WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY?
Looking to find some good times this week in Surrey? With the festive season settling itself in to our lives, expect seasonal treats galore as well as not so seasonal extras. Find out what’s on with this handy guide to what’s good in your neighbourhood.
MAKE HERBAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS / NOVEMBER 18 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Join medical Herbalist Janine Gerhardt for a Christmas extravaganza. Take the stress out of Christmas preparations and create your own unique array of Natural, herbal & seasonal Christmas presents. From delicately scented Bath salts to self-made lip balm, fermented cranberry Christmas sauce and, of course, the traditional sloe gin – immerse yourself in the endless possibilities of discovering your creative side. Ecologically sound, easily replicated with recipes provided.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
THE NUTCRACKER / NOVEMBER 18 / YVONNE ARNUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Featuring live orchestra with over 30 musicians, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to your local theatre for a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
REBUS: A GAME CALLED MALICE / NOVEMBER 19 – 23 / YVONNE ARNUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The new play by Ian Rankin and Simon Reade… A splendid dinner party in an Edinburgh mansion concludes with a murder mystery game created by the hostess. A murder needs to be solved. There are suspects, clues and danger with every twist and turn – and a shocking discovery will send this game called ‘Malice’ hurtling towards a gasp-inducing conclusion.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
GARETH MALONE – SING-ALONG-A-GARETH: MY LIFE THROUGH SONG / NOVEMBER 19 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Following the resounding success of his previous tours, Gareth Malone is back and this time it’s personal! Sing-Along-A-Gareth: My Life Through Song delves into the heart and soul of Gareth’s musical journey. Warm up your pipes and have your song sheets ready, as the time has come to lift our voices once again. Featuring a captivating blend of biography and music, the show offers a fusion of iconic songs from the 60s right up to today,
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / NOVEMBER 20 / JOY FARMS, WEST HORSLEY
Wrap up and get into the festive spirit with a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at the delightful joy Farms nestled in the Surrey Hills! Under the expert guidance of renowned floristry expert Carrie from Topiary-Tree, engage in expert demonstrations, step-by-step hands-on crafting surrounded by nature. Craft your own unique wreath and warm up with delightful festive treats by an open fire. All levels welcome; materials provided. Joy by name, joy by nature.
For more information, visit joyfarms.co.uk
CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 20 – 21 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
This excellent midweek Christmas Fair held at the Farnham Maltings 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, supping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CAV AND PAG / NOVEMBER 20 – 23 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Presented by Guildford Opera Company, traditionally paired and known popularly as “Cav & Pag”, these two iconic one-act operas tell complementary tales of passion, jealousy and betrayal amongst ordinary village people for whom religion is a mainstay, but no proof against powerful human emotions.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
BABY FRIENDLY CINEMA CLUB – ELVIS / NOVEMBER 21 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD
We know what it’s like. Babes in arms and bursting to meet likeminded mums and dads, head for this Baby Friendly Cinema Club based at Guildford’s G Live for a monthly soirée in front of the silver screen – no judgment, just new parents wanting to regain a slice of themselves. This month’s movie? Baz Luhrmann’s modern classic Elvis.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com
WEAVE A WILLOW STAR / NOVEMBER 21 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Make a large willow star covered in random weaving and decorate it with fairy lights! You can hang it on your front door instead of a wreath, show it off on top of your tree or display it on your wall all year round. Various sizes are possible up to about 50cm across and you will have time to make a few small stars as well. Suitable for beginners and those who have worked with willow before. All materials will be provided including a set of fairy lights.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE COPTHORNE 200 + THE COPTHORNE RACES / NOVEMBER 21 + 23 / MICKLEHAM VILLAGE HALL
Not one, but two excellent running events hosted by Canary Trail Events this month. Celebrating 5 years of Trail Events, The Copthorne 200 is a one-off 200 mile anniversary event, while two days later, runners with smaller, albeit mighty distances on their mind can take part in the more varied distances at The Copthorne Races. Multi-terrain. Mega fun. Probably muddy.
For more information, visit canarytrailevents.com
SHORT STORIES TALL TALES: MOUSE AND SAM / NOVEMBER 22 / CRANLEIGH ARTS
“There once lived a mouse under the floorboards of a creaky old house. But on one usual day, atop a hat, an adventure ensues in an unusual way! “ A heart-warming tale of a timid mouse who finds that his courage and a friend, Sam, were there all along. Join our timid mouse in an interactive storytelling show. Your little ones will love to explore and discover the world through his eyes as he finds a way to play and be brave.’
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
ARTS & ARTISAN CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 22 – 24 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
The Arts & Artisan Christmas Market celebrates the best of Surrey’s fine arts, crafts and artisanal produce. Taking place across the Manor House and Place Farm Barn, expect a plethora of unique treats to bestow on your loved ones this year.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
RHS GLOW / NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 5 / 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 inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 5 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE, EAST MOLESEY
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. First, enjoy spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Then, take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.seetickets.com
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 22 – 23 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Guildford Cathedral hosts its annual winter market and fair, and this year, you lucky folk get to experience the event for not one day but two days of festive fun and shopping. Find bespoke one-off gifts and unique decorations from over 50 stallholders.
For more information, visit guildford-cathedral.org
MARTIN HARLEY / NOVEMBER 22 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Described as “One of the UK’s finest contemporary roots musicians” in Guitarist Magazine, Martin Harley releases his highly anticipated album Morning Sun this year. Harley has been captivating audiences around the globe for three decades; recording albums in Texas, Nashville, and the Wild West of Wales. get ready to experience music magic this November at Farnham Maltings.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
INTRODUCTION TO COLD WATER SWIMMING / NOVEMBER 23 / BUCKLAND PARK LAKE, REIGATE
Love nature? Love to swim outdoors? Brace yourself for a dip in Buckland Park Lake and join the Surrey Hills Adventure Company for an introduction to cold water swimming. You’ll need to register online, and once you do, you’ll have access to all the great activities the company runs. Whether you fancy swimming, paddleboarding or e-foiling, getting wet and wild in the great outdoors has never been easier.
