Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford with Outdoor Fun for Everyone

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The Barricade Boys will headline from the Guildhall Balcony on Guildford High Street 

The Big Free Fringe Weekend Returns to Guildford – August 9 & 10, 2025

Guildford’s much-loved Big Free Fringe Weekend is back on August 9th and 10th, and it’s bigger, better, and more vibrant than ever — all in celebration of local community and culture.

Organised by Guildford Fringe, the weekend kicks off on Saturday at 6:30pm with an unforgettable open-air performance by The Barricade Boys. This theatrical vocal group, fresh from acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, will perform live from the Guildhall Balcony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening in comfort.

Then on Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm, Guildford High Street will come alive with free family entertainment. Expect a packed afternoon of street theatre, live music, arts and crafts, and mouthwatering street food. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with the whole family.

Importantly, all events are completely free to attend. However, donation points will be available for those who wish to support the Fringe and help keep this community tradition going strong.

Even More Fringe Events in 2025

The Big Free Fringe Weekend is just one highlight in an exciting year for Guildford Fringe. Here’s what else is coming up:

  • First up, the Guildford Comedy Festival debuts from July 7–11, bringing a week of laughs with top comedy acts.
  • Following that, the popular Guildford Fringe Festival returns from September 5–20, offering a full programme of theatre, music, spoken word, cabaret, and more.
  • Finally, the year wraps up with festive fun during panto season:
    • Cinderella (Family Panto) – Godalming Borough Hall, December 13–28
    • Jack and His Giant Stalk (Adults Only) – The Back Room @ The Star Inn, November 20–January 10

Altogether, Guildford Fringe promises a vibrant and diverse year of culture, comedy, and community.

Don’t miss this joyful celebration of creativity in the heart of Guildford.
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Guildford High Street’s summer cycle races

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

The streets of Guildford will be alive with the sounds of cyclists in the Town Centre Races next month. Will Readhead from Charlotteville Cycling Club tells us more

Guildford’s historic cobbled High Street will once again host an action-packed evening of cycle racing on Wednesday, 9th July.   

These Town Centre Races have been a long-standing feature of summers in the Surrey town, and this year’s event is predicted to be bigger and better than ever. 

The races were conceived as a way of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Charlotteville Cycling Club in 1983, but permission wasn’t granted in time, and so the first race was held a year later on 11th July 1984. The Guildford cycle races have run almost annually ever since, becoming part of British Cycling’s National Circuit Series in 2023, and from this year, part of the new Rapha Super League. Now sponsored by Canyon, the Guildford races attract some of the best riders and teams from across the UK. 

But the racing isn’t reserved for the elite and, since its inception, Guildford’s Town Centre Races has strived to be a fun, family-friendly event with the focus on atmosphere, entertainment and a great evening out – in fact in its first year, the programme included a display of vintage cycles, and a race for newspaper boys and girls from the Surrey Advertiser! This inclusive approach has developed over time so that today the event includes races for everyone from Under 8s to local amateur cyclists (although they must hold a 3rd Category racing license). 

This year, racing starts at around 5.45pm with the boys and girls under 8s races, who will compete over two laps of the course, and culminates with the Women’s Grand Prix race at 7.30pm and the Open Grand Prix at around 8.30pm, both of which will last for just under an hour. 

All races start and finish outside Holy Trinity Church at the top of the High Street, with each lap comprising an initial sprint along the Upper High Street, before navigating a hairpin turn, returning back towards the start, and then turning right to descend on North Street, before a difficult left turn onto Market Street and a stiff climb up the cobbles of the High Street to get back to the start. 

The circuit is fast and technical and offers one of the few opportunities in the UK for riders to race a town centre criterium with some cobblestones thrown in to add to the excitement.  

It’s free for spectators, and roads are closed to traffic from early afternoon, so head down early, bring friends and family and perhaps have dinner or drinks in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants whilst enjoying an exciting summer evening of racing in the historic town centre. 

For more information, visit guildfordcrit.co.uk. Local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Austin Bell at austin@bellandspoke.com 

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Future dance stars with Ballet Central

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Young dancers’ programme features classic and cutting edge performances

Ballet Central is back on tour bringing an exciting programme showcasing the talent of future stars at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Thursday, 12th June. 

