Category: Entertainment

Arts Alive Arts Festival Now On!

Mole Valley’s Arts Alive festival is underway! Throughout October, Mole Valley is home to 135 artistic and cultural events for people to come and experience. Nearly half of these events will be either free, or under £5 to attend. More good news is that you won’t need to wait until October to get started! Arts Alive kicked off with two big launch events in Dorking and Leatherhead that were free to attend.

You can now browse and book sessions you would like to join via the Arts Alive website here. There are plenty of activities for families as well as evening events, and there’s truly something for everyone whether you’re looking to spectate or perhaps try your hand at something artistic! We want everyone to feel empowered to try something new at Arts Alive this year and find a passion that might grow into an exciting new hobby for years to come! Some interesting highlights for this year include:

      • Come and Sing St John’s Passion at St Martin’s Church with Leith Hill Music Festival – 11 Oct
      • The Magic of Bees – Rituals Workshop with The Wild Bee Company – 25 Oct
      • Come and Try Acro, Ballet, Musical Theatre or Tap with Lisa Allen Dance & Arts (LADA) – 4 Oct
      • A number of fascinating talks and events at the newly renovated Pippbrook House including a wine glass painting class and a talk on the work of Agatha Christie.

Helping to promote this year’s festival is Magic Radio presenter, as well as Surrey local, Jack Pepper! One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, national radio broadcaster and featured in HM the King’s “35 under 35” list, Jack can now add “2025 Patron of Arts Alive” to his list of accolades, joining such luminaries as Dame Judi Dench, Lorraine Kelly and Gyles Brandreth.

cllr Nick WrightMVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Community Assets Cllr Nick Wright said: “It’s great to see Arts Alive return in 2025 with a huge variety of cultural activities for people to experience. Supported by Mole Valley District Council, the Arts Alive Festival committee has worked hard to organise a packed itinerary of events for everyone in Mole Valley to enjoy. Whether you’re building on existing interests, knowledge or skills, or would like to experience something new, I highly encourage you to take a look at the programme online and book yourself a place!”

Arts alive now on

PAW Patrol-Themed Land Opening Spring 2026

Leading UK family theme park, Chessington World of Adventures, has announced a major new partnership with Paramount Location-Based Experiences and global preschool powerhouse, PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment.

The London attraction will launch a themed, immersive land comprising four thrilling rides -including an entry-level ‘my first rollercoaster’ – play areas, and interactive character ‘meet and greet’ events. Guests will also enjoy a dedicated food and beverage outlet and picnic space, plus a customised retail store.

The new must-visit destination for preschoolers and their families, targeting children aged two to five years old, will be the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land. Representing a multi-million pound investment, with a 1.4 acre footprint, the new land will also be Chessington’s largest preschooler attraction.

PAW Patrol, the top-rated preschool series in the UK and globally, follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of heroic rescue pups who are ready to save the day. Whenever there’s trouble, pups Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker are ready for action, no matter what comes their way. With a mission to work together to keep Adventure Bay safe, no job is too big, and no pup is too small. Since launching on Nickelodeon in 2013, the franchise has expanded with consumer products, two feature films with a third coming up in 2026, and live events including PAW PatrolTM Live! in the UK this summer. PAW Patrol is produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airs on Nickelodeon, Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Paramount+ in the UK.

PAW Patrol-themed land opening in 2026
The new attraction will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in vibrant landscape theming with the land’s storytelling drawing on the role of the pups in the community, demonstrating purpose and everyday heroism. PAW Patrol’s values of teamwork and friendship resonate with parents and children and support families on their preschooler journey. These themes will come to life in the immersive experience at Chessington, with messaging around emotional and social engagement integrated into the fun. This aligns with Chessington’s core purpose for its guests – driving valuable connection between parents and children while they enjoy family-friendly thrills.

A PAWsome 2025 at Chessington
Children don’t need to wait until 2026 to meet their favourite pups. Families can begin to immerse themselves in PAW Patrol at Chessington from spring 2025. Pups Chase, Skye and Rubble will be on site helping to oversee the construction of the new land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters in a brand-new PAW Patrol Meet and Greet experience opening for May half term, from 24th May.

