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.

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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.

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

LINK

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

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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.”

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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 
 
Get ready for a week of mystical may-hem here at Hobbledown this may half term
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Veteran Cars return to Surrey Countryside

Veteran Cars Gear Up For Another Superb Summer Run. Thursday 18 July 2024 confirmed for the curtain-raiser to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

The Royal Automobile Club is delighted to confirm that this year’s eagerly-anticipated Summer Veteran Car Run will make a welcome return on Thursday 18 July.

The date was announced on the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run stand at this week’s Retromobile classic car show in Paris, where the Veteran Car Run team is engaging with many of the historic event’s European participants.

The jolly single-day Summer Run was established in 2022 to provide owners of pioneering pre-1905 vehicles with an opportunity to enjoy their cars in the run-up to the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run which, as tradition dictates, takes place on the first Sunday in November.

Having proven so popular with participants, the 2024 Summer Run will once again be based at the Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse, 350 acres of wonderful countryside adjacent to the Epsom Downs in Surrey.

The magnificent veteran cars will assemble on the Cedar Lawn for morning refreshments before a leisurely departure onto the quieter roads of rural Surrey and Sussex heading for a pit stop and a well-earned lunch in a secluded location.

Afterwards, participants can enjoy a gentle return run to Woodcote Park for high tea followed by a light-hearted concours with unusual judging criteria followed by the prize-giving. The day’s proceedings will conclude with alfresco drinks (weather permitting!), before the Club’s Executive Head Chef serves a summer feast in the historic Motor House surrounded by the Club’s heritage vehicle collection.

The unique appeal and significance of the London to Brighton Run regularly attracts more than 400 entries from all over the world. However, the Summer Run is open to just 30 petrol, steam or even electric pioneers, and July’s showpiece is certain to attract another full capacity of truly remarkable machines, all dating back 120 years to the dawn of motoring.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club“The Summer Run has proved to be a wonderful warm-up for the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and now is firmly established as one of the most enjoyable highlights on our calendar,” confirmed Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.

“The warmer weather of the Summer Run provides participants with a much more relaxed and sociable gathering at Woodcote Park, as well as a fabulous opportunity for veteran car owners to ready themselves and their cars for the main event later in the year. The camaraderie is exceptional and an ever-evolving route through the winding country roads will not only be enjoyed by the intrepid drivers and their passengers but also by those watching such a wonderful display of moving history.”

Full details of both the Summer Veteran Car Run and the 2024 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 3 November are available at the event website at www.veterancarrun.com.

Take a look at our video below from 2022

The 2024 Route

Take a look back at the event in 2022 by clicking on our video below. 

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Reigate St Mary’s Choristers Entertain Seniors

Choristers from Reigate St Mary’s and Reigate Grammar School invited elderly members of the Reigate community to join them for an afternoon of choral classics followed by tea and cake at St Mary’s Church Hall to brighten an otherwise grey January day

The Reigate Grammar School (RGS) Godfrey Searle Choir was established in the early part of the 20th century and is made up of pupils from Reigate St Mary’s and their senior school, Reigate Grammar. They rehearse four times a week in the original choir room, which is still an important part of Reigate St Mary’s School. They sing Evensong, which is open to everyone, twice a week at St Mary’s Church and they perform regularly at local and national events.

Reigate St Mary's Choristers entertain seniors with afternoon tea and songs

Over the years, they have entertained local residents many times with their inspiring singing and beautiful repertoire and on 25 January they were delighted to welcome more than 60 elderly folk from the surrounding area to an afternoon of song followed by tea and cake. RGS Head of Choral Music, Tali Glynne Jones, devised a wonderful programme which included choral classics and a sing-a-long with the guests, culminating in a rousing rendition of ‘Thank You for the Music’.

Afterwards, Mrs Glynne-Jones said, ‘One of the greatest pleasures of directing the choristers is being part of the outreach opportunities where the choir can interact and perform to others in the community who would not otherwise have the chance to hear them sing. I am always impressed with how freely and confidently the choristers chat with those who have come to hear them, helping to hand out refreshments and taking the chance to share stories. This is a mutually beneficial experience and a really rewarding thing to see.’

The event was organised by the Reigate St Mary’s Outreach Coordinator, Lesley Nicholson. She said, ‘We all really enjoyed being able to entertain such a wonderful group of local residents. Community Outreach is an important part of RSM’s values and philosophy and we love being part of joyful community events such as this.’

Reigate St Mary's Choristers entertain seniors with afternoon tea and songs

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New 10 Year Culture Strategy For Surrey

Published today, Surprising Surrey is a new ten-year strategy developed by the county’s cultural sector to champion and strengthen creativity, so that by 2034 Surrey is recognised as one of the country’s most vibrant cultural counties.

Created by Surrey Cultural Partnership – a collective of people working in culture and heritage in Surrey along with representatives from business, education, health, criminal justice and local government, who together share an ambition to champion Surrey as a leading cultural county – Surprising Surrey is the result of research and extensive consultation with the county’s cultural organisations, practitioners and stakeholders over a two-year period.  This identified an urgent need to promote and expand culture in Surrey, reducing barriers and increasing investment so that many more residents and visitors are able to benefit.

