Looking for things to do in Surrey this month? Then, look no further - here are the best events taking place in the county this May.
1. Tide Lines
If you like your folk a little rockier, you won’t want to miss Tide Lines – a Scottish Folk/Rock band currently riding the crest of a huge wave of popularity and heading to the Grayshott Folk Club for one night only. Tide Lines are a four-piece band originally from the Highlands of Scotland – and their music is heavily influenced by, and rooted in, their early lives.
They produce a highly eclectic sound – imagine a 70s Bruce Springsteen with bagpipes and electronics!
2. Brooklands Museum Vintage Festival
Head to Brooklands Museum for its Vintage Festival as it turns the clock back to celebrate the music, fashion, style and dancing of the 40s, 50s & 60s. Visit the trade centre to meet some of the best vintage sellers or head into the Dance Marquee, where you will be able to refresh yourself with some food and drink, listen to live music or take part in a free dance lesson.
3. Ceroc Surrey
Learn to dance at the H.G. Wells Conference & Event Centre in Woking with Ceroc Surrey. The style combines jive, ballroom, tango and salsa, is easy to learn, great fun, and a fantastic way to keep fit. The night starts with a 45-minute beginner’s class, and then there is a short freestyle session followed by the more challenging intermediate class.
4. The Surrey Sculpture Park
The Surrey Sculpture Park has more than 150 high-quality sculptures set against the beautiful landscape of the Birtley Estate within the Surrey Hills AONB. A marquee located on the lakeside meadow holds an indoor exhibition and provides a base for visitors during the day. There is also a café and visits can be combined with a demonstration or workshop.
5. Trinity Folk Festival
Don't miss the annual Trinity Folk Festival which takes place at various Guildford venues during May 17-18.
6. Jane Austen Ball
Why not party like its 1799 at this year’s Jane Austen Ball which takes place a the Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming. Enjoy a glorious Regency supper as actors bring to life the characters from her novels. The ‘Mistress of the Dance’ will be on hand to guide you through the steps, all to live, period music. Raffle prizes to be won throughout the evening.
7. The Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour
The Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour is once again bringing its heady mix of adrenaline-filled film making to G Live as part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations. Fans of this high-octane stuff will not be disappointed as these adventurers show you just how to make the most of life.
8. Get closer to nature
Join a member of the EEBC Countryside Team on a beginners guide to identifying butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Meet at Stew Ponds car park off Christchurch Road (B280) at 2 pm. No booking required. Please wear appropriate clothing. This event is not suitable for dogs even on a lead. Please note that walks may be subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions.
9. Go for a Run
Outdoor clothing specialist Saloman has teamed up with children’s fitness initiative Go for a Run for a series of The Trail Running Festivals designed to get families out and about. The event which takes place at Box Hill, near Dorking, will see a range of fun running events for adults and children of all abilities. Youngsters can choose to run, jog or walk the scenic 2km routes where the emphasis is on appreciating time outdoors and your surroundings.
10. Esher May Fair
This popular local community event organized by 4th Thames Ditton Ajax Sea Scouts will be opened by the Mayor of Elmbridge. An exciting programme of arena events includes the 3rd Molesey Scout and Guide band, Kuk Sool Won martial arts, Resolution dance company, a canine gymkhana and First Class Falconry will orchestrate a flying display by birds of prey. Free parking is available at Sandown Park.
11. Artist Rick Smith
Kingston-based artist Rick Smith exhibits figurative portraits and landscapes in oil, acrylic and gouache at Cass Art upstairs gallery. Rick trained at Twickenham Art School and had a successful career in marketing.
12. Copycatz Music Festival
If you like a tribute band then don’t miss some of the best in the UK at the CopyCatz Festival. The afternoon set includes Lil Mix, Abba Girls and Spicey Girls and in the evening Take That Show, One Step Behind (Madness) and Dirty DC take to the stage.
13. Crooked Weather
Crooked Weather are on the road with their brand new album, ‘Are We Lost’ and making a stop in Surbiton. With the lilting harmonies of Holly and Will augmented by a fierce rhythm section, their original music - steeped in the folk revival of the late sixties - has a raw, modern edge, driven by interweaving guitars, ethereal harmonies and driving drums.
14. A night of music
Local pianist and singer, Andrew D Brewis brings an evening of wit, sophistication and sublime music to the Riverhouse next month. He weaves an evening’s entertainment around the songs of the greats – Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Hart and Hammerstein – and his own compositions. He will be joined by special guest, Maria Kesselman, the celebrated West End leading lady who played Christine opposite Michael Crawford in The Phantom of the Opera. A percentage of ticket sales will go to the charity Music in Hospitals and Care.
15. Sculpture Trail & Arts Festival
A major arts event comes to Surrey Hills at Birtley Estate in Bramley, near Guildford: 160 new sculptures in woodland, meadows and lakeside. A marquee located on the lakeside will hold an indoor exhibition and café. There will be workshops and demonstrations as part of the Surrey Sculpture Society’s Understanding Sculpture programme. Enjoy cream teas or bring your own picnic.