From this summer, PAW Patrol fans can enjoy a ‘pawfect’ short break when Chessington’s Safari Hotel opens an exclusive collection of five themed rooms – the first and only PAW Patrol accommodation in the UK. And in September, Marshall will join his pup pals to launch PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure* – an action-packed day of fun including a pup-tastic park trail, the opportunity to meet the heroic pups, and access to 20 magical preschool rides and attractions.

PAW Patrol themed land opening Spring 2026

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director of Chessington World of Adventures, said:

“Our purpose at Chessington is to be the UK’s greatest place for young families to create lifelong memories​. As one of the world’s leading pre-school brands – delighting children across the globe with the stories of Adventure Bay – the power and appeal of PAW Patrol is unparalleled. It’s a great privilege to join forces with Paramount to create this immersive land – the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol themed land – to provide magic and excitement for our young guests. We can’t wait to welcome the pups to Chessington World of Adventures. As the pups would say, Chessington is ready for action!”

Marie Marks, SVP, Global Experiences at Paramount, said:

“We are so excited to see the iconic PAW Patrol brand come to life at Chessington World of Adventure, and incredibly pleased to be partnering with Merlin Entertainments to bring these beloved pups to their first fully themed land in the UK. Chessington World of Adventures and Nickelodeon have a deep commitment to creating entertainment that families can enjoy together, and we are delighted that this new themed land will immerse young visitors in their very own PAW Patrol adventure.”

Visit www.chessington.com/paw-patrol

*PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure runs from 3rd to 26th September mid-week during term time. Day tickets start from £29 per person.

Happy Birthday Vampire Ride at CWOA

UN-BITE-LIEVABLE! VAMPIRE ROLLER COASTER AT CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES CELEBRATES 35 YEARS.

Chessington World of Adventures is celebrating 35 thrilling years of its legendary Vampire roller coaster by giving away a fang-tastic 100 fast tracks!

Fast track passes – worth £60 per person – will be awarded to the best-dressed little vampires and their families visiting on Friday 11th April

Chessington World of Adventures’ iconic ride, Vampire, is marking an incredible 35 years next Friday 11th April.

As Europe’s first ever suspended roller coaster, which first took flight in 1990, the London theme park’s Vampire roller coaster has thrilled millions, and cape-tivated visitors with daring drops, swooping turns and eerie theming throughout.

To commemorate this mystical milestone for one of the nation’s favourite rides, the attraction is hosting a special weekend of celebrations, including giving away 100 free fast track tickets worth £60 per person.

Kids aged 6 to 15 are invited to come to the park dressed to thrill, donning their finest vampire attire*, to be in with the chance to win ‘Ultimate 8’ fast track access to Chessington’s top rides, including Croc Drop, Mandrill Mayhem and the iconic Vampire.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures said: “Vampire is one of those rollercoasters that everyone knows and loves. It’s one of our most popular coasters, and what makes it so special is the nostalgia it brings. Every day we have visiting parents (and even grandparents!) reminisce about riding it when they were young. And now they have the opportunity to take their kids on one of their childhood favourite rides. This big birthday weekend is a fantastic opportunity for families to create more unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to see our park filled with the excitement and creativity of our youngest guests.”

“This special offer serves as a thank you for three and a half decades of support, ultimately making Vampire a cherished part of our attraction history.”

Over the Vampire birthday weekend (11th-13th April), Chessington World of Adventures will be in spooky festive mode. Wild Woods will be transformed into a gothic garden party and Violet, Chessington’s much-loved vampire bat character, will be making a special appearance to meet with children every morning.

John Wardley – one of the world’s leading rollercoaster creators – is the mastermind who designed the iconic Vampire coaster for Chessington back in 1990. On the milestone birthday, John commented: “It is incredible to see the lasting impact Vampire has had over the past 35 years. From initially writing to Chessington Zoo’s director with the idea to transform the attraction into a theme park, to being the first to ride the Vampire track, the process and making-of Vampire has been a thrilling adventure in itself.