Surprising Surrey: Our Cultural Strategy & Vision 2024 – 2034 is the first cultural strategy for the county to be developed by Surrey’s cultural sector. It sets out a framework and action plan with four priorities:

    • Culture for Everyone, to increase access to culture for all, with a specific focus on reaching residents who encounter physical, social and economic barriers
    • Resilient Communities, recognising the role of creative encounters in strengthening communities and in supporting health and wellbeing programmes
    • County-wide Ecology and Infrastructure, encouraging collaborative working and ensuring that creative workspaces are integral to sustainable planning and regeneration schemes
    • Creativity as Enterprise, to nurture the creative economy in Surrey by attracting new business and investment

At a special launch event at The Horton Arts Centre, Epsom, Surrey Cultural Partnership announced a series of initiatives to deliver the strategy, including:

    • The development of a new Culture Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS)Research co-commissioned by Surrey Cultural Partnership and CFS identified that Surrey is significantly underfunded by national grantmakers and, given the financial crises facing a number of the county’s borough and district councils, local authority funding is under threat. The new fund will support improved quality of life and wellbeing for the most disadvantaged communities in Surrey by reducing barriers to transformative creative experiences.
    • The introduction of a Cultural Skills Bank and Volunteer Bank95% of UK arts organisations have less than nine employees[i]. The majority do not have all the required skills ‘in-house’ and they are reliant on time and expertise given by volunteers.   These Banks will facilitate collaboration and will strengthen the sector.
    • A new programme of youth-led activity to give young people a voice and to nurture creative leaders for the future.  Consultation with young people and education providers revealed county-wide dissatisfaction with the lack of information and support available to enter creative careers.  Amongst the initiatives will be encouraging increased youth representation at board level and establishing clear development pathways in the cultural sector.

Commenting, Perdita Hunt and Gavin Stride, Co-Chairs, Surrey Cultural Partnership, said:

Surprising Surrey is about championing what is already happening here, recognising that the county has much to celebrate.  But as we know and despite its reputation for affluence and privilege, Surrey has areas of deprivation and marginalisation that need addressing. This strategy is a response to those needs.  It is a rallying cry to all those who believe in the power and the impact of the arts in changing lives in our county.”

Marilyn Scott, author of Surprising SurreyMarilyn Scott, author of Surprising Surrey, said:

“During the extensive consultations over the last year some very clear messages came through – the need for better collaboration, networking and sharing of expertise; the importance of placemaking and the enormous contribution culture can make, the value of cultural activity to health and wellbeing in our communities, and of course the need for better support and funding. I hope all of these messages are reflected in the strategy and clear actions that Surrey Cultural Partnership will encourage.”

Dr Rebecca Bowden, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for SurreyDr Rebecca Bowden, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey, said:

“Our research into the current funding landscape for Surrey makes sobering reading. It is clear that for too long our county has been overlooked by a number of national funders. What is also clear though is the huge variety and vibrancy of the arts and culture sector in Surrey and we believe that there is therefore huge potential to come together to develop a new fund – by and for the sector.”

Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of New Philanthropy for Arts and CultureSir Vernon Ellis, Chair of New Philanthropy for Arts and Culture (NPAC), said:

“This excellent report underlines the importance of investment in the cultural sector.  This will require support from the local community (business, trusts and individuals) as well as from the public purse.”

“Our work at NPAC has shown that there is a real opportunity to raise new philanthropy for the arts on the back of the impact that the arts can make on health, wellbeing, education, and the community. This is best realised by heightening a commitment to place (which this report will do) and providing a framework to attract and funnel financial support (which the new fund will provide).”

Saj Hussain, Chair, Surrey County CouncilSaj Hussain, Chair, Surrey County Council, said:

“We welcome the launch of the cultural strategy and the work of Surrey Cultural Partnership, which is helping towards our vision of Surrey as a vibrant home of creativity.  We look forward to continuing to work together.”

About Surrey Cultural Partnership

Surrey Cultural Partnership is working to ensure that everyone in Surrey has the opportunity to participate in, engage with and contribute to extraordinary cultural activity, whoever they are and wherever they live.

Introduced in 2022 as a result of work undertaken by the Surrey Lieutenancy’s Arts & Culture Focus Group, Surrey Cultural Partnership was established to facilitate collaboration, to develop a cultural strategy and to identify opportunities for new investment.

Surrey Cultural Partnership is grateful to Farnham Maltings, The Borrows Charitable Trust, Surrey County Council and Andrew Wates OBE, DL for supporting an initial two-year development period.

To download the strategy: surreyculturalpartnership.com

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Fa-Boo-Lous Spooks Await At Chessington

Fa-boo-lous spooks await at Chessington World of Adventures Resort this Halloween. 