For more information, visit theshac.co.uk
PALLET UPCYCLING / NOVEMBER 23 / GREAT BRITISH WOODSHOP, WEST BYFLEET
Upcycling and growing! Two excellent ways to Keep It Green and cut down your carbon footprint. Head for West Byfleet’s Great British Woodshop this month and participate in this educational workshop, whereby you’ll learn some great tips on upcycling and take home with you your very own planter.
For more information, visit greatbritishwoodshop.co.uk
MEDITATION AND THE POWER OF POSITIVITY / NOVEMBER 23 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Experience three power of positivity and discover how the power of the mind creates your experiences and learn methods to transform your mental state from negative to positive through meditation. Buddhist nun, Gen Nyingpo will explain how through practicing meditation and positive thinking, you can gradually gain the ability to maintain positive wisdom-based attitudes in your daily life and activities. In this way you can develop a fresh approach to solving your problems and create causes for lasting happiness.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM / NOVEMBER 23 – 24 / PRIORY FARM ESTATE, REDHILL
If you’ve never been before, Priory Farm Estate’s Farm Shop is quite the thing of beauty. Set among the rolling Surrey Hills, Whet your appetite and be inspired by an abundance of festive foods at Priory Farm’s Christmas Food Festival. Find some delectable presents for loved-ones, as well as stocking up on some special treats from artisan food producers, as you get set for an unforgettable Christmas Day feast.
For more information, visit prioryfarm.co.uk
RAMSTER CHRISTMAS MARKET / NOVEMBER 23 – 24 / RAMSTER HALL, CHIDDINGFOLD
Head to the heart of the Surrey Hills countryside and Ramster’s Christmas Market. This gorgeous setting is the perfect place to soak up the season and undertake a spot of Christmas shopping simultaneously. Find artisanal foodstuffs and gifts from local makers while munching on some mince pies in the process.
For more information, visit ramstervents.com
SHAUN THE SHEEP™ – FIND THE FLOCK / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 19 / WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, GODALMING
With a nod to what’s to come… National Trust have teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ to life with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists and inspired by beautiful English Landscape. With fun games, carousel rides, engaging activities and delicious winter treats from the tearoom, a visit to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas will be an unforgettable day out for all ages.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum
WINTER TRAIL & THE FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 5 / PRIORY FARM ESTATE
From immersive theatrical experiences that unravel enchanting tales at the Father Christmas Experience to the new Discovery Land Winter trail sprinkled with stardust, Priory Farm Estate invite you to join a journey of festive fun and unforgettable memories for all the family. Book your tickets pronto for the beginning of a pretty awesome Christmas.
For more information, visit prioryfarm.co.uk
GUILDFORD FLAMES V GLASGOW CLAN / NOVEMBER 23 / SPECTRUM LEISURE COMPLEX, GUILDFORD
While it’s still early in the season, Paul Dixon’s Flames aren’t quite where they want to be in the table. Albeit, mathematically impossible to be sitting at the top of the league table, Flames welcome Glasgow Clan all the way down south hoping to secure maximum points and all the glory.
For more information, visit guildfordflames.com
HAMPTON COURT PALACE 10K / NOVEMBER 24 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE, EAST MOLESEY
The only 10K event to be held at Hampton Court Palace, enjoy a run around this historic royal home that is one of only two surviving palaces that henry VIII once owned. Start inside the Palace gates and finish in its beautiful gardens. Then, if you’ve still got the energy, why not get lost in the famous maze?
For more information, visit runthrough.co.uk
CHRISTMAS IN GODALMING & FARNCOMBE / NOVEMBER 24 / HIGH STREET, GODALMING
Enjoy Godalming’s annual Christmas Festival, and lights switch on as they join forces with their friendly neighbours in Farncombe for this all-day fiesta of all things festive. Browse the stalls in search of Christmas gifts, or simply soak up the Yuletide atmosphere.
For more information, visit godalming-tc.gov.uk
GUILDFORD FESTIVE FAMILY FUN DAY / NOVEMBER 24 / TOWN CENTRE, GUILDFORD
Roll up! Roll up! Get ready for a free Festive Family Fun Day, with lots of activities, performances and magical moments to enjoy across Guildford town centre all for free or low-cost. Look up and catch the Christmas snowflakes, chase the cheeky elf’s giant bubbles, or get funky with our Christmas Disco. Interact with walkabout elves, performers, and characters. Visit Tunsgate Arch to marvel at our dancers’ synchronicity and the choirs’ festive tunes. Or become one yourself by getting your face painted
For more information, visit experienceguildford.com
ILLUMINATE GUILDFORD / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 5 / GUILDFORD CASTLE
Step foot into Surrey’s brand new light trail located in the heart of Guildford’s town centre. Explore stunning light installations around the 20-30 minute trail of Guildford Castle. Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of the castle into a winter spectacle this November. Explore the historic grounds as we take you on a magical journey through several activations showcasing the castle and its beautiful grounds.
For more information, visit illuminateguildford.co.uk
FABULOUSLY FESTIVE / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 5 / HURTWOOD PARK POLO COUNTRY CLUB, EWHURST
Fancy feeling fabulously festive? head over to Hurtwood Park Polo Club near Ewhurst as its transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with ice rink, Christmas village, traditional fair ground, food, drink, Santa’s Grotto and much more.
For more information, visit fabulouslyfestive.co.uk