Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival promises a vibrant celebration of community and culture

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Is jazz your jam or is soul more your scene? Let the music move you at this year’s Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival running throughout September 2026.

From Guildford Castle to local cafes and bars, the smooth, sultry sounds of Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival will play out in the vibrant town-wide showcase of world-class music when it returns for another year.

Opening up the festival on Thursday 3 September are The Steve Waterman Octet who are celebrating Miles (Davis), one of the most iconic and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz. Join the all-star line-up at Guildford Pavilion to celebrate this legend.

Salsa and Latin jazz comes from The Mantecas on Saturday 5, who’ll be entertaining with their high-energy performance in the surroundings of Guildford Castle. Take along your favourite tipple and a picnic and join the party.

Alan Barnes and David Newton serve up a very special lunchtime concert on Monday 7 at The Guildford Institute, before on Friday 11, there’s a change in tempo at The Boileroom from Dele Sosimi who is at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene, combining a blend of complex funk grooves, traditional Nigerian music and African percussion with an underlying sense of jazz.

Hejira, a seven-piece band fronted by vocalist Hattie Whitehead, are Celebrating Joni Mitchell at the University of Surrey on Friday 18, while there’s a welcome return for Guildford-born saxophonist Iain Ballamy to Guildford Pavilion on Wednesday 23.

The final main event of the festival comes at St Nicholas Church on Friday 25 when the CK Gospel Choir entertain with their outstanding close harmonies and infectious energy.

The festival also includes several free events at various local venues, a particular highlight being the return of the Alvar Tree Frogs on Saturday 19 for an afternoon of joyous New Orleans jazz in the historic courtyard of Abbots Hospital in Guildford High Street.

There’s also a jazz cocktail hour to enjoy with Jo Fooks and Deirdre Cartwright at Guildford Townhouse, on Sunday 6, the Debby Bracknell Quarter at Cosy Club on Thursday 10, a night at Shardana Italian restaurant with the Varley Parker Quintet on Monday 21 and acoustic soul and jazz from Emily Windham Quartet at Roges Bar on Saturday 26 September 2026.

The Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival brings the joy of live music to new listeners and old friends while supporting local venues across town in this celebration of community and culture.

For more details or to book tickets for paid-for events, visit guildfordjazz.org.uk.

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BBC Radio 4’s The Archers celebrate 75 years with a very special national tour – here’s how you can get tickets

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama celebrates its 75th anniversary with a brand-new live theatrical experience at G Live.

Experience the village of Ambridge as you’ve never seen – or indeed heard – it before in Guildford this September when The Archers: Live at 75 comes to G Live for a special theatrical experience.

This new live production brings the beloved iconic radio drama out of the studio and onto stages across the UK. Hosted by award-winning comedian and Archers devotee Angela Barnes, each performance features a cast of four actors alongside Vanessa Nuttall, The Archers’ live sound-effects specialist.

Broadcasting six times a week to five million listeners, The Archers follows the everyday lives, loves, and dramas of residents of Ambridge, the fictional village deep in the heart of the English countryside.

A cornerstone of the British cultural landscape, the show has chronicled seven decades of significant social and cultural changes and events in Britain. It is one of the BBC’s most popular programmes and the top on-demand show for listeners.

The Archers: Live at 75 brings the drama out of the studio and onto the stage. Set within a playful reimagining of the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, the evening combines behind-the-scenes insight, archive material, quizzes and a look at how the programme’s distinctive sound world is created in real time with specially written episodes acted out on stage.

See the action at G Live on Saturday 5 September 2026 from 8pm.

For more information or to book tickets, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/en-GB/event/other/the-archers-live-at-75-tickets.

Image © Steve Ullathorne

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How GASP Motor Project is helping Surrey young people find confidence through hands-on learning

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

From motor mechanics to teamwork and problem solving, discover how GASP Motor Project is helping Surrey young people who have struggled with mainstream education find a new route forward.

GASP Motor Project (GASP) is a dynamic, forward-thinking education charity based near Guildford.

From its origins in 2005 providing evening activities for local youngsters who had been engaging in anti-social behaviour including car theft and joyriding, GASP quickly expanded to deliver daytime sessions in hands-on motor mechanics, registering as a charity in 2009.

This year GASP has supported more than 670 youngsters across Surrey, including at many local schools across Guildford and Waverley.

The charity runs 38 courses a week and two evening youth clubs at its main workshop near Albury and via three fully-equipped mobile vans.

Students referred to the charity have often been out of mainstream education for several years. They may be permanently excluded, school refusers, or involved in criminal activities.

They earn certificates for skills accomplished, creating portfolios to demonstrate their commitment and achievements.

Activities are ‘hands-on’, involving teamwork, problem solving and communication – building positive wellbeing and self-confidence. Students learn about two- and four-wheeled vehicles and two- and four-stroke engines.

This year it is expanding to accommodate more students, helping to decrease the number of NEETs.

More at gaspmotorproject.org.

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RHS Garden Wisley is offering free EV charging for a week this August

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Electric vehicle drivers heading to RHS Garden Wisley can charge for free for one week as the Surrey garden celebrates the launch of its new 32-bay charging hub.

RHS Garden Wisley is giving electric vehicle drivers an extra reason to visit this summer, with a week of free charging planned to mark the opening of its new EV charging hub.

The new facility, delivered in partnership with RAW Charging, is now live and will offer free EV charging from Monday 24 to Friday 28 August 2026, giving visitors the chance to top up their cars while exploring one of Surrey’s best-known gardens.

The new hub has 32 dedicated charging bays, including 24 fast chargers offering up to 22kW and eight rapid chargers capable of up to 50kW. It is located just off Junction 10 of the M25, making it a handy option for visitors travelling to Wisley from across Surrey and beyond.

The free charging offer is available through the RAW Rewards programme rather than via contactless payment. Drivers will need to sign up to RAW Rewards and use the ChargePoint app to access the offer.

The new installation forms part of a wider rollout of EV charging across the RHS’s five UK gardens, which will eventually provide 90 charging bays. The organisation says the investment is part of its ambition to become climate positive by 2030.

The launch also comes as RHS Garden Wisley continues to encourage visitors to make more sustainable journeys, with improvements to walking routes and public transport access being developed alongside Surrey County Council and local transport operators.

Once the launch week is over, the new charging bays will continue to provide an additional option for EV drivers visiting Wisley, with standard charging available through RAW Charging.

For more information about visiting RHS Garden Wisley, visit rhs.org.uk/wisley.

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New children’s summer book festival brings stories, creativity and family fun to Watts Gallery

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Award-winning authors, illustrators and interactive workshops are coming to Watts Gallery this summer as the inaugural Children’s Summer Book Festival celebrates books, creativity and the joy of reading.

Families are invited to step into a world of stories, imagination and creativity this summer as Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village hosts the inaugural Children’s Summer Book Festival from 23 to 29 August 2026.

Featuring a packed programme of events with bestselling authors and illustrators, the new festival promises a fun-filled day of storytelling, drawing, music, hands-on workshops and interactive performances designed to inspire young readers of all ages.

Among the highlights is a magical session for aspiring wizards with First Class Wizard and A.J. Wood, bestselling creator of the acclaimed Ologies series. Nature lovers can enjoy an enchanting butterfly workshop with author and illustrator Jonny Lambert, while little artists can join award-winning picture book creator Emma Dodd for an interactive draw-along inspired by her much-loved Love You books.

Music and laughter are firmly on the agenda too, with children’s poet and musician James Carter leading an energetic hour of songs, riddles and rhymes. Meanwhile, illustrator Alex Milway will host a lively sea shanty singalong, penguin draw-along and even teach families how to dance the hornpipe.

Young explorers can discover fascinating insect facts with Yuval Zommer, creator of The Big Book of Bugs, while Adam Stower will reveal the inspiration behind his latest picture book, Little Acorn. Budding astronauts can also blast off with author Catherine Cawthorne during an interactive session based on We’re Moving to the Moon.

At the heart of the festival will be a giant bell tent transformed into a magical children’s marquee on the Gallery Lawn, complete with family games and a pop-up serving drinks and ice creams. Visitors can also explore the nearby Verey Playwood, while the Watts Café and Shop will be open throughout the day.

Perfect for young bookworms and curious minds alike, the Children’s Summer Book Festival promises a memorable day of stories, creativity and outdoor family fun.

Tickets are available now via wattsgallery.org.uk/events/childrens-summer-book-festival.

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Shrek the Musical comes to G Live as 100 young performers take centre stage

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

More than 100 talented young people will bring the magic of Shrek the Musical to Guildford’s G Live this August, as the venue’s hugely popular Summer Youth Project returns with its biggest production yet.

More than 100 young performers are set to light up the stage at G Live this summer when the venue’s annual Summer Youth Project presents the spectacular Shrek the Musical on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August.

Following the success of last year’s production of Annie, this year’s cast of local performers aged eight to 18 has spent two weeks rehearsing with theatre professionals to bring the much-loved musical to life in a full-scale production.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical follows the adventures of everyone’s favourite reluctant ogre as he sets out to rescue Princess Fiona, joined by the ever-entertaining Donkey and a colourful cast of fairy-tale characters. Along the way, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, memorable songs and a heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance and discovering that true beauty comes from within.

Now in its fifth year, G Live’s Summer Youth Project has become a highlight of the local arts calendar, giving aspiring performers the chance to experience every aspect of producing a professional musical. From auditions and rehearsals to performing on G Live’s main stage, participants develop confidence, teamwork and valuable theatre skills while creating lasting memories.

The production is the project’s most ambitious yet and showcases the incredible talent of young people from across the region, making it a fantastic opportunity for audiences to support the next generation of performers.

Perfect for families, musical theatre fans and anyone looking for an uplifting summer day out, Shrek the Musical promises colourful costumes, energetic choreography, show-stopping songs and plenty of fairy-tale fun.

Performances take place at G Live, Guildford, on 14 and 15 August. Tickets are available now and are expected to be popular.

Book tickets and find out more at: https://trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/en-GB/event/creative-learning/summer-youth-project-presents-shrek-the-musical-tickets

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Guildford Fringe Festival returns with comedy, theatre and family fun

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

From laugh-out-loud comedy and thought-provoking theatre to live music, cabaret and family entertainment, Guildford Fringe Festival returns this September with an eclectic programme of affordable performances across venues throughout the town.

Guildford Fringe Festival is all about making great arts accessible for all and now in its 13th year it is continuing that tradition.

The open-access multi-arts extravaganza spreads across an eclectic mix of venues from traditional pubs and historic churches to Guildford Institute and a nature reserve.

The Back Room of The Star Inn serves as the festival’s hub once again with highlights including Juliette Burton: Villain Era, Adam Flood: Life and Death of the Party, Michael Brunström: William Tell versus the Algorithm, Jack Barry: Let’s Get Barried and Comedy Shomedy. Fans of improv will find plenty too including Adult Panto [Unscripted], CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and the galaxy-brained Space Planet Mission: The Improvised Sci-Fi Epic.

This year’s theatre includes Alan Bennett’s celebrated monologue An Englishman Abroad and Lady Bracknell’s Confinement, a reimagining drawn from the world of Oscar Wilde. Gothic literature lovers are in for a treat with One Man Poe: The Black Cat and The Raven, and Christ Church Guildford provides a fitting setting for From the Dawn of Time to the Last Battle. The line-up also includes the intimate drama Behind Closed Doors, the unsettling Ghost Light, and Pandora: The Musical which is an original rock/folk retelling of the Greek legend.

Music fans have plenty to look forward to with the annual free concert Opera on the Balcony and Café De Swing bringing jazz to Clandon Wood Nature Reserve. Cabaret fans can enjoy Glitter, Guilt and Good Intentions at the Fallen Angel Bar, Keys and Tease, and the cheerful irreverence of Vince Taylor: Punk to Pension Plan. The Rock Choir takes over Guildford High Street once more, and there’s a free community UkeJam at the Britannia Pub.

Younger audiences are catered for with The Wow Bubble Show for Kids at Clandon Wood Nature Reserve and The Smallest Sardine of the Seven Seas at The Stoke Pub. In Juliet’s Garden by Judy Elliot McDonald brings original outdoor theatre to Clandon Wood.

Charlotte Wyschna, Managing Director of Guildford Fringe, said: “The 2026 programme is one we’re really proud of. There’s so much variety and so many brilliant performers coming to Guildford this September. At the heart of everything we do is a belief that great arts should be accessible to everyone, and this year’s programme is a real reflection of that.”

Special thanks to Guildford Fringe’s sponsors and supporters, Chapters Financial, Experience Guildford, Churchmill and Kellys Storage.

Most ticketed shows at Guildford Fringe are priced at £12, and several events are free. For the full programme, visit: guildfordfringe.com or call the Box Office on 01483 361101. During the Festival, there will be a daily Box Office at The Star Inn, Quarry Street, from 6-7pm.

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Great Pottery Throw Down star to host exhibition in Guildford

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller explores British colonial history at Watts Gallery until Sunday 28 June 2026.

From crowns to lampposts, piggybanks to rum bottles, ceramicist Rich Miller uses familiar objects and symbols to ask questions that spark conversations.

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller is the first solo exhibition by the artist, who is also well-known as a judge on Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

More than 100 works feature in the exhibition which delves into his own mixed-race heritage and explores British colonial history, examining the complexities of migration and lasting cultural influences that have, for many years, inspired the artist’s practice.

While respecting their beauty, Rich considers other resonances: the crown and its links with empire, the lamppost and the recent ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign. His work asks questions that are intended to spark conversations around these issues, while promising no answers.

Rich said: “Much of my work explores British colonial history and my place in it. I have a real fascination with social history and the way we interact with objects, and the hierarchical structures that exist. All of the individual pieces I make ask the questions that I’ve always been thinking myself, such as how was British society formed, how was the wealth created and why am I, as a mixed-race person, here in Britain?”

“I’m delighted to be presenting this work at Watts Gallery, a place I’ve known for years. As a student in Farnham, we visited Watts Chapel and the Gallery, and when Watts Gallery was restored in 2010, Froyle Tiles was commissioned to create tiles for several spaces.”

A graduate of Surrey Institute of Art and Design (now UCA), he spent 20 years of his career at the helm of Froyle Tiles, the bespoke Surrey-based stoneware tile company.

All work is for sale with profits supporting the Art for All community learning programme.

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Give retired hens a forever home – before Friday

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Zoe Gater

Could you offer a loving home to some joyful characters? Friendly, curious, and surprisingly affectionate, hens make brilliant pets – and they reward their keepers with the occasional fresh egg too.

This spring, the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is offering a special opportunity to give 200 ex-commercial laying hens the retirement they truly deserve.

On Sunday 12 April 2026, the Guildford rehoming event will welcome these resilient hens into loving new families – but their next chapter can only begin if animal lovers register by 2pm on Friday 10 April.

After spending their first 18 months producing eggs for supermarkets without pause, these hens’ commercial careers are over. Yet they still brim with curiosity, personality, and affection – ready to bring joy and warmth to those who open their hearts to them.

BHWT wants people to know that these gentle, funny, and curious birds make wonderful companions – with personalities as distinct as any pet cat or dog.

Andy Hill from the BHWT says: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

If you’d like to welcome some feathered friends into your home, register by 2pm on Friday 10 April to attend the rehoming event on Sunday 12 April.

To adopt, visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click ‘adopt’ next to your nearest location, or call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.

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GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Zoe Gater

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Guildford

Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

Want to go to the biggest party in Guildford this summer? Join disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and legendary Scottish duo The Proclaimers as they headline the 26th Guilfest.

You won’t need to walk 500 miles and there certainly won’t be any ‘crying at the discotheque’ at the party of all parties – you won’t want to miss out on this hit with tickets available now for the perfect start to your summer.

Alongside Sophie on the bill on Saturday are Rudimental, The Lottery Winners, ABC, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Echobelly, Elvana, Old Time Sailors, Uncle Funks Disco Inferno, Phats and Small, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Daft Funk Live, Tankus, Bob Marley Revival and The Rock Choir.

Bringing the music before The Proclaimers on Sunday’s lineup are Kula Shaker, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, The Bootleg Beatles, Hugh Cornwell, The South, The Smyths, Letz Zep, Gavin Thomas, The Dolly Show and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, huge beer tent, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing and drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Oh, and did we mention it has been voted Best Family Festival in the UK? Proving that it really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

If Guilfests of previous years have been anything to go by having featured Simple Minds, Pulp, Madness, Aha, Paul Weller, Motorhead and James, you won’t want to miss this year’s musical extravaganza!

A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets are available now and will only be available until they run out. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be.

Payment plans options are available.

Book your tickets at guilfest.co.uk.

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