it allows the audience a glimpse of a colourful community. 

The Ballet Central Tour is the perfect introduction to dance for audiences of all ages. Book tickets at yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/ballet-central 

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