What’s On in Guildford – Upcoming Events

Free guided walks take place from May to September each year with different themes, such as the Guildford Story, Hidden Guildford, Pubs & Inns, Lewis Carroll in Guildford and more. Due to popular demand, it’s advised you book a place in advance to avoid disappointment.

Guildford Cathedral has launched Tower Tours, offering a unique opportunity to climb to the top of one of Surrey’s most iconic landmarks. The ascent includes 249 steps and offers 360-degree views across Guildford and the Surrey Hills. Groups are limited to 15 participants and tickets cost £10.65 total.

If you enjoy low-pressure cricket paired with relaxed, supportive conversations about mental health and wellbeing, be sure to check out this free 10-week programme. The programme has been made possible thanks to Surrey County Cricket Club and funds raised at A Day for Thorpey, a Mind event held in memory of Graham Thorpe. Each week focuses on a different mental health or mindfulness topic.

Guilford Walkfest is taking place across Guildford and the Surrey Hills all throughout September with free guided walks, which are typically 1-3 hours in length. You can find the full schedule of walks on their website with details of timings, locations, guides, and suitably.

A Bereavement Café will be launching on Thursday 3 September at New Hope Church (Bellfields, Guildford, GU1 1JY) for those who have lost a loved one. The café aims to provide an informal safe space where people can connect and find support from one another on the first Thursday of every month.

The Guildford Fringe Festival is an open access, multi-arts festival, featuring comedy, poetry, music, theatre, visual arts, cabaret, exhibitions, children’s shows, workshops, and talks. Whilst many events are ticketed there are plenty that are also completely free.

Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) is putting on an art exhibition entitled Transformations, which explores the profound impact arts programmes have on the lives of the men at the prison, HMP Coldingley. Entry is free of charge, with the exhibition open daily from 8am to 6pm (7:30pm on Thursdays).

Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) will host Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons performed by the Mystery Ensemble. Tickets start from £20.

Guildford Cathedral’s (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) free coffee concert in September features Neil Crossland who is a pianist, composer, recording artist, and music educator. The event is free and includes hot beverages from 10.30am with the concert beginning at 11.15am.

Hosted by the Richmond Dog Show Society, the Richmond Dog Show will take place in Loseley Park (Guildford, GU3 1HS). The show will see over 150 different breeds compete from all over the British Isles. 

Showcasing the best local and independent makers and designers, Guildford’s Craft & Flea Market will take place at the Guildford Cathedral University Campus (GU2). Entry to the craft market costs £3 and you can purchase your ticket online.

This event is perfect for LEGO lovers and is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves building bricks. Here you can build your own masterpiece and also explore awe-inspiring creations by talented professional LEGO builders. There will also be rarer LEGO sets on sale. The event is taking place in Guildford at the Surrey Sports Park (Richard Meyjes Road, GU2 7AD) and tickets are £26.50.

Holy Trinity Church (High Street, GU1 3RR) will be hosting a flamenco show, featuring Rebeca Ortega-Ramon Ruiz, an internationally acclaimed dancer from Seville, Ramon Ruiz, a composer and guitarist from Granada, and Carlos Lobo, a renowned puro flamenco singer from Jerez de la Frontera. Tickets start from £21.98.

Table tennis enthusiasts of all ages may be interested in the Guildford Table Tennis Association’s free taster session taking place at Christ’s College (Larch Ave, GU1 1JY). The day is largely informal and unstructured but there will be some activities, such as ‘Round the Table’. Bats and balls are provided and the organisers ask that you dress comfortably in sports clothes and bring water.

Located on Guildford High Street, GU1 3AA, the Antiques and Vintage market is organised by ACVR Events and will feature antiques, vintage, collectibles, and retro items for sale.

Merrist College (Worplesdon, GU3 3PE) is opening their Rare Breed Survival Trust accredited farm to the public with free entry where visitors can come and meet all of their farm animals.

Striking Comic Con Guildford is taking place at the Surrey Sports Park (Richard Meyjes Road, GU2 7AD). Comic Con is the premier events for all things comics, popular movies, television, gaming, and more. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite character.

