After what feels like the longest 16 months ever, a long cold winter, three lockdowns and a delayed summer we are ready more than ever for a fun summer filled with delicious food, plenty of drinks, laughter and quality time with family and friends! So we thought it would be fitting to give you some ideas of some local events taking place around Sussex and Surrey for you to check out!
Summer of Sound: After Hours
Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music, open-air cooking and spoken word as the twilight spreads