From Saturday October 7 to Monday October 30*, Chessington World of Adventures Resort hosts its annual Howl’o’ween event, with fang-tastic fun for all the family alongside its theme park and zoo, including a NEW trick or treat experience… Enchanted Hollow.

Enchanted Hollow

Deep underneath Chessington, a small underground town has been unearthed, which happens to be home to some whimsical and charming animals. Knock on the doors of the residents’ businesses and you may be lucky enough to be rewarded some sweet Cadbury treats from the townsfolk… but beware, some do play tricks as well.

Spook-tacular shows, rides at dusk and much more!

Explore Chessington at the spookiest time of year and encounter friendly ghosts and ghouls along the way, as well as the wicked Wild Witches of Adventure Point, as they return to the Resort to conjure up a devilish spell. Wilf the werewolf and Violet the vampire bat also make a triumphant comeback, as they put on a show in The Misadventures of Wilf. PLUS, Howl’o’ween LIVE promises to put on a spectacle that will get the laziest of bones moving.

Alongside all this, the Vile Villagers of Wild Woods return to lurk in the shadows of iconic rollercoaster, Vampire, in a scarily-good scare zone. Those brave enough can also take on rides at dusk* including NEW this year, Mandrill Mayhem – the world’s FIRST and ONLY Jumanji-themed rollercoaster, in World of Jumanji, alongside other fan-favourites such as Dragon’s Fury, Kobra and more.

Visit Chessington.com where Howl’o’ween tickets start from £37 per person – children under the age of three get in for FREE**. A spook-tacular visit can also be turned into an even spookier sleepover with overnight stays at Chessington’s two themed Hotels available too. 

*Howl’o’ween runs on October 7 and 8 and from October 14 to October 30, 2023 – open until 7pm on select dates

**Enchanted Hollow is an optional extra, with tickets starting at £8pp

Family Fun Galore as Under 18s Go Free

Family Fun Galore as Under 18s Go Free to a Day Packed with Entertainment

Epsom Downs Racecourse is getting ready for an unforgettable day of laughter, excitement, and entertainment as it presents the ultimate Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday, Monday 28th August. Packed with a kaleidoscope of activities for all ages, this event promises a day filled with joy and memories for the whole family.

Racegoers should prepare for an adrenaline rush, with an assortment of action-packed activities including Action Wheels, a climbing wall, Derby horse hoppers, crazy golf, and an exhilarating assault course. There are also Carnival elements throughout the racecourse, with a classic carousel or the thrilling helter-skelter slide.

All under 18s go free when accompanied by an adult, and there’s plenty to offer children of all ages, including those wanting to get creative. Throughout the afternoon, there will be sessions of hands-on biscuit decorating and skilled face painters while an expert balloon artist will craft amazing creations, chosen by racegoers.

On the track, and kicking off the racing action, over 30 vibrant mascots from all around the country will be taking part in the Mascot Race at 1pm. This fun-filled race is in support of The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with brain injuries.

Little athletes will have their moment in the spotlight with the chance for those under 11 to race on the famous Derby track, whilst football enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to learn from the best, as the Rio Ferdinand Foundation presents football skills sessions.

Tom Sammes, General Manager at Epsom Downs, commented, “Family Fun Day at Epsom Downs is one of the highlights of our summer, with something for everyone to get involved in. One of the best parts of the day is the opportunity for youngsters to run on the historic Derby track, a unique experience which only happens on this day each year.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Epsom community to our racecourse, with colour, face paint, bubbles and fun at every corner of the course. This truly is a day for all ages, and with under 18s going free, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Bank Holiday Monday as a family.”

For more information visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom where tickets are available to purchase from £19 per adult, with all accompanying children under 18 attending free.

Free The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023

Looking for something Free to do with the kids this summer?

Enjoy some time out with family and friends. Walk, roller skate, bike, use your scooter or even a pogo stick to hunt the woolly post box hats. During the summer of 2023, an amazing, colourful and fun, free public art trail has arrived in Carshalton providing a stunning must-see attraction for all to enjoy – and everyone is invited to enjoy the adventure! Your challenge is to find all 15 of them!

Share your adventure using #carshaltonpostbox and #thegreatwoollyhattrail2023

The Great Woolly Hat Trail Map will be available from

The Great Woolly Hat Trail 2023 map was released on 22ndJuly 2023. This can be used on your phone, tablet or printed from your computer

When is the Great Woolly Hat trail happening?

The Great Woolly Hat Trail starts on 22nd July and runs until the 14th September 2023.

Where is the Great Woolly Hat trail going to be?

Located within the stunning surroundings of Carshalton. Access to the River Wandle, Carshalton Park and Hackbridge Community Gardens are all close to the trail. Visitors can bring a picnic or support one of our many independent cafes while passing through Carshalton high street.

Who is behind the Great Woolly Hat Trail?

Carole Baker has been producing post box hats since December 2020. With a variety of themes produced over the last two years. Pepper Pig (and family), The Queen and Pokemon were amongst the most popular with residents and visitors to Carshalton. This trail is designed to give everyone a reason to get out and explore Carshalton and have some fun together.