Space Safari: The Drone Light Show is coming to Loseley Park in Guildford (GU3 1HS). The event involves a large-scale cinematic drone light show, featuring hundreds of synchronised drones with narration by TV presenter, Michaela Strachan, along with live tribute acts, fairground rides, face painting, street food, and dog-friendly competitions. Ticket prices vary and are available to purchase on the official website.

The Therapy Garden (Manor Fruit Farm, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT) is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives who may be facing challenges. In September, they will be hosting an open day to raise funds for their charity with refreshments, activities for families with children, and the opportunity to purchase seasonal garden produce.

Popworld Guildford (Bridge Street, GU1 4SB) will be holding a Freshers event for students with DJs, dancers, exploding confetti cannons, free sweets, giveaways, cheap student drinks and more. Early bird tickets start at £9.38 and the event is limited to 18+.

Direct from London’s West End, join for an unforgettable night of Meat Loaf Anthems, performed in the beautiful Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) by candlelight. The event features a live cast of West End singers, along with a live rock band. Tickets start at £38.50.

Calling all fans of Bruce Springsteen! The Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) will host a night dedicated to Springsteen’s music, which will be performed by candlelight by live tribute vocalists and bands. Tickets start from £35, plus a booking fee.

The London Welsh Male Voice Choir and Holy Trinity School Choir are raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity with a concert at Christ Church Guildford (23 Waterden Road, Guildford, GU1 2AZ). The concert will include a range of music from traditional folk songs, church anthems, hits from films, and Disney music. Tickets are £25.

The legendary Discos for Grown Ups 70s 80s 90s Disco Party is coming to G-LIVE (London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AA) at the start of October. Expect a fun evening of dancing to the best 70s disco, 80s pop, and 90s dance classics. Tickets are £26.77 with early bird discounts available.

Be sure to head to the Guildford Harbour Hotel (GU1 3DA) for the Fountain Centre Fashion Show. The fashion show is in aid of The Fountain Centre, which is an independent UK charity inside St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford. The historic department store, Elphicks, will be providing all the clothes for the models and the models are all current or former cancer patients. Tickets are £25 or £10 for children under 12.

If you’re in the market for a Big Green Egg, you may want to head over to the BBQ Shop this October for their free event, ‘Eggtoberfest’. The event will include demonstrations of how to use the famous Big Green Egg with German-themed foods, like currywurst and strudel, draught lager, music, and prize draws.

Lockwood Studios (Westfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RR) is hosting a card-trading event where card collectors can swap, play and chill all afternoon. There will be 20 Pokemon trading tables, a retro games room, a food truck, and Pokemon face painting for the younger trainers.

The monthly farmers market takes place on the first Tuesday of every month on Guildford High Street. Vendors change week to week but you can expect items like fresh produce, bread, chutneys, and homemade goods.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is a 90-minute concert that includes covers of iconic rock and metal bands, such as Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Linkin’ Park, and more! The event will take place at G Live (London Road, GU1 2AA) and tickets start from £34.71.

Ollie Turner is a baritone, soloist and ensemble singer who will be performing for Guildford Cathedral’s (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) coffee concert in the month of October. Guests can arrive at 10.30am for complimentary coffee with the free concert beginning at 11.15am.

Big Shot Darts is hosting Guildford Oktoberfest Tent, which is a massive darts party with prizes, singalongs, dance offs, huge inflatables, dartboard bingo and more. The event will take place at Merrist Wood College (Worplesdon, Guildford, GU3 3PE).

Oktoberfest Guildford will include beer steins, German oompah bands, sausages, and pretzels. So, grab your lederhosen and purchase your tickets before it sells out.

Hosted by the Guildford Seed Bank at the Trinity Centre (5 Trinity Churchyard, GU1 3RR), the event will teach visitors how to save and sort seeds. There will be a talk by Rachael Davies from the Millennium Seed Bank, as well as a vegetarian/vegan lunch. Tickets cost £15.

