Eoin Carey
Feeling those January blues and need something to look forward to? Holly Louise Eells compiles some of the best, unmissable events and activities taking place in Surrey throughout 2019 so you can make this year one the best one yet.
1. About Orchids After Hours
The Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens TW9 3AB
Dates: 14- 15 & 28 February 1, 7-8 March 2019, 6pm and 7.30pm (£18 book here)
It's time to say ‘hola’ and enjoy this night like no other! This Colombia themed event will take you far away from the dark British winter and catapult you into a bright carnival of orchids! Enjoy exclusive access to the tropical paradise of The Princess of Wales Conservatory after dark and wander amongst the vibrant displays of orchids. Get in full swing with a live Latin big band and enjoy a multi-sensory journey through the tumultuous history of coffee in Colombia with fun, interactive short talks. Be awed by the orchids and hear from Kew experts how the Orchids Festival was built and chat to Kew’s own intrepid scientists about how important orchids are to our ecosystem. There will be classic Colombian street food and cocktails - so make sure to grab your friends.
2. Half-Term Tun
Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl, GU26 6AB
Dates: 16-22 February 2019, 10am-2pm (01372 220644)
Looking for something fun to do this half-term with the children, head to the Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl for history and mystery family trail. It's a chance for your family to discover the history behind Gibbett Hill, the Devil's Punch Bowl, the sailors stone and much more. There’s plenty of space to run, jump and play around - there's always something for families to do. As well as challenging yourself with its half-term trail, you can explore its natural play trail, and finish the day with a hot chocolate and a slice of cake at the café. It really is a fantastic way to keep the children entertained.
3. Contemporary Art Fair
Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9AJ
Dates: 15- 17 March 2019, (£6-£15 book here)
Discover more than 160 artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists and selected galleries from all over the UK and Europe; offering the very best in contemporary art. With artwork from £40 to £4,000, and workshops and demonstrations, enjoy the chance to speak with the artists one-to-one, for unique insight and experience of art you are going to love to live with. As well as featuring live demonstrations by exhibiting artists. You will see a wide range of styles and media, from glass, sculpture to photography, textural abstract to realism, and fields of flowers to architectural constructs. Also, enjoy artist-led workshops where you can try your hand and discover your talent. Plus, children can go on the Art Quest around the fair.
4. Box Hill Ancient Woodland Walk and Talk
Box Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7LF
Dates: 21 March 2019, from 10 am (£12 book here)
Fancy something educational? Learn to spot ancient boundary trees, pollarded veteran trees and valuable coppice. Explore ancient woodland with some tree’s dating back around 500 years. Did you know that 60% of healthy woodland is dead or dying at any time? One of the most valuable habitats within the woodland is the standing deadwood, they host hundreds of organisms and form a vital part of the woodland ecosystem. Box Hill has been a celebrated location to visit for generations, featuring some amazing examples of ‘cathedrals of the natural world’ and is certainly a trip for the younger and older generation.
5. Wandsworth Fringe
Dates: 3-19 May 2019 (free - more info here)
At Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) they love nothing more than art in all its forms – theatre, music, dance, visual art and all things in between. WAF is an open-access arts festival so everyone is welcome to jump on board and get involved. Whether you’re a professional or visiting artist, arts organization, a fringe veteran or a first-timer who wants to try a new idea, get involved in its annual arts extravaganza!
If you want to get involved as an artist or you are part of Wandsworth community groups and schools, get in touch here for more information.
6. Mayfield Lavender Farm
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Mayfield Lavender Farm, Carshalton Road, Banstead SM7 3JA
Dates: June - September 2019 (£2 more info here)
Set up in 2006 to help revive the historic lavender industry in the area, which boomed during the 18th and 19th centuries, Mayfield Lavender is a 25-acre organic lavender field on an original Victorian site situated on the North Surrey Downs. Two varieties of English lavender are grown on the chalky soil; flowers are harvested and distilled to produce lavender oil. This is an experience like no other and visitors are welcome to wander the field and enjoy its incredible scent. Also, don’t miss the alfresco teashop and enjoy a delicious cup of lavender tea.
7. Party in the Park
Grant Pritchard
Woking Park, Kingfield Road, Woking GU22 9BA
Dates: 6 July 2019 (Free more info here)
After last year’s huge success, the summer festival Party in the Park is back once again. It saw the town come together in the glorious sunshine at Woking Park to help commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One, as well as the momentous victory won by women to achieve the vote for the first time. For 2019, all the exciting details are still being finalised, but from what we know it is going to be bigger and better than 2018. Expect fun-filled activities and an afternoon packed full of music, dance, street theatre, kids’ activities, and much more.
8. Kew the Music
Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB
Dates: 9 - 14 July 2019 (Prices vary, more info here)
Kew the Music is back, hosting a week-long festival in summer with picnic concerts at the Royal Botanic Gardens. It aims to appeal to all generations of music lovers and is the ideal summer evening outing where families can enjoy some great music amongst beautiful surroundings. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and drink or can enjoy the open-air bars and tasty street food stalls already there. Headlining nights during 2019's series will be Beverley Knight and Billy Ocean, Jess Glynne, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Craig David, Garbage and Rick Astley. So, sing away and enjoy the summer evenings at Kew this year.
9. Summer Walk and Talk
The Exotic Garden, RHS Garden Wisley
RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking GU23 6QB
Dates: 12 July 2019, 1pm-3pm (£22/36 020 31765830)
A family favourite, join RHS Garden Wisley’s curatorial team, as they extol the virtues of plants which bring colour to the beautiful gardens during the summer months. Embrace this enchanting garden in its full swing and at its most floriferous and colourful. Learn about the plants that put on a show at this time of year and what to look out for in the coming months. This session will involve a considerable walk outside, so make sure you are prepared with suitable footwear and clothing. With only 20 places available, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the stunning gardens at their best.
10. Evening Flat Racing with Jess Glynne
Sandown Park Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9AJ
Dates: 8 August 2019 (prices vary, more info here)
Award-winning singing sensation Jess Glynne will be returning to headline Sandown Park Racecourse with her spectacular outdoor summer show. The Jockey Club Live offers value for money experience unlike any other this summer. Alongside show-stopping headline performances by some of the world’s biggest artists, the action begins earlier in the day with thrilling flat racing - giving fans the chance to witness powerful equine athletes, who are stars in their own right, racing for glory. Whether you fancy a flutter or a dance with friends and family, the event is certain to be an odds-on favourite for all.
11. South West Four
South West Four, Clapham Common SW4 9DE
Dates: 24- 25 August 2019 (prices vary, book here)
August Bank Holiday weekend is all about Clapham Common, where the world’s greatest electronic and dance music producers descend on South West London, including Sasha, Fatboy Slim, Paul Van Dyk and Skrillex as headline acts. This year is no different. Carrying forward the hype and hysteria that South West Four has created in the past, this years’ edition is guaranteed to be an unforgettable festival experience. This landmark occasion will be celebrated with the biggest lineup South West Four has ever showcased, jam-packed exclusive DJ sets, ridiculous live shows, and exclusive back-to-backs. Check the website for further details, which will be released soon.
12. Weyfest
Rural Life Centre, Tilford, GU102DL
Dates: 16-18 August 2019 (prices vary, book here)
The sound of live music is everywhere whilst you wander through a fascinating museum dedicated to life in Rural England. Fans laugh, smile and nod to each other with a familiarity gained only from their mutual annual pilgrimage. Weyfest is more like a mini-holiday than a music festival. It is a stress-free weekend in the country, with over 30 hours of the finest music from 4 stages, camping, posh loos and friendly staff. There is plenty to occupy the kids with, including creative arts workshops, train rides, Sci-Fi Zone, outdoor laser combat and many other attractions. There is a fabulous selection of great food available from the in-house café and a variety of food stalls, bar, a fascinating museum and much more.
13. The Woking Food and Drink Festival
Woking Food and Drink Festival, Jubilee Square, Woking GU21 6H
Dates: 30 August - 1 September 2019 (more info here)
Proving hugely popular once again, this award-winning festival is back. With details still to be revealed, it celebrated last year with a Woking theme, ‘Inspiring Women in Food’ marking the victory by women 100 years ago. The breakfast event featured Ella Mills of Deliciously Ella fame, joined by a panel of local businesswomen, chefs and food experts. The Tante Marie Culinary Academy Demo Stage hosted a smorgasbord of top culinary experts, including celebrity chefs Ching-He Huang, Kenny Tutt and The Gangotra Sisters. So, this year, expect an even bigger fun-filled day of lots of entertainment and a fantastic assortment of over 80 food and drink stalls to enjoy! The question is, what to choose?!
14. The Maze
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Dates: Open daily (prices vary, book here)
Looking for something fun for the whole family to get involved in? Head to Hampton Court for perhaps the most famous maze in the world and England's oldest surviving hedge maze, that has been confusing visitors for over 300 years. The yew hedges cover one-third of an acre and consist of half a mile of paths, taking an average of 20 minutes to reach the centre. As the most visited attraction in the gardens with around 350,000 people going in and out of the maze every year - you would be mad to miss out on all the fun!
15. Surrey Hills Wood Fair
Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh GU6 7DW
Dates: 5-6 October 2019, 10am-5pm (£7.50/10, book here)
Join Surrey Hills Wood Fair for its 10th anniversary that promises to be bigger and better than ever! The Fair is full of traditional rural charm celebrating all that is ‘Good about Wood’ in the outstanding beautiful Surrey Hills. There is something for everyone with a strong focus on families and lots for children to do from craft making to animal attractions. There will be tree climbing and zip wires, horse and wagon rides, and a great variety of local produce. The Surrey and Sussex Coppice workers will be demonstrating their skills and there will also be an opportunity to buy a whole host of wood crafted products.
