Dorking’s Independents’ Day
Last year's celebrationPhoto credit: St Martin's Walk Shopping Centre
Stilt-walking, live music and food tasting at Dorking’s Independents’ Day Celebration on July 5
On Saturday 5 July, celebrate Dorking’s plethora of excellent independent shops, cafes and restaurants at the town’s annual lively and colourful Independents’ Day event. The whole town will be buzzing with fun, family-friendly entertainment from 11am to 3pm.
Every year there is a new theme. This year it is ‘Pilgrims’, fitting for Dorking, as the only known Pilgrim house still standing in the UK sits in West Street, home of Dorking’s renowned antiques and vintage quarter. Owner of the house William Mullins sailed on the Mayflower to America in 1620 and his descendants include two American presidents!
The talented Dixie jazz band will perform music from the heady 1920s and all-American swing era. With their pumping rhythms and stomps, they never fail to get all ages on their feet dancing. Feel like you are on the set of The Great Gatsby.
Popular local band The Usual Suspects will be playing classic hits from American artists, and there will be many other local musicians performing. A stilt-walker will tower over the crowds and street entertainers will stroll around leaving everyone wowed in their wake. Also, look out for giant cockerel Dorkers, the town mascot, and Tadworth the Hound, friendly mascot of local charity The Children’s Trust.
Enjoy more family entertainment at St Martin’s Walk shopping centre, where there will be face painting, balloon modelling and food tastings. Visitors from Guglingen, Dorking’s twin town in Germany, will also be in town, and are looking forward to browsing Dorking’s specialist and independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Councillor John Northcott, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “With its huge variety of independent shops and businesses, and a famed vintage antiques quarter, Dorking is a truly unique place. Independents’ Day on 4 July is a great way to celebrate our lovely town. Come along and enjoy the entertainment, and at the same time support local businesses.”
Dorking was the first town in the UK to celebrate Independents’ Day, a play on the words of the US celebration on 4 July. Now, similar annual events take place across the UK throughout July.
July 5, usual retail opening hours, (entertainment 11am – 3pm) mole-valley.gov.uk