“I have always been fascinated with illusions and special effects, and this was something I really wanted to bring to life with Vampire – giving riders the opportunity to be fully immersed in the adventure. It was this inspiration that ultimately led to the revolutionary suspended track – with Vampire being the first roller coaster of its kind in the UK. It’s inspired coasters globally since.

“It brings me immense joy to know Vampire continues to delight and inspire new generations.”

Vampire hangs at 70 feet, soaring through the skies, swooping over the rooftops of Wild Woods and flying through the treetops with speeds of 45 miles per hour. The ride’s height restriction starts at 1.1metre.

For those with an undying love for Vampire, looking to ride it for the first time, or simply joining the celebrations at Chessington, head over to chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday for details of the fast track giveaway and what’s on over the birthday weekend.

*To qualify for the offer the child must be dressed in a recognisable Vampire costume – this will be assessed at the discretion of the Chessington ticket office team

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Come to the Safari Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures at 10.15 on Friday 11th April to take part in the contest (Chessington’s Admissions team will direct you from the entrance gates)
  • Entrants should be dressed in a recognisable vampire costume
    The competition is open to children aged 6 – 15 years old, accompanied by an adult
  • Please note participants must have a pre-booked Chessington ticket
  • Each winner will receive four Ultimate 8 Reserve and Ride passes for themselves and three additional people. Up to three children can be part of each group of four. Each group must include at least one adult over 18 years old. Free passes are limited to a total of 100 fast tracks

    See full terms & conditions at chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday

Wild Noises & Animal Voices

Wild Noises & Animal Voices: Britain’s Got Talent sensation Geneviève Côté comes to Chessington World Of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort has announced a new interactive wildlife-themed show like no other: ‘Wild Noises & Animal Voices’. Professional ‘noise maker’ and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 star, Geneviève Côté, will be joining families at the London theme park and zoo on 27 June 2024 to captivate guests with her incredible animal impressions. Making the journey all the way from Canada, Geneviève is gearing up to learn some new animal noises from some of Chessington’s zoo residents.

Many children’s toys and books focus on animal noises.. but roars and ribbits aren’t just fun and games. Imitating these simple sounds plays an important role in early speech and language development and can help to enhance children’s cognitive skills[1]. Parents can support their children by using animal sounds, whether in play or reading a book. And when children hear those animal noises in real life, in nature or at a zoo, it can help them develop a deeper understanding of the world.

So family favourite, Chessington World of Adventures, is inviting parents and children alike to level up their animal noises with a hands-on masterclass. Putting her unique vocal talents to the test, Geneviève will be barking along with the California Sea Lions, and working on her neigh with the Grévy’s Zebras. She will also be joined by zookeepers who will provide fascinating facts and insights about all the animals Geneviève mimics. It will be a fun and interactive experience the whole family will go wild for.

Guests can oink, chirp, and neigh their way through this one-of-a-kind event on 27 June 2024. Performances of Wild Noises & Animal Voices will take place throughout the day and are included in a day ticket, starting from £29 per person, with access to the theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. For more information visit chessington.com.

Jack Stein and others at FeastyFest

JACK STEIN, DEAN EDWARDS, MIRA MANEK & MORE ANNOUNCED FOR FEASTYFEST LIVE DEMO KITCHEN. MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS, MASTERCHEF FINALISTS AND BROADCASTING STARS TO APPEAR AT SURREY FESTIVAL 

Independent Surrey food & drink festival FeastyFest have announced a host of world-famous and award-winning chefs, who will be taking turns to cook up a storm in the live demo kitchen. A weekend of the best food, music and entertainment for all ages in the heart of Surrey, FeastyFest exists to provide families with an amazing but affordable festival experience while creating a platform for the area’s phenomenal food & drink producers.

Leading today’s announcement is familiar TV face and Chef Director of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurants Jack Stein. As well as regularly appearing everywhere from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Jack has also filmed several successful TV series himself, including Born to Cook: Jack Stein Down Under, Wine, Dine & Stein and Jack Stein: Inside The Box.

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Mira Manek & more announced for FeastyFest live demo kitchen. Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef finalists and broadcasting stars to appear at Surrey FestivalJoining Stein at FeastyFest is Bristol-born Dean Edwards who burst onto the culinary scene after reaching second place in the BBC’s 2006 edition of Masterchef. Since then, Dean has become renowned for his cost-cutting, accessible and family-friendly recipes, not to mention his cheeky personality, as resident chef-demonstrator on ITV breakfast show Lorraine.

