WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY
In need of some inspiration for your next excursion? Whether you’re looking for a Christmas market or a retro gaming night, we’ve got the lowdown on all you need to know about events in Surrey over the next 10 days. So get strapped in, and get ready for a tonne of fun.
GLOW / NOVEMBER 19 – JANUARY 4 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Lighting up our lives once again, the magical Christmas Glow returns to RHS Gardens Wisley this month. The festive event at RHS Garden Wisley will once again put on a captivating light show and musical accompaniment designed by an in-house team to highlight some of the garden’s best-loved sights. Twinkling lights draw visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, with spectacular moments en route and vibrant displays to be found both inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SNOWSAURUS / NOVEMBER 20 – JANUARY 9 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Rah! It’s all gone a bit prehistoric at Painshill Park in Cobham this Christmas. Head for the beautiful park and experience the Snowsaurus Trail. See how many dinosaurs you can find and learn all about these ancient creatures that once roamed the earth.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
BLOOD BROTHERS / NOVEMBER 23 – 27 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary musical Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. Catch a performance at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this November.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 24 – 25 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
This excellent midweek Christmas Fair held at the Farnham Malting this November. Browse from over 150 stalls selling a plethora of exciting gifts to give, take part in the free drop-in workshop to make your own unique Christmas tags, and enjoy the usual festive frivolities of listening to Christmas carols sipping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ALAN BENNETT’S ‘PEOPLE’ / NOVEMBER 24 – 27 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The renowned Guildburys Theatre Company performs Alan Bennett’s naughty but nice theatre production of People at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. Join Lady Dorothy Stacpoole, as she provides a film company with the perfect porn movie location to raise some essential funds. Cue hilarity as Bennett’s signature humour comes to the fore.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
THE CHRISTMAS FAIR AT ASCOT / NOVEMBER 25 – 28 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
Unearth a wonderful Winterland of gifts at this Christmas Fair held at Ascot Racecourse this November. Featuring over 150 stalls of quality gifts, food and accessories, find presents for your friends and family in one handy shopping trip.
For more information, visit ukgrandsales.co.uk
WILD GAME FEAST OVER FIRE / NOVEMBER 25 / THE SALTBOX, PRIORY FARM, REDHILL
It is, of course, Game season, and who better to visit to taste the season than wild cooking, feast over fire aficionados The Salt Box. For an alternative to dining out in the town’s latest eateries, head for the woods of Priory Farm for a Game feast cooked over the open fire in the great outdoors. Meet fellow intrepid foodies whilst sampling the very best in local and seasonal produce.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
ALADDIN ONE RUB TOO MANY / NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Those naughty lot at Guildford Fringe are at it again. Back in The Back Room of The Star Inn for a season of silly adult panto, catch Aladdin give his lamp a good rub this winter. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendo from start to finish.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
FESTIVE SUPPER CLUB / NOVEMBER 25 + DECEMBER 2 & 9 / MANDIRA’S KITCHEN, SILENT POOL, ALBURY
As we near the seasonal festivities, head for Mandira’s Kitchen at Silent Pool for an alternative festive supper club this November. Whether celebrating with friends, family or colleagues, visit Mandira’s Winter Gazebo and treat your tastebuds to an Indian feast.
For more information, visit mandiraskitchen.com
DAVID SUCHET – POIROT AND MORE, A RETROSPECTIVE / NOVEMBER 26 – 27 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
One of the world’s most celebrated actors and famed for donning Poirot’s unmistakable moustache, the man himself, Mr David Suchet, arrives at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford this November. Recounting memoirs from his illustrious career, expect all to be revealed in this evening of retrospect.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SURREY HILLS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR / NOVEMBER 26 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Celebrating the very best of Surrey Hills’ arts, crafts and artisanal produce, head for the spectacular environs of West Horsley Place and enjoy this hyper-local Christmas Fair that’ll be bursting with some truly unique gifts to give.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
COBHAM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA / NOVEMBER 26 / COBHAM
It’s back! Kick-off the Christmas season in Cobham with a festive extravaganza of epic proportions. From roasted chestnuts and steaming mulled wine to arts, Christmas crafts and live music, join in with the fun in Cobham from 4 pm. Love Island’s, Chuggs will be switching on the lights at 7 pm.
For more information, visit cobhamvillage.co.uk
BIRDY / NOVEMBER 26 / PRYZM, KINGSTON UPON THAMES
It’s been five years since her last music, and this November, Birdy celebrates the release of her latest album Young Heart with a performance for Banquet Records at Pryzm. So get tickets quick before a sell-out.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
COBHAM EXTRAVAGANZA / NOVEMBER 26 / COBHAM
It’s back! Kick-off the Christmas season in Cobham with a festive extravaganza of epic proportions. From roasted chestnuts and steaming mulled wine to arts and Christmas crafts, join in with the fun in Cobham from 4 pm.
For more information, visit facebook.com/Cobhamourvillage
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR / NOVEMBER 27 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Enjoy a holly, jolly atmosphere and visit The Lightbox in Woking for this festive Arts and Crafts Fair this November. Get a head start on your shopping and browse among the stalls featuring a variety of handmade crafts, including jewellery, paintings, glasswork, and ceramics.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
SANTA STOP HERE – WHERE TO FIND FATHER CHRISTMAS IN SURREY
PAUL FOOT: SWAN POWER / NOVEMBER 27 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Quirky comedian Paul Foot brings his Swan Power to Farnham Maltings this month. His impressive mullet has been seen on various TV shows, including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Never Mind The Buzzcocks; watch on as Paul pontificates on topics like Nanna on the rack and murdering Santas. Live by the swan, fly by the swan.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
WOKING FC VS BARNET / NOVEMBER 27 / THE LAITHWAITE COMMUNITY STADIUM, WOKING
This November, the Cards come up against Barnet in a mid-table clash that will see both contesting teams going all out for the three points at stake. Can Woking climb up the Vanarama National League Table and creep into the play-off places before Christmas. Find out at The Laithwaite Community Stadium this month.
