WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY & SW LONDON?
Looking for something to do in Surrey this week? From flower shows, Heritage Days and Walk Fests to a Wood Fair, cabaret nights and Pride – the next seven days are looking pretty nice. Get ready to explore, adventure and experience what’s on this week.
RHS GARDEN WISLEY FLOWER SHOW / SEPTEMBER 5 – 10 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
The annual RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show returns this month, promising an exquisite array of flora. Expect exceptional displays, specialist nurseries, inspirational expert talks and your chance to buy something special for your very own garden.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
FASCINATING AIDA / SEPTEMBER 5 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Celebrating 40 years on the road in 2023, Dillie, Liza and Adèle, Britain’s raciest and sassiest musical cabaret trio, are bringing their brand-new show to theatres across the UK. Arriving at Camberley this September, expect a raucous and naughty night.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
GUILDFORD WALKFEST / SEPTEMBER 7, 10 + 21 / BLACKHEATH – ALBURY, FARLEY HEATH – PEASLAKE
Love to walk? Join like-minded lovers of a good ramble and sign for Back On Track’s Guildford WalkFest. Taking in the lush surroundings of the historic market town of Guildford, discover hidden gems lying in wait as you navigate circular routes from Blackheath to Albury, a twilight walk of Blackheath’s hidden paths, as well as a Farley Heath – Peaslake route.
For more information, visit backontrack.live
TWIRLING TODDLERS / SEPTEMBER 8 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Join this new parent and toddler session based at Richmond Theatre. Enjoy a 30-minute dance class that will help the little one’s in your life to discover more about their own movement and physical development whilst also having a good ol’ fashioned boogie-woogie at the same time. Ideal for 2 – 4-year-olds.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
INTO THE WOODS: PARENT & CHILD FOREST SCHOOL / SEPTEMBER 8 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, parents and children can head to scenic Painshill Park for a morning or afternoon of Forest School. From 10 am – 11.30 am or 1 pm – 2.30 pm, spend time in the great outdoors and participate in a range of really wild bushcraft activities in a fun and safe environment. From sensory-free play in the woods to songs and stories around the campfire, let nature nurture your wild child and book your space today.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
ROBIN HOOD / SEPTEMBER 8 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
The Three Inch Fools are back with their calamitous take on the legendary folktale, Robin Hood. A production which can only be described as disastrous, join a cast of three who can’t quite agree on how the story goes… An open-air theatre performance within the beautiful estate of West Horsley Place – bring a picnic blanket and cushions before getting comfy with one of the best kinds of bedtime stories.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
FOREST BATHING / SEPTEMBER 8, 16 + 22 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDENS, ESHER + WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, NR GODALMING
Developed in Japan in the 80s, Forest Bathing links the importance of nature to human health. Using mindfulness and sensory exploration, get lost in the wilderness and immerse yourself in the woods as you soak up the peace and tranquillity of National Trust sites Claremont Landscape Garden near Esher, as well as the wonder wood itself, Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming. Booking is essential.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
NATURE & CLIMATE FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 8 – 10 / THAMES DITTON CENTRE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Join Thames Ditton and Weston communities for the 2nd Nature & Climate Festival. Enjoy three days of talks, workshops, family fun, music, comedy, a tech takeback, an eco-fair and more. Sound good? Did we mention it’s free? Love mother earth and join like-minded folk seeking to improve the state of our climate and the natural world.
For more information, visit residents-association.com
SEPTEMBER RACING WEEKEND / SEPTEMBER 8 + 9 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
The September Racing Weekend at Ascot presents two days of fantastic late summer Flat racing. A relaxed and sociable atmosphere fills the racecourse, with racegoers catching up with friends and enjoying a picnic on the lawns whilst viewing thrilling action on the track. The racing highlight of the Saturday is the Lavazza Stakes, a valuable Heritage Handicap run over a mile-and-a-half. Sound good?
For more information, visit ascot.com
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS / SEPTEMBER 8 – 17 / EVERYWHERE
Throughout the country, sites of historical significance will open their doors to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme. From Painshill Park to Woking Palace, discover Surrey’s hidden history and heritage while discovering hidden gems on your doorstep this September.
For more information, visit heritageopendays.org.uk
UNRAVEL…AUTUMN / SEPTEMBER 8 – 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
‘Tis the season for crafty, sew and sews and knitting enthusiasts to unite and descend upon Farnham Maltings for the knitting fiesta, Unravel Autumn. Featuring a programme of bookable workshops, talks and demonstrations led by UK and International experts and a marketplace of over 70 quality exhibitors selling yarn and fibre accessories. So roll up and meet like-minded lovers of darn good yarn.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING – SIGNING SESSION / SEPTEMBER 8 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON
Public Service Broadcasting are back with a brand new album, This New Noise. And to celebrate, they’re holding a signing session at the esteemed purveyor of music, Kingston’s Banquet Records. The album, This New Noise, is the newly remixed and remastered live recording of their acclaimed 2022 BBC Proms show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Snap up a copy and get it signed at the same time. Buy your copy and book your space in the queue online.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
CABARET NIGHT WITH BAMBI BANG BANG / SEPTEMBER 8 / FALLEN ANGEL, GUILDFORD
For a sumptuous and naughty night on the tiles, head to Guildford’s cabaret bar, Fallen Angel, for a Night with Bambi Bang Bang. The hostess with the mostess, expect song, silliness, sauciness and sass from this absolute QUEEN! Free entry; however, booking online is required.
For more information, visit fallenangelbar.com
ROCKEOKE / SEPTEMBER 8 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Like the idea of Karaoke, but are just too darn punk rock to belt out some Kelly Clarkson? Well, even if you are a punk rocker who loves to belt out some Kelly Clarkson, get a fix of the heavy stuff with Rockeoke over at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston.