This year’s company consists of 38 young dancers, many of whom will make their debut on a professional stage in a repertoire which crafts heritage with cutting edge. This touring company gives Central Shool of Ballet’s students the opportunity or professional performance experience. 

The mixed programme combines classical ballet with more contemporary pieces. Frederick Ashton’s restaged Foyer de Danse is being staged for the first time in more than 90 years, bringing to life Degas paintings and pastels of Paris Opera House. 

In contrast Ballet Central is also performing two works from Dickson Mbi and creative duo Thick & Tight. The ultra-contemporary innovative creation from Dickson Mbi explores the practises of ritual and shared human experience, striving to shine a light on what is next to come. Thick & Tight’s Keeping Up with the Apocalypse combines dance, theatre and mime. Set on Planet Earth of the future, only one species remains, The Kardashians, famous for being famous and living on money alone, they dominate a decimated planet. 

Kristen McNally’s Feast is the fourth piece. Boasting a new musical composition, it allows the audience a glimpse of a colourful community. 

The Ballet Central Tour is the perfect introduction to dance for audiences of all ages. Book tickets at yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/ballet-central 

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Sleek & Stylish: Coppa Club Guildford Townhouse⁠

Round & About

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Have you visited The Guildford Townhouse yet? With friendly staff, great food and swoonworthy interiors, we suggest you might want to take a pew and settle in for an afternoon, evening and beyond!

The Townhouse – Coppa Club Guildford. Photo credit: Toby Mitchell

Guildford often earns top scores when it comes to quality of life… With its cobbled streets, super shopping and glorious countryside surrounding it, no wonder the town attracts visitors from the world over, and fierce loyalty from locals.

So we’re delighted that Coppa Club’s Guildford Townhouse fits in well in this well-heeled High Street!

The Townhouse – Coppa Club Guildford. Photo credit: Toby Mitchell

A sleek sibling to The Georgian in Haslemere and The Swan in Streatley, Coppa Club’s Guildford base is a stylish and dynamic spot that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern flair.

Ladies that lunch and moochers who like a mocha are all assured of a warm welcome, with an inviting atmosphere that feels like it’s been designed for both casual meetings and cosy meals with friends. With warm wooden decor, ambient lighting, and lush greenery, life feels a bit more rosy once you step inside! In fact, it’s a place where you could easily spend hours without noticing the time fly by.

The Townhouse – Coppa Club Guildford. Photo credit: Toby Mitchell

The menu is a vibrant mix of crowd-pleasers and inventive dishes. From crispy fried squid with a zesty sriracha mayo to the indulgent buttermilk fried chicken with pickled red cabbage, there’s something to satisfy every craving. For those looking for lighter fare, the spiced aubergine salad with whipped ricotta, za’atar, and pomegranate is fresh and exciting. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting over the weekend, the brunch menu is a must-try, with options such as crushed avocado and eggs or mouthwatering buckwheat pancakes (think coconut yogurt, berries, and maple syrup… or bacon for the savoury lovers).

Let’s not forget about the drinks. The cocktail list is full of playful twists on the classics. Ever tried a pear & ginger margarita or a tiramisu martini? You’ll be wondering why you never had them before. The cocktail bar on the top floor is the perfect spot to soak in the lively vibe while enjoying expertly crafted drinks.

The Townhouse – Coppa Club Guildford. Photo credit: Toby Mitchell

But what really makes Coppa Club stand out is the service. Friendly, attentive staff make you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in, and with a vibe like this, you’ll likely be back for more. Whether it’s for a quick bite or a long, leisurely evening, Coppa Club is the kind of place you won’t want to leave.

Plan your visit

The Guildford Townhouse, 58-62 Highstreet, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3ES

Find out more on the Coppa Club website

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Author Alice Fowler at Cranleigh Library

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Guildford inspiration for short story collection The Truth Has Arms and Legs

Event details

Award-winning local author Alice Fowler will be speaking at Cranleigh Library on March 20th from 6-7pm. Alice will discuss her collection of short stories, The Truth Has Arms and Legs, local inspiration and her path to publication. Tickets cost £3. Book at Cranleigh Library or email cranleigh.library@surreycc.gov.uk

Guildford’s Literary Legacy

Here she explains how Guildford has provided plenty of inspiration for her books, including new short story collection The Truth Has Arms And Legs.

For creative types, there’s something about Guildford… Lewis Carroll (the Rev Charles Dodgson) famously completed Alice Through the Looking Glass while staying with his sisters in the town. Comic novelist PG Wodehouse was born here (though he soon left for Hong Kong and, later, America). Novelist Kazuo Ishiguro lived in Guildford from the age of six:, recalling a land of puddles, squashed hedgehogs and branches scraping the roof of his double-decker bus.

Alice Fowler’s Inspiration

While I certainly don’t count myself among these literary greats, I too have drawn creative inspiration from living here. My debut short story collection, The Truth Has Arms And Legs – published in July and attracting great reviews – would never have been written without my love for Guildford and the nearby Surrey Hills.

Let me explain. When I arrived in Guildford ten years ago, a career as a print journalist meant the editing muscle in my brain was far too big and critical. As a writer, I was blocked.

Discovering the town’s rich history and landscapes changed all that. For writers, there’s a physical benefit in connecting with our neighbourhood: the link between the steps we take out walking, and the rhythm of our words.

My story Dancing in the Grass describes what happens when a woman’s search for wild orchids takes a sinister turn. It’s entirely fictional, but the germ of the idea certainly comes from the orchids I see on my frequent walks on Merrow Downs. Another prize-winning story, The Race, draws inspiration from local history. Three years ago, I chanced on a news feature about the gypsies (as they were called then) living at the Hurtwood, close to Peaslake, in the 1920s. Surrey County Council provided the community with a “school on wheels” and the uneasy relationship between the gypsies and villagers helped me find the “voice” for that story.

Developing Your Writing

For anyone interested in developing their own fiction writing skills, I warmly recommend creative writing classes. Surrey Adult Learning runs classes in Guildford and Woking, while the Guildford Institute offers weekly workshops. Attending and reading out one’s work, as well as hearing other writers read theirs, is an invaluable experience.

For myself, walking up Guildford’s wonderful granite-setted High Street, I find it hard not to imagine the people who once walked this way before me. My historical novel, currently under way, draws on the lives of two real-life characters in Victorian Guildford and reimagines them in unexpected ways.

Wherever you live – whether it’s history that inspires you or gritty urban life – dig deep into your local area. You’ll be surprised at the wealth of inspiration waiting to be found.

Buy The Truth Has Arms And Legs, published by Fly On The Wall Press, at flyonthewallpress.co.uk, Waterstones and Amazon.

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Nathalie Beauvillain Scott’s Faces of Guildford 

Karen Neville

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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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Guildford welcomes Bird & Blend Tea

Karen Neville

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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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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival features 16 events across 14 venues and is celebrating the best in UK and local jazz and soul from September 4th through to October 17th

Guildford Jazz has always been about bringing the best, established UK jazz artists to Guildford. Why go to Ronnie Scott’s when you can have the same experience in Guildford?

Its first jazz and soul festival naturally includes many of the sort of artists who you could see at major venues and festivals across the UK. Headline acts include Natalie Williams Soul Family, who make a rare appearance outside their monthly sold out residency at Ronnie’s, and Bill Laurance, the five times Grammy award-winning pianist and founding member of Snarky Puppy.

Other national artists already booked to appear include jazz pianists Jason Robello and Gwilym Simcock, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi and the Organisation, rising jazz stars vocalist Emily Masser and saxophonist Alex Clarke, BBC Radio Jazz Records Requests presenter Alyn Shipton talking about his latest book and performing music from the Jerry Mulligan Quartets as part of the Guildford Book Festival, The Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and guitarist Pete Roth.

Guildford Jazz’s founder, jazz bass player Marianne Windham explains why now is the right time for the festival. It was decided four years ago to organise the first locally curated Guildford Jazz Festival but just a week before it started lockdown hit. Since then Guildford Jazz has continued to grow and thrive.

It has teamed up with venues such as the Boileroom and The Stoke and attracted audiences at outdoor events and festivals and prides itself on being part of the community and having a reputation as one of the leading jazz clubs in the country.

She continues: “There are many lovers of live music locally who are still unaware of the world class music available on their doorstep. Rather than sit back and wait for them to stumble across us, we thought we would take the plunge and commit to a major high-profile festival to bring great live jazz and soul directly to music lovers who may not have heard of us, in venues across Guildford and in the streets, churches, restaurants, cafes and bars, wherever they normally hang out.

“We hope that the festival will bring the joy of live music to new listeners, bring more people back into the centre of town and be the next step in our journey to make Guildford a UK hub of creative live music.”

Many of the events are free. More information about Guildford Jazz, the festival and how to book tickets at Guildford Jazz

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Step out with Guildford Walkfest

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Walkfest, the month-long celebration of walking, invites you to get out and explore Guildford and the surrounding area

Now in its 18th year, Walkfest is a community project run entirely by volunteers which acts as an “umbrella” to bring many groups together and promote walking, learning and enjoyment. 

Walkfest is designed to get people of all ages and abilities out and about, in and around the beautiful town and surrounding countryside. Whether you are looking for short informative walks, long rambles or anywhere in between, Walkfest has something for you. 

There are over 40 walks for you this year with a number of new locations, routes and providers. 

The festival starts on September 1st with the opportunity to discover the ancient yews of Newlands Corner and finishes on 30th with a walk up to Merrow Downs. 

The month-long event also invites you to take a stroll around Little Compton, discover the Guildford story on a guided walk, observe birds on a stroll around Ockham Common, take a circular walk along a section of the historic River Wey Navigation, explore Worplesdon & Merrist Wood, take a CAMRA countryside pub walk between Wanborough and Godalming or how about Chilworth Gunpowder Mills and beyond or you can explore Whitmoor Common. 

For the full list of walks and details, visit guildfordwalkfest.co.uk 
Walkfest couldn’t run without support from Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Dragon, C & H Marketing and Surrey Hills Society.  They say a big “thank you” to the organisations and individuals who have contributed to the programme. 

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Foodies Festival at Stoke Park

Karen Neville

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Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Foodies Festival in Stoke Park, August 30th to September 1st, with a celebration of food, drink and music

Top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music are coming to Guildford for the first time with Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza courtesy of the Foodies Festival 2024.

Watch MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes in the La Española Chefs Theatre. Among those taking part are Alex Payne who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal and now has the Michelin starred The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters, Egham. Channel 4 Sunday Brunch bread expert Jack Sturgess, aka Bake with Jack and former MasterChef winner Druv Bhaker will also be showcasing their skills.

Learn how to make show-stopping cakes in The Pots & Co Cake & Dessert Theatre with expert bakers. Great British Bake Off stars will share their best baking hints and tips live on stage with easy to make recipes that are as delicious to look at as they are to eat.

Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours and meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions and food challenges! Kids can have fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre.

At the all new cook school, get hands-on in an authentic Thai Green Curry Cook School session with MasterChef star Yui Miles. £25 per person (45 min sessions).

The Flavour Town Fire Stage will host demonstrations of amazing fire-cooked recipes all day long, such as Louisiana Cajun Chicken, salmon cooked to perfection and Cowboy Butter Tomahawk Steak. Pop along anytime you want to and stay for a taste – you won’t want to leave!

Kicking off the live music on Friday night is Symphonic Ibiza taking you on a journey through the legendary sounds of the White Isle fusing iconic Ibiza dance anthems, live vocals, a sensational DJ and an amazing live orchestra. Close your eyes and you could be back partying in Ibiza. Kathy Sledge headlines on Saturday, 31st August. The singer, songwriter, author, producer, manager, and Grammy-nominated music icon is the signature voice in Sister Sledge known for anthems such as We Are Family. Blue round off the weekend on Sunday, 1st September. Formed in London in 2000, the four piece have sold a phenomenal 16 million records, scored multiple number one hits and collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars including Elton John and Stevie Wonder, as well as winning two BRIT awards.

Guildford – Foodies Festival

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