Enjoy smash hits made famous by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, performed by one of the UK’s leading tribute shows, featuring an epic live band, by candlelight. The concert will take place at Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) with tickets starting from £38.50.

Featuring the UK’s leading Céline tribute, January Butler and her live band, expect to hear all the anthems, from My Heart Will Go On, Because You Loved Me to All By Myself all performed live by candlelight at Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP).

The Guildford 10k is taking place this October and will see the iconic cobbled streets of Guildford closed to cars to make way for runners. There will also be a 2k race for juniors. Whether you are running to help a charity or just to keep fit, the Guildford 10k provides a beautiful backdrop and a friendly, supportive environment.

Merrist Wood (Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, GU3 3PE) is hosting a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkin from a selection of over 2,000. The day will include special activities, the chance to meet their farm animals, and Halloween themed food and drink. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in wellies and fancy dress.

Guildford Cathedral’s Family Fun Day tends to be geared towards families with children aged 3 to 12 and feature craft sessions with October’s having an autumnal theme. Sessions are free, but booking is required when spaces are limited. Guildford Cathedral is located on Stag Hill at GU2 7UP.

Susan Calman, Scottish comedian, is back on tour with a new show entitled Tall Tales all about Cruising, driving tanks, cats, and getting older. The show, suitable for 14+, will take place at G Live (London Rd, GU1 2AA) with tickets starting from £35.

Performed by the Mystery Ensemble, Harry Potter fans can enjoy music by the famous composer, John Williams, from the Harry Potter films at Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP). Tickets start from £12.

Merrist Wood (Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, GU3 3PE) is putting on a Keeper Experience afternoon for kids aged 8-12 years old. At the event, kids can learn how to feed and water animals, how to safely handle a variety of animals, how to identify species, and they will also enjoy animal encounters with interactive sessions and outdoor activities (weather permitting).

Popworld Guildford (Bridge Street, GU1 4SB) will be having a Halloween event for students aged 18+ with fancy dress, live DJs, Halloween-themed performers, prizes for the best costume, a free trick or treat sweet stall, giveaways, and cheap student drinks. Tickets start at £8.30.

The Riding Lights Theatre Company will be putting on a production of the Selfish Giant at Guildford Cathedral (GU2 7UP) during the October half-term with two showings at 11am and 2pm. The story was written by Oscar Wilde and adapted by Jon Boustead.

The Gospel Experience, taking place at Guildford Cathedral (GU2 7UP), is an evening where an entire audience learns a song together, rehearses and then performs it live. Perfect for choirs or anyone who wants to improve their singing technique, the evening is led by Tim Uffindell and costs £26.

The Ripley Bonfire night includes a giant bonfire and a spectacular firework display with a funfair, food and drink stalls, and live music. The event takes place in Ripley, GU23 6BB, on the last Saturday of October.

There’s no set time or place for trick-or-treating, however, the sun sets around 4.30pm on Halloween and trick-or-treating traditionally starts around sundown. Please only visit homes that have clearly decorated and have their porch lights on. If you would like to pass out candy, it’s a good idea to put up some decorations up so trick-or-treaters know you are participating. As for the cut off time, we think 8pm is a polite stopping point (9pm at the very latest), but if you’re tired of visitors before this, simply put a sign up on your door to indicate you are finished. Be respectful, stay safe, and don’t forget to say thank you!

Remember, remember the 3rd of November where the monthly farmers market will take place on Guildford High Street. Meat, cheese, bread, vegetables, chutneys, baked goods, fresh herbs, oils and teas are just some of the many things you will find here.

Christ Church (Waterden Road, GU1 2AZ) in Guildford will be hosting an evening of Ludovico Einaudi’s piano music by candlelight performed live at 7pm and again at 8.30pm. Tickets start from £10 with a range of seating options available.

Winter Wellfest Guildford is a full day of wellbeing in all its forms, including aerial yoga, readings, spa treatments, journaling, dance fitness and more.

So You Want to Play Detective: Guildford is taking place at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (Millbrook, Guildford, GU1 3UX) and is a live interactive theatre show where the entire audience becomes the detective. Guests use their phones to crack the case in real time. Tickets cost £26.91.