For more information, visit wokingfc.co.uk
THE NARNIA ADVENTURE WALK / NOVEMBER 27 + 28 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Take a step through the wardrobe and enter this magical, immersive and interactive experience for all ages at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this November. Meet characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in this fun outdoor theatre performance.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT POLSEDEN LACEY / NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 26 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Get in the mood for the festive season with a trip to National Trust property Polesden Lacey this month. With the house transformed into an evergreen wonderland, experience the sights and smells of Christmas and meet some seasonal characters along the way.
For more information, nationaltrust.org.uk
CULTURE CUB / NOVEMBER 27 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Presented by The Boileroom and Koja Coffee, throw some shapes at this day rave for kids and their parents. Ideal for little cubs aged 3 – 7, pick up inflatable instruments, play air guitar, get your face painted and immerse yourself in sounds that’ll make you run around and around, wiggling, spinning and moving to the music.
For more information, visit the theboileroom.net
MEETING RUDOLPH’S REINDEER COUSINS / NOVEMBER 27 + 28 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
We reckon it’s a pretty tough gig when you’re related to one of Santa’s reindeer most famed reindeer. Having narrowly missed out on being part of Santa’s specialised team of sleigh carriers, Rudolph’s cousins have taken it upon themselves to visit the depths of the Surrey Hills and have taken residence at the grand environs of Polesden Lacey. So say hi this December and take a stroll on the grounds of this majestic estate.
For more information, nationaltrust.org.uk
BOX HILL CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 28 / TITHE BARN, BOX HILL, DORKING
Get all your Christmas shopping done in one place and venture to the scenic Tithe Barn at Box Hill for a Christmas Fair that’ll fill you with all the Christmas feelings.
For more information, visit funyardevents.com
DORKING CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL / NOVEMBER 28 / DORKING TOWN CENTRE
Dorking is set to be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this November as the community come to celebrate the festive season. From midday till 6 pm, browse market stalls from the town’s independent retailers, be entertained by local choirs carol singing and eat seasonal treats that lie in wait from local food and drink producers.
For more information, visit dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk
A FAIRYTALE IN SURREY – A GUIDE TO WHERE TO WATCH PANTO THIS YEAR
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE CAKE WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 2 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Enjoy a festive foodie tradition and head to the Farnham Maltings for this mid-morning Gingerbread Village Cake workshop. Learn how to pipe and decorate a spectacular cake creating a gingerbread village with decorated royal icing biscuits.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 3 – 5 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Fervent foodies rejoice! From street-food stalls to seasonal eats, the Festive Fayre is the place to be this December. Gorge upon an array of food and drink from artisan producers and makers, and maybe, just maybe, manage to bring a mince pie or two home to save for later.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 3, 10 + 11 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Looking to create a Christmas wreath? These fun and festive workshops will help you fashion your very own decorative offering to hang upon your own front door or to give as a gift.
For more information, visit cranleighartscentre.org
GAMERS LOUNGE / DECEMBER 4 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Remember getting that N64 for Christmas and playing GoldenEye till your eyes could see no more? Whether your go-to hero was the diminutive dynamism of Sonic the Hedgehog or the moustached might of plumber extraordinaire Super Mario, relive the advent of console gaming on some of the first gaming machines to hit the mainstream at The Boileroom’s retro gaming club. Turn up and compete against fellow fans of the cartridge-packing consoles at this monthly get together.
For more information, visit the theboileroom.net
ETSY GUILDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 4 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
The community-led craft initiative Etsy comes to Guildford Cathedral for the Etsy Made Local Christmas Market. Meet local makers and discover a treasure trove of talent. Join in with the festivities from 10 am-4 pm and discover locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas.
For more information, visit facebook.com/etsyguildford/
PARENT & CHILD CHRISTMAS BAUBLE DOUGHNUTS CLASS / DECEMBER 5 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Spend the Sunday morning with the little one’s in your life and head for this Parent & Child Christmas Bauble Doughnuts class at Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking. Bake, create and decorate some seriously sparkly treats to eat with friends and family.
For more information, visit victorias-kitchen.com
RICK WAKEMAN: THE NOT QUITE AS GRUMPY AS LAST XMAS TOUR / DECEMBER 5 / DORKING HALLS
The king of the keyboards, the Santa of synthesised piano, Mr Rick Wakeman, arrives at Dorking Halls endeavouring to be not quite as grumpy as last year. Featuring the songs of YES, David Bowie, The Beatles and music with a festive twist, get tickets to see this true legend of rock’ n’ roll.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
RESTORATIVE FIRE-SIDE YOGA & SEASONAL SUPPER / DECEMBER 5 + 19 / THE SALTBOX, PRIORY FARM, REDHILL
Take a breather from the mania that this particular month may invoke, and take a seat at this fire-side yoga and seasonal supper. Hosted by wild cooking enthusiasts, The Salt Box take some time for you, surrounded by nature’s wonder. Expect your mind, body and belly to be nourished and find some calm before the seasonal storm that Christmas can sometimes bring.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / UNTIL JANUARY 9 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. With a larger ice-rink taking centre stage to ensure a suitably socially distanced, enjoyable time for all, witness spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar. Advanced booking is essential.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk