Celebrate the region’s best food, drink, art and crafts at Denbies Wine Estate, May 20th & 21st

An inspiring two-day festival is set to celebrate the very best of the Surrey Hills’ food, drinks, art and crafts at the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2023.

The weekend festival will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, welcoming more than 80 exceptional artisans from across the county, showcasing their crafts and sharing their expertise and talents.

Hosted by Surrey Hills Enterprises, the Community Interest Company that works with local businesses to support the rural economy and promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in partnership with Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey Artists Open Studios, the Festival is sure to be a feast for all the senses.

Interactive and educational, the festival will feature a huge array of free activities and talks, with something to get all the family involved and inspired. Throughout the main arena, watch master craftspeople in action and see artisans sharing their skills and creations, providing an insight into their work in textiles, mixed media, woodwork, glass making, ceramics, painting, sculpting and more; enjoy practical creative activities and even the chance to try a new hobby.

The dedicated demo tent will feature free artisan cooking demonstrations, with top Surrey chef Steve Drake of Sorrel, Dorking, featured alongside inspiring talks and demos from the region’s best artisans. Learn how to brew the best coffee with Chimney Fire Coffee, discover how luxury gin is made with the Village Spirit Collective, learn the secrets of beekeeping with Guildford Beekeepers, watch a seasonal cooking demonstration from Abinger Cookery School, discover the best of Surrey’s wines with the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills and learn to make amazing gin cocktails with the mixologists from Wessex Gin.

Perfect for families looking for a fun day out or those interested in discovering new produce, art pieces or crafts, there promises to be fun for all the family, with something for all ages of visitor. Visit the interactive ‘Kids Zone’ and enjoy storytelling with Surrey Hills’ children’s authors, play giant board games, let creativity flow at the arts and crafts tables and take part in a ‘building the tallest tower competition’.

The Surrey Hills Artisan Festival has a large focus on creativity, with a special marquee showcasing talented Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS) artists – with artists in action and artworks created from pastels, oil, pencil and ink, handcrafted jewellery, hand-cut glass, lino printed pieces, textiles, wooden gifts, hand-thrown ceramics and more. There will be a variety of stalls to browse, providing the opportunity to buy directly from local artisans and independent businesses and live entertainment will take place in the central arena. Here, performances from Surrey groups and musicians will include the big hand and acoustic musicians, local morris dancers, a ukulele lesson and the Rock Choir who will also be holding a free-to-join singing lesson.

Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, says: “We are thrilled to be welcoming such a brilliant array of local artisans to our upcoming Surrey Hills Artisan Festival, many of which have been awarded the coveted Trade Mark Surrey Hills to honour their quality, sustainability and local providence. With artisan demos, interactive activities and upbeat entertainment, this year’s festival is set to be the best yet and we are proud to welcome Surrey-based growers of the finest soft fruits, Harry Hall Partnership, as sponsors, for the event.”

Benefitting from a picturesque setting amongst the vines in Denbies’ Bacchus Field, with views to Box Hill beyond, this al fresco festival will be a delight for all the senses with delicious food and drink from producers and businesses in the Surrey Hills to enjoy whilst soaking up the relaxed festival atmosphere.

Jeannette Simpson, Chief Operating Officer of Denbies Wine Estate, adds: “We are delighted once again to welcome and support Surrey Hills Artisan Festival. It truly represents the enormous range of passionate and dedicated local producers and suppliers within the AONB. Denbies are proud to be exhibiting with Vineyards of the Surrey Hills over the festival weekend.”

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12.50 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16. Advance ticket sales close at noon on Friday 19th May. Onsite parking is free or Dorking stations are a 15-minute walk away.

The Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2023 is generously sponsored by Harry Hall Partnership – one of the UK’s leading berry growers, based in Surrey and harnessing exceptional farming to produce premium berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries).