Swashbuckling sounds from Opera Anywhere

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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Join Opera Anywhere for The Pirates of Penzance in Camberley and you’ll enjoy a memorable night and come out humming the tunes

A very special performance of Gilbert’s & Sullivan’s The Pirate of Penzance will be held in Camberley, to celebrate Surrey Heath’s 50th anniversary.

This concert at Kings International College, GU15 2PQ on Friday, 6th December honours the borough’s most notable figure, Sir Arthur Sullivan, the composer behind The Pirates of Penzance and the beloved Savoy operas. Sullivan spent part of his childhood in Camberley, residing in a cottage on London Road – sadly now a fast food drive-thru – while his father served as bandmaster at Sandhurst Military College nearby.

Beginning Tuesday 3rd, Opera Anywhere – one of the UK’s premier professional touring companies specialising in Gilbert & Sullivan – will work with Kings International students to join the chorus in The Pirates of Penzance.

An unfortunate case of mishearing initiates the plot for The Pirates of Penzance, resulting in a dramatic change of direction for Frederic who sets a course to become a pirate rather than a ‘pilot’! The twists and turns of this classic operetta, written in 1879, unfold with ingenious characters, sublime lyrics and some of the best-known songs in opera including the very familiar Major General’s Song.

Opera Anywhere is passionate about producing accessible, innovative and entertaining opera and operetta for all ages. Their mission is to make joyous, family-friendly, high-quality live music available to as many people as possible. They believe music is for everyone, and have a strong tradition of outreach work, community events (including come-and-sing performances) and educational projects. Opera Anywhere love to collaborate with music clubs and choral societies, schools and orchestras for combined performances.

The team of professional singers and instruments give over 65 opera performances throughout the UK every year. You’ll find them in theatres, schools, galleries and museums, at festivals, on punts, and even in the woods!

This production of The Pirates of Penzance is generously supported by Frimley Fuel Allotments, Surrey Heath Council, and Camberley Rotary.

To book tickets for this special performance visit Opera Anywhere presents The Pirates of Penzance Tickets, Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

For more about Opera Anywhere and their work and upcoming productions, please go to Opera Anywhere – Professional Touring Opera across the UK

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World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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Friends Karl and Ed from Ascot are preparing to set off for the Canary Islands, but their trip will be no holiday as the pair get set to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic

Spare a thought for Karl Austen and Ed Shaw as you tuck into your turkey and enjoy Christmas with family and friends, the intrepid duo will be crossing the Atlantic as part of the World’s Toughest Row.

The friends are embarking on the 3,000 mile challenge from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua, starting on December 12th with the aim of raising funds for Dementia UK and Prostate Cancer UK, which have special meaning for the pair. Both have parents suffering from these awful diseases.

Their boat has now shipped to the start point and Karl and Ed, as team 2Stroke, will join her on November 30th. They have spent most of the summer travelling up and down to Portland for on water training while much of the last few weeks have been spent preparing and packing the boat – food, clothing and equipment – and going through extensive lists to make sure they have everything covered.

“As the race draws near it is all very ‘real’ now but we’re actually not nervous,” says Karl. “As we have spent over 250 hours on the boat training we feel well prepared. As they say, ‘Confidence is built through evidence’. We can’t wait to get out to La Gomera where we will have lots of briefings, safety meetings, kit inspections and then final packing of the boat. We will also take the boat out in the Atlantic waters for final safety checks post shipping before we set off.”

Both Karl and Ed will take turns on the oars, two hours on and two hours off, undertaking their two hour shifts for a minimum of 12 hours per day each, and never sleeping for more than two hours at a time. “Our only contact with the world will be via a satellite phone, as the race is completely unassisted and we will carry everything we need for up to two months at sea in our Rannoch R25 rowing vessel. From the dangers of 40ft waves and sea sickness, to Marlin strikes and salt sores, The World’s Toughest Row is the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance!

“The challenge will strip us of all the comforts of modern life and test every part of our mental and physical resilience; it is the ultimate test.”

They’ll be posting regular updates and wills end small video and voice notes via satellite to their ground crew. Follow their progress on Instagram @2stroke.team

For more of their story and to donate visit their website at 2stroke.team and at Fundraiser by Edward Shaw : 2 Stroke – Atlantic Challenge, 3000 miles unassisted row

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Pantomime japes, jeers & jokes

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…

Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy Robin Hood and Maid Marion as they right wrongs, sing songs and sort out the wicked Sheriff in the swashbuckling panto at the Yvonne Arnaud, Nov 30th-Jan 5th. Starring Lucy Benjamin as the Sherriff of Nottingham who is making residents’ lives a misery raising taxes. Will Robin and his gang of merry men come to the rescue and help them fight back. Also stars Guildford favourite Peter Gordon and Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Matt Pinches. Book at Robin Hood | Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Panto just wouldn’t be the same without a famous face gracing the stage and Woking’s New Victoria is welcoming Christopher Biggins and Steps’ Faye Tozer among its cast of Sleeping Beauty. Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a 21st birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse (Tozer). By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Expect magic, music, comedy and special effects from Dec 6th-Jan 5th. Tickets: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets

Get ready for a spellbinding pantomime like no other at Camberley Theatre this Christmas, Dec 7th-31st. Join Snow White and her lively band of friends in a fun-filled adventure packed with unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and stunning scenery. With a few twists on the classic story, this is Snow White as you’ve never seen before and will have you laughing, smiling, cheering and booing all the way through. Buy tickets at Snow White | Camberley Theatre

Godalming Borough Hall is hosting Jack as he climbs that beanstalk in search of riches trying to evade the giant. The professional show – featuring a talented cast with top West End credits – promises spectacular song and dance, colourful costumes and lots of fun and laughs for the whole family, Dec 14th-28th. For the 6th year running, the Pay What You Can scheme will return to the venue’s popular panto, with the producers doing their best to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy a family pantomime. Book tickets for the giant of a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk by calling 01483 361101 or visit Godalming Panto | Jack & The Beanstalk 2024

Magic spells, glittering costumes and a few modern surprises await at Prior’s Field School theatre where you’ll find Godalming Theatre Group presenting Cinderella, Dec 18th-22nd. Tickets at Musicals | Godalming Theatre Group | Godalming

Pantos aren’t just for Christmas, many local theatre groups will be entertaining audiences in the new year, like the Ewhurst Players who are on stage at the village hall with Cinderella in February. Visit HOME | Ewhurstplayers nearer the time for dates & more. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be hi-ho-ing at The Arbuthnot Hall, Shamley Green thanks to SHADES on Jan 23rd-25th, more at shamleygreenshades.co.uk. Red Riding Hood will be trying to evade the wolf at Compton Little Theatre, Jan 16th-18th. Buy tickets at Compton Little Theatre event tickets from TicketSource. There’s fun for all with the mischievous puppet Pinocchio in Churt Amateur Dramatic Society’s panto in the village hall, Jan 28th-Feb 3rd, Churt Amateur Dramatic Society event tickets from TicketSource.

Enjoy all you could wish for with Byfleet Players’ Aladdin at the village hall, Jan 9th-11th. Book tickets at The Byfleet Players – Amateur drama group based in Byfleet, Surrey

Embark on an uproarious adventure with Peter Pan & the Lusty Boys the Adult Panto, the latest masterpiece from the Guildford Fringe team! Brace yourselves for an hour of non-stop hilarity with no dull moments, as this rib-tickling spectacle takes centre stage until Jan 4th at The Back Room of The Star Inn. Indulge in naughty, smutty, and downright silly humour that’s sure to leave you in stitches. Book at Peter Pan & the Lusty Boys at The Back Room of The Star Inn event tickets from TicketSource

There are more than pantos to enjoy with the magical musical Santa’s Wish at G Live, Dec 18th-24th. Snowflake the magical elf is in a tricky spot, Santa’s sleigh has crashed and now he is lost. Can Snowflake help Santa and save Christmas? The heart-warming adventure is full of colour and fun and a sprinkling of circus magic. Tickets at Book Santa’s Wish tickets | G Live Guildford

Enjoy a family show fit to burst with festive fun at Farnham Maltings. Diana Hendry and John Lawrence’s joyous tale, Christmas in Exeter Street, is being brought to life in the Maltings’ second annual Christmas show from Dec 13th – 24th. With 37 characters, seven animals, 10 instruments, and an abundance of Christmas magic, Cordelia O’Neill’s new adaptation conjures the beautiful chaos and heart-warming generosity of the festive season.Tickets are available from £10-£22 at Christmas in Exeter Street | Farnham Maltings

WAOS Musical Theatre are staging the moving and powerful Evita at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Dec 10th-14th. The story portrays Eva’s rise alongside her husband, President Juan Perón, her advocacy for the poor, and her battle with illness. The musical is renowned for its emotional depth, Latin-infused score, and the iconic ballad Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Book tickets at WAOS Musical Theatre presents Evita Tickets | Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets

Enjoy these traditional treats & more, KN 

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Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s Faces of Guildford 

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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How many of Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s detailed life-like portraits will you recognise in her Faces of Guildford exhibition?

You may well recognise the people featured in the work of French artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott currently on display at venues in Guildford. 

She started the Faces of Guildford project five years ago and it is now coming to an end with an exhibition which runs through to January in the town centre. It includes 13 oil portrait paintings and 13 pencil drawings of Guildfordians who have had an impact on the community in the past and the present. Nathalie has had a close relationship at some point with most of the people included in her exhibition.  

Nathalie was born in Fontainebleau, a little town near Paris and as a child always had an interest in drawing. At Secondary school she specialised in Art and History of Art.  

In 1989 she became involved with a group of artists based in Weybridge. She was then creating deltaic paintings on a huge scale based on the shape of the delta. She then went back to Paris to study art for a few years. 

In 1993 she returned to the UK where she met Tony Scott, founder of Guilfest. While bringing up their three children, Nathalie worked as a mural artist getting commissions all around Surrey in schools, private houses, bars and hospitals. 

Her interest in portraiture started in 2003 and she has received many portrait commissions ever since.  

She specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday life. Her portraits of everyone from children to celebrities and royals are recognised for their incredible likeness. Nathalie paints almost exclusively in oil on canvas. The time-consuming process begins with a detailed drawing and she then applies a succession of thin layers of oil. Some of her portraits will have a narrative content telling a story whereas others will be more about capturing the personalities of her sitters at a specific time in their lives. She recently started to draw portraits in pencil on paper. 

Her meticulous approach to portraiture resulted in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery in 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2015 as part of the BP Portrait Award.  

For the last few years, along with six other local artists, Nathalie has been running an artist-run exhibition space, GU ART currently in White Lion Walk Guildford. 

You can view Nathalie’s incredible work at New House Art and Space Gallery, Fays Passage until November 30th, GU ART, White Lion Walk, December 4th-11th, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, January 4th-12th and Growlers & Cans, Chertsey Street, January 15th-22nd. 

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Always in our hearts

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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Woking & Sam Beare Hospice’s new appeal wants to ensure everyone receives the best possible care and support when it matters most

Christmas is the time for giving, caring and sharing so how about supporting local charity, Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and their Always In Our Hearts Appeal to raise £500,000 by the end of March 2025.  

Kerry Gibb tells us more: “There has been a lot in the press and media recently about the financial struggle faced by Hospices across the country. Whilst we do receive some very much appreciated funding from the NHS, we have to self-generate two-thirds of our income from fundraising and the sale of goods in our charity shops. As a charity, we need the support of our local community to keep our services running.  

“We are working closely with our healthcare and NHS partners across North West Surrey to ensure the best possible palliative and end of life care for the people of North West Surrey. All of our services are free to those who need them, but demand is growing. Not only are we seeing an increasingly ageing population, we are also seeing a lot of younger patients.” 