 

Also popping up in the demo kitchen is Jeremy Hollingsworth who, having cooked under culinary icons like Anton Mossiman and Marco Pierre White, became Chef Director of three acclaimed gastropubs in London. Having collected accolades such as TimeOut Gastro Pub of the Year 2005 and Yorkshire Life Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2011 as well as gracing the Michelin Guide.

Elsewhere, inspired by the Gujarati flavours of her heritage, Mira Manek will be exploring the succulent secrets of her vegetarian and vegan Indian recipes that have featured in the likes of The Independent, Grazia and Waitrose Magazine, as well as on BBC Radio and in her latest book The Book of Chai, whilst highly-regarded private chef Renu Ballantine will be leading a masterclass in creating delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that champion local produce.

This lineup of some of the country’s finest chefs will be joining a full festival programme packed with music, sports, activities and much more for all ages. Previously announced for Feasty’s music euro-pop icons Vengaboys as well as the euphoric live-experience of The House and Garage Orchestra with The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Club Tropicana, The Dunwells, Ska Wars, All New Blues & Soul Revue and much more.

Already boasting an incredible array of independent and artisanal street food vendors, FeastyFest 24 have announce that the likes of Venezuelan Arepas from Avila, Korean Fried Chicken courtesy of Nimtoh, Oh My Dog’s infamous hot dogs and a double decker converted into a Fish and Chip Bus on wheels, will all be joining this unbeatable gathering of the very best local and international food.

With over 100 traders street food, produce and other traders set to attend the festival this year, FeastyFest have shared the first look at this year’s food & drink programme with League Of Fire’s world champion chilli eatingcompetition taking centre stage alongside Cocktail Masterclasses, Gin Tasting, Live Chef Demos, Wine Tasting, VIP Bar and the inaugural Golden Yorkie Roast Awards with more still to come.

Launched in 2018 by local event professionals looking to create a brilliant but affordable event for their hometown, FeastyFest has grown into Surrey’s largest independent food festival, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region.

With a huge programme covering everything from live-cooking demos, chilli eating competitions, wrestling, sports and a full music line-up on the main stage, the team behind FeastyFest hope to offer a cost-of-living busting festival experience with adult tickets priced from just £27.50 per day with under 12’s going absolutely free.

As a not-for-profit festival, FeastyFest is committed to supporting initiatives in their local community via their Feasty Community Projects. Supporting  both local charities and individuals, Feasty Community Projects has financially supported initiatives including days out for families of children with complex needs, Christmas dinners for the elderly in sheltered housing where government funding has been removed, a Secret Santa for struggling families in the community and life-changing mobility items essential to people’s jobs and careers.

Line Up For FeastyFest

Demo Kitchen

Jack Stein, Dean Edwards, Jeremy Hollingsworth, Mira Manek, Renu Ballantine

Food Traders

Bratwurst UK, Lisa’s Luscious Bakes, Wow Bao Club, Churros Ole, Barnyard Birds, Nimtoh, Churros Garcia, Street Food Spain, Tasty Affair Souvlaki, Tasty Affair Pizza, Ray’s Fusion Eats, Newdlez & co, Fish and Chip Bus, Greek Souvlaki, Angus Beef Burger, Hog Roast, Loaded Fries, Berlin Doner/German Sausage, Caribbean Hut, Uptown Flava, Oh My Dog, Rizz Events, Jaffna Kitchen, Meat and Bread, SoleLuna Pizza, The Chimney Baker, Baraka Falafel, Olivecorner, Avila

Music

The House and Garage Orchestra, Vengaboys, Kevin Davy White, Ska Wars, RPJ, All New Blues and Soul Revue, The Dunwells, The Dolly Parton Experience, Strictly UB40, Rockin The Joint, Mick Brown Club Tropicana, Corazon & more

Food & Drink

League of Fire – Chilli Eating Competition, Hot Pods Public Chilli Comp, Cocktail Masterclass, Gin Tasting, FeastyFest Kitchen – Live Chef Demo’s, Wine Tasting, VIP Area, Golden Yorkie Award and over 100 street food, produce and other traders

Activities

Water Wars, Swingball, Bushcraft, Bezerkas Circus, Outdoor Theatre, BEW Wrestling (live), Storytelling with the Fairy Bookmother, TicTac Skate School, Tree Climbing, Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Archery, Yoga Tots – Baby Zumba, ContaKids & Contact Improv, Arts and crafts, Wild About Britain and much more.

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Tickets for FeastyFest 2024 are on sale now with Under 12’s going free

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Mike Quinton, FeastyFest founder said:

“While we’ve got activities for the whole family, loads of live music and so much more, FeastyFest is still a food festival at heart and we take so much pride in our demo kitchen and food programme. To have people like Jack Stein and Mira Ramek coming to FeastyFest to cook their amazing food and share their incredible skills and experience with our audience is such an exciting thing. Outside of that, we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible traders joining us at the festival this year. We really can’t wait!” 

Jack Stein photo by James Ram

Bourne Hall Festival of Arts and Sustainability

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are pleased to announce Bourne Hall’s Festival of Arts and Sustainability will be taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May, 10am-4pm.

The free event promises fun for all the family, with a wide variety of environmentally-friendly and nature-based activities, entertainment, eco-friendly shopping and live music.

Creative Minds will be running art workshops to turn old plastic bottles into bird feeders and painting CDs for an art installation along the pond railings. Anyone willing to donate old plastic bottle and CDs for the workshop, should do so at Bourne Hall reception in the week before the festival.

The festival will also see the launch of the Seed Hunters trail, an interactive walk to teach about the plants and trees at Bourne Hall. The trail will guide visitors through the park, hunting for clues and marking off points of interest on the map provided.

Other activities include a sustainable craft market with practical demonstrations. The Flying Saucer Café will be serving a range of delicious food and drink.

Cllr Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee, said, “I’m very pleased to see the popular festival at Bourne Hall has returned for another year. It’s a wonderful way to bring the whole community together with creative and informative activities.

“This year’s theme is arts and sustainability, and I think the festival is a brilliant way to raise awareness of important environmental issues in a fun, family-friendly way. We look forward to seeing lots of members of our community at the event.”

Mystical May-hem at Hobbledown this Half Term

Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term

Where magic, dragons, and merry mayhem collide to create an unforgettable experience for all who enter. Prepare to be enchanted as we invite you to join us for the Merrydown Festival, a joyous celebration of Rumpletump’s older brother’s arrival and a spirited immersion into the vibrant culture of Hobbledown.
From thrilling dragon parades to whimsical fairy schools, Tipp’s Fab Lab to tantalizing jelly-eating contests, our festival promises a day filled with laughter, wonder, and endless adventure this May half term.
 
Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term
 
 
What to expect:
 
TIPP’S FAB LAB
Step into Tipp’s Fab Lab at the Merrydown Festival to explore inventions and the enchanting power of Hobbledown Crystallite and Magic. Experience swirling smoke, mesmerizing bubbles, and captivating displays of magic.

 
RUMPLETUMP’S JELLY CHALLENGE
Can the hobblers outdo Rumpletumps’s older brother’s record for devouring jelly in a minute? Gather round and witness as hobblers gather to see if anyone can surpass the record for devouring jelly in a minute.

 
DRAGON & FAIRY SCHOOL
Join the Hobblers as we immerse ourselves in the world of dragons and fairies. Discover the fundamentals and transform yourself into these magical creatures.

 
MERRYDOWN FESTIVAL
Bop along to the daily dance party! Learn our signature routine, groove to music, and enjoy fun activities like limbo, Conga, and bubble parties.

 
DRAGON PARADE
Get excited for the arrival of the Dragon’s at Hobbledown. Grab flags and streamers, chant and march, enjoy animal antics, and pop giant bubbles in celebration!

 
BIRDS OF PREY
Daily at 12pm and 3:30pm, watch a range of owls, hawks and falcons take to the skies at the Willows Birds of Prey Centre.

For more Information or To Book Click Link 
www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/mysterical-mayhem/
 
Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term