Award-winning songwriter and vocalist, Em Bollon, will be performing at Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) for their monthly coffee concert series. Guests may arrive at 10.30am for complimentary coffee, followed by the free concert at 11.15am.

Guildford Castle on Castle Street, GU1 3SX will be host to Illuminate Guildford, which is a winter light trail where visitors can enjoy lights all around the castle and grounds. The trail itself only takes about 30-minutes and there will be festive drinks liked mulled wine and hot chocolate, as well as the opportunity to roast marshmallows. The event will take place from mid November to early January from 4-10pm with tickets including timed entries.

An Evening of Kate Bush will be performed live by a full band and string quartet in Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP). The orchestra will play Kate Bush’s music chronologically, including the popular hit, Running Up That Hill, popularised by Netflix’s Stranger Things. Ticket prices range from £26.66 to £46.13.

Conducted by Barbara Höfling, Vivace Chorus will be performing the Brahms masterpiece, Deutsches Requiem, at G Live in Guildford (London Rd, GU1 2AA).

Part of the Festive Family Fun Day, Guildford High Street, GU1 3YL will host a vegan market with market stalls featuring vegan-friendly items. Expect hot food items, skincare products, artisan food, eco-friendly gifts, and more.

Fans of Oasis will want to head to Guildford Cathedral (GU2 7UP) where the band’s top hits will be played by candlelight by tribute performers. Expect songs, such as Champagne Supernova, Live Forever, She’s Electric, Slide Away, Wonderwall, Morning Glory and more. Tickets start from £35, plus a booking fee.

Christmas at the Musicals will take place at Christ Church Guildford (23 Waterden Road, GU1 2AZ) and will feature songs from Phantom of the Opera, Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, and other classic musicals. Tickets start from £22.38.

Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. The mini concert will include performances by musicians with a variety of instruments, genres, and styles. The concert will be held at Guildford United Reformed Church (83 Portsmouth Road, Guildford, GU2 4BS) and costs £19.84.

Kick start your Christmas shopping at the German Christmas Mini Market hosted by the Guildford Twinning Association. The event will include German Christmas food favourites, such as Glühwein and delicious baked goods, along with a Tombola, a selection of Christmas gifts, toys, books and more. The event will take place at the Guildhall (High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AA) and admission is free.

The monthly farmers market on Guildford High Street is sure to have some extra vendors in the month of December with plenty of specialty items in time for Christmas.

What could be more Christmassy than listening to Michael Bublé Christmas music by candlelight in a beautiful cathedral? Featuring a Michael Bublé tribute act, the concert will take place in Guildford Cathedral (GU2 7UP) and will feature Bublé’s best loved Christmas covers, such as White Christmas, Santa Baby, Holly Jolly Christmas, and more. Tickets start from £40, plus a booking fee.

The Guildford Carol Concert at Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP) will be in aid of Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey, Sussex. The concert will include seasonal carols and music by local bands and choirs. Tickets are £20 for premier seating or £15 for listening seats.

The antiques market will be back in Guildford on Guildford High Street, GU1 3AA over two days with trade stands selling antiques, collectibles, and retro and vintage items with a Christmas theme. The market is put on by ACVR Events.

Guildford Cathedral (GU2 7UP) will be showing the film, The Snowman, based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs with a live orchestra playing alongside the film. The movie and performance is just one-hour long and there will be a special visit by the Snowman himself.

Vivace Chorus will be putting on a Christmas carol concert at the Holy Trinity Church on Guildford High Street. The concert will include a festive mix of traditional and contemporary music, along with classic Christmas carols. The event will be in aid of local Guildford charities.

Set in Guildford Cathedral (Stag Hill, GU2 7UP), this festive concert features a programme of much-loved classical tunes performed by Piccadilly Sinfonietta with concert pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith. Music includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and other festive music to get you into the holiday spirit. Tickets start at £22.38.

Join Vivace Chorus for a day of singing, led by their Music Director, Barbara Höfling. The event will take place at Guildford Baptist Church (GU2 4BE).