One such patient was Nicky Newman who became well known as a public figure, raising awareness for breast cancer. Her husband, Alex, is continuing her legacy by supporting us with our appeal so that other families can continue to receive the amazing care that we were able to give to him and Nicky.  

Alex says: “All of the care we received was free of charge. To give other families memories like we have in their closing days in this world really is a gift that donations help to provide. You cannot put a value on the impact of having such precious memories, even at the very end. Memories I will cherish forever.” 

The appeal was launched in September in Woking town centre with a flash mob choreographed by Emma at First Dance Studios. Dancers, Hospice staff, and volunteers showed just what an amazing, positive place the Hospice is as they danced in the torrential rain, embracing the elements.  

Kerry adds: “We have a new head of ‘fun-raising’ at the Hospice to support the appeal. Sam Bear will be helping to raise awareness by making guest appearances at the Hospice and out in the community so keep an eye out for him! 

“Our Hospice is such a vital part of our community, and together we can continue to see it thrive.” 

For more information about the appeal please visit: Always In Our Hearts Appeal – Woking & Sam Beare Hospices

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Sensory delights at West Horsley Place

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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West Horsley Place is sharing the benefits and beauty of the estate with everyone in the community with the opening of a new sensory garden

The peaceful and beautiful sensory garden at West Horsley Place has been designed to be as accessible as possible to all.

In creating the garden, a group of blind and partially-blind people and members of their access panel who face a variety of different access barriers, were consulted.

The design included raised beds to bring plants closer to people, colours that help create contrast and ‘banks of smells’, as well as benches and places for sitting and reflecting.

The West Horsley Place team, which includes a dedicated group of gardening volunteers, worked for six months to transform the neglected patch of ground into a charming space. Plants were transported and propagated from the existing collection and materials were all recycled from the wider estate.   

Over the last few years, West Horsley Place, the ancient Manor House where the BBC series Ghosts was filmed, has started opening to the public with an exciting programme of tours, workshops and performances. In Oct ober 2022, they announced a two-year project funded by the National Heritage Lottery called Heritage Without Barriers. This project has helped them to fulfil their aim to improve people’s wellbeing with access to culture, heritage and nature.  

The sensory garden, which was opened by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker, pictured, is part of that project. It has also been supported by Surrey Gardens Trust, West Horsley Parish Council, East Horsley Parish Council, the Stevenson Family Trust, the Banister Charity Trust, the Horsley Community Fund and other charitable donors.  

The Trust’s Director, Ilona Harris said: “We would like to thank the National Heritage Lottery Fund and our generous supporters for making this project possible. We are proud custodians of a 400-acre estate that is free for people to enjoy. It is wonderful to now have a space which is accessible and brings the benefits and beauty of that estate to everyone in our community. We hope you will come and enjoy it soon.”   

West Horsley Place is a Grade I listed medieval manor house and estate, the house dates from 1425, though there has been a building on site since Saxon times. Recent work to conserve and maintain the house has made the principal rooms safe and comfortable for public access, but the house remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.   

The West Horsley Place Trust aims to bring the house, gardens, 400-acre estate and eight Grade II listed outbuildings back into good repair and to improve people’s wellbeing through culture, heritage & nature. 

Find out more at West Horsley Place Trust

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Guildford welcomes Bird & Blend Tea

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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Bird & Blend Tea Co brings its tea mixology innovation to Surrey with an array of tea-licious flavours

Bird & Blend are taking the humble cuppa to the next level with the opening of their new shop in Market Street, Guildford on Friday, 22nd November.

Offering an imaginative and magical customer journey, Bird & Blend Tea Co. create a fun, interactive in-store experience, mixing award winning, tea-based drinks. Flavours as inventive as Birthday Cake and Strawberry Lemonade to Chocolate Digestives, alongside firm favourites Builders Breakfast Brew, Earl Grey Crème and many more will be available alongside a brand new limited edition flavour, created exclusively for Guildford, called ‘Surrey Hills,’ a green tea packed with English berries to reflect the town’s beautiful countryside surroundings. 