For more information, visit the-fighting-cocks.co.uk
OUTDOOR CINEMA: BAZ LUHRMANN’S ELVIS / SEPTEMBER 9 / THE MEATH, GODALMING
Raise money for The Meath Epilepsy Charity and enjoy this outdoor cinema screening of Baz Lurhrmann’s modern classic. Expect a rhinestone-studded evening with pre-screening songs from the rocking Meath Choir. Why not come early and bring a picnic and drinks or treat yourself to snacks and treats fit for the king himself?! This larger-than-life biopic follows the bitter-sweet life of Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Book your tickets now!
For more information, visit meath.org.uk
DRYPOINT ETCHING / SEPTEMBER 9 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Fancy making your very own Drypoint Etching? “A what?” you say. One of the oldest printmaking techniques, drypoint etching produces fine and velvet-rich lines and is printed on dampened paper through an etching press. Head for The Lightbox in Woking and let artist Richenda Court ARE. will lead the class and take you through the process.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
TROPICANA NIGHTS 80s / SEPTEMBER 9 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Let’s face it – the 80s had some of the best bangers ever written. So if you are looking for a fun-filled evening of pure 80s music and dancing for the over 25s to help you make it through September, look no further! Indulge yourselves in pure 80s heaven at Guildford’s G Live.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE HYPNOTIST: RED RAW / SEPTEMBER 9 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The Hypnotist: Red Raw is a brand new show with Hypnotist Robert Temple where volunteers from the audience unlock their imaginations and create a once-in-a-lifetime show of improvised comedy under the influence of hypnosis – live on stage. Things will be imagined, people’s identities forgotten, changed, and their reality completely altered. All in the spirit of a ruddy good laugh.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WAR OF THE WORLDS (ON A BUDGET) / SEPTEMBER 9 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Step aside, HG Wells, take a break, Jeff Wayne, and go back to your trailer Tom Cruise, Lamphouse is tackling War of the Worlds, and they’re doing it…..on a budget! War of Worlds (on a budget) features one actor, a loop pedal, lots of cardboard, many, many hats and at least two absolutely terrifying (definitely not made out of paper) tripod puppets. Featuring a full soundtrack of brand new music and paying homage to HG Wells’ story with a few extra silly additions, War of the Worlds (on a budget) is the musical comedy action adventure we didn’t know we needed!
For more information, visit electric.theatre
PRIDE IN SURREY / SEPTEMBER 9 / TOWN CENTRE + PRIORY PARK, REIGATE
Celebrate love, inclusion and diversity as Pride in Surrey arrives in Reigate this September. Take part in the celebrations with a parade through the town centre before venturing onto Priory Park for further festivities. A free event where all are welcome – enjoy live music, food and drink, and a youth zone for the kids. Get your free tickets online.
For more information, visit prideinsurrey.org
VEGAN MARKETS / SEPTEMBER 9, 10*, 16, 23, 24*, 30 / COBHAM, GUILDFORD*, WALTON, EGHAM + KINGSTON
Are you looking for a Vegan Market? You’re in luck! Back to soothe the minds of carbon-conscious consumers, Ethical Vegan Markets are all over Surrey this September Free to attend, expect to find a host of vegan foodie treats and eats and a range of vegan products for you and the home that have been ethically and sustainably produced. Find them in Cobham, Guildford (not once, but twice), Walton, Egham and Kingston.
For more information, visit ethicalveganevents.com
SURREY GIN FEST / SEPTEMBER 9 / LOSELEY PARK
If you’re bonkers about the botanical brilliance of Gin, then go ahead and celebrate this September by attending the Surrey Gin Fest held at Loseley Park. Heralded as the UK’s biggest Gin Festival, as well as Gin, Gin and more Gin, attendees will also get to sample the delights of local artisan food stalls and live entertainment from the main stage. So what are you waiting for? See you at the bar.
For more information, visit ginfestco.com
SURREY HILLS WOOD FAIR / SEPTEMBER 9 – 10 / FISH POND COPSE, CRANLEIGH
For lovers of lumber, gorgeous grains and wonderfully whittled wood, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair occurs at scenic Fish Pond Copse in Cranleigh Showground. Packed with all the traditional charm of a rural day out in the Surrey Hills, visitors can expect a fun day for the family, with workshops and demonstrations taking place throughout the weekend. Discover a world of wood, with stalls to browse and buy from and refreshments from local food and drink producers to keep you sustained and suitably refreshed.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
ENGLAND RUGBY GROUP STAGE SCREENINGS / SEPTEMBER 9 – OCTOBER 7 / TWICKENHAM STADIUM
The Rugby World Cup kicks off this September. Taking place just a hop, skip and a ferry / Euro Star away in France, if you’re keen to be part of the action but can’t get across the channel, then Twickenham, the home of England Rugby, is the place to be. Enjoy Group Stage screenings, with plenty of activities and extras planned to keep you entertained throughout the day. Tickets cost £10, and under 16s go free.
For more information, visit twickenhamstadium.com
HEMP, EARTH + POLITICS / NO UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23 / STANLEY PICKER GALLERY, KINGSTON
Discover the power of Hemp and its ability to heal the world at this thought-provoking art exhibition at Kingston’s Stanley Picker Gallery. The display investigates the overlooked ancestry of Hemp, including its universal practical applications, both as a unique design and architectural material, as well as an abundant underutilised food source. Hemp is a regenerative, biodegradable, soil-based fibre for textiles that simultaneously feeds into the soil-to-soil circular system.
For more information, visit stanleypickergallery.org
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