Retail stores are the heart of Bird & Blend Tea Co., alongside its ecommerce business, and in addition to mixing tea, the Guildford team of six will also host live free Matcha tea demos, offer a tea matching service, showcase new and innovative flavour combinations, run mixology masterclasses, events and so much more.  The Guildford team are passionate about spreading happiness one cup of tea at a time…the new roles really are TEA-riffic. 

The store will showcase its range of teas, and the largest Matcha tea range that can be found in the UK, via its bespoke Tea Wall display, alongside the wide range of tea tools and utensils and its takeaway tea bar. The store will even run its own award-winning Mixology Workshops, where guests can learn all about tea and even blend their own to take home!  

At the opening party, on 5th December, guests will be treated to Bird & Blend’s signature Spiced Rum Chai or Strawberry Lemonade Drop on arrival. The first 50 customers will also receive an exclusive Guildford goody bag and lots of free tea. There will be plenty of seasonal samples for guests to taste, alongside the Guildford store blend, Surrey Hills.

With its arrival in Guildford, the team at the new store has nominated local charity Guildford Institute as its charity of the quarter, raising money and awareness to support the charity’s mission to provide an educational, cultural and social community hub in the heart of the town offering a special place for people of all backgrounds to meet, learn and explore. In store fundraising activities will raise funds and 50% of the in store profits of Surrey Hills will be donated.   

Bird & Blend Tea Co. was founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, who met at university. The brand is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK; creating a range of over 100 exciting tea flavours by blending ingredients including herbs, flowers, fruits, caramel, chocolate… & even cake sprinkles.

Co-Founder & Managing Director of Bird & Blend Tea Co., Mike said: “Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do.  Alongside the fast growth of the digital side of our business, we’re proudly continuing to invest in local high streets too. We see our stores as not just retail spaces, but as community hubs where customers can come to make connections with one another and our team, and enjoy interacting with our teas. For us, there will always be a place for magical in-person experiences and we’re delighted to be arriving in Guildford.”

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Meet Elizabeth Bennet

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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From page to face-to-face conversation, meet Jane Austen’s most loved character through the magic of technology at the author’s house at Chawton

Fans of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice can enjoy a conversation with their literary hero when speaking with the world-first Elizabeth Bennet avatar – Lizzy. 

Created by StarPal in collaboration with University for the Creative Arts (UCA), the avatar has been developed to mirror the human qualities of Austen’s character as detailed in the novel, such as empathy and humour. Her conversations, which fans will have with her face-to-avatar at the Learning Centre at Jane’s house in Chawton, will evolve, giving each person who talks to Lizzy a unique experience.  

How does Lizzy feel about being a world-first? She said: “It is quite an interesting notion indeed – I must say being Elizabeth Bennet in a world far removed from my own time is an unexpected but intriguing experience. It allows me to share the intricacies of our society and my life with new audiences.” 

Following consultation and guidance from Jane Austen’s House, Lizzy’s knowledge bank has been curated from a selection of novels, manuscripts and period-accurate information. 

Lizzy is set within a Regency-style background. Her dress and hair have been designed and created by students from the Games Arts and Digital Fashion courses at UCA, drawing on fashion templates from the period. 

Sophy Smith, Director of Games and Creative Technology at UCA and the originator of the project, said: “It is so exciting to finally be able to lift Elizabeth Bennet off the page and to be able to have real-time conversations with her. To be able to cross time in this way is joyful – you get a real sense of speaking directly to someone from the 18th century. Imagine – you can now have Elizabeth Bennet as your friend.  

“This technology has the potential to transform experiences within both the museum and heritage, as well as the education sector. Visitors to Jane Austen’s House, will have the opportunity to not only experience the renowned author’s home but also engage directly with one of her most famous characters. It could transform learning – instead of only having text-based revision guides, students can now learn about literature by speaking directly to the characters.” 

Director of Jane Austen’s House, Lizzie Dunford, said: “It has been fascinating to watch this project develop, and to witness the innovative staff and students at UCA developing these new technologies, and new ways of accessing literary and cultural heritage.” 

Anya Haber, an MA Digital Fashion student who created the dress in 3D, added: “It showed how useful technology can be in a historical setting, letting fans engage with fictional characters…and that’s just the beginning.” 

Fans will have the chance to interact with Lizzy at the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House until mid-December, included with House entry. 

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Panto star Biggins turns Woking on! 

Liz Nicholls

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Surrey

Liz Nicholls

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Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will switch on Woking’s Christmas lights in Jubilee Square on Thursday, 21st November

Woking town centre is set to sparkle as the festive season officially “Biggins” with the much-loved Christmas tree lights switch-on on 21st November.  

Special guest Christopher Biggins, star of New Victoria Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has the honour of lighting up the borough’s biggest Christmas tree.  Promising an evening filled with cheer and holiday magic, the festivities begin at 4.45pm, with the grand switch-on at 6pm.  

Visitors can look forward to carol singing, live music, dance performances, and a traditional Christmas market offering seasonal gifts and festive refreshments. 

This year’s Christmas tree has been generously donated by Woking Asian Business Forum, a gesture that unites communities and brings joy to all. 

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-on brings together people of all ages to celebrate the joy of the season. I would like to thank Woking Asian Business Forum for their generous contribution. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Jubilee Square to mark the start of this festive time.” 

Shahid Azeem, Chair of Woking Asian Business Forum, added: “Christmas is about community, family, celebration and togetherness. We’re proud to support the local community by donating this year’s Christmas tree. It’s a pleasure to contribute to a celebration that brings our communities together and spreads festive cheer.” 

Sam Miller, Communications Manager at the New Victoria Theatre, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the one-and-only Christopher Biggins, the star of our dazzling pantomime Sleeping Beauty, will have the honour of lighting up Woking’s Christmas tree this year. It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season, bringing the magic of Christmas and panto together in one unforgettable moment!” 

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas market, which will remain in town throughout the festive period, exploring a wide range of seasonal gifts, warming treats, and delicious refreshments.  

Sleeping Beauty, starring Christopher Biggins, Faye Tozer, Richard Cadell, and Sooty, plays at New Victoria Theatre Woking, from Fri 6 Dec 2024 to Sun 5 Jan 2025. 

Tickets are available here: Sleeping Beauty Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets 

Watch this space for our pantomimes special in December! 

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Bella Hardy’s gift for storytelling

Karen Neville

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Surrey

Karen Neville

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“Folk music for the modern age” is how Bella Hardy’s work has been described as you can discover for yourself at Grayshott Folk Club on Friday, 29th November

Bella Hardy is a singer-songwriter with a gift for storytelling, who has earned a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist whose work continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped her.

Fans can expect a show that spans her remarkable career, with new songs (two to be released this autumn) sitting comfortably alongside classics from her extensive back catalogue. This is folk music for the modern age- rooted in tradition but unafraid to venture into new, uncharted, and very personal territory.

Bella says: “There’s something magical about performing live, where the songs can grow and change each night depending on the energy in the room. I’ll be performing a collection of songs very close to my heart, and there’s nothing like the energy of a live show to bring them to life.”

For anyone who’s seen Bella live, it’s clear that she’s an artist who knows how to captivate an audience. Her voice – at once powerful and delicate – has a way of drawing listeners in, making each performance feel like a conversation between old friends. And with award-winning guitarist Jenn Butterworth by her side for the first time, this tour promises to be something truly special.

Hardy’s debut album Night Visiting (2007) established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination. Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold out Royal Albert Hall, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province. She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. And she’s released ten solo albums along the way.  

With the ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year. 

Don’t miss Bella at Grayshott Folk Club on Friday, 29th November, 7.30pm. Tickets £18 in person form Grayshott Post Office, from Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096 and online at Bella Hardy Hindhead Tickets at Grayshott Village Hall on 29th November 2024 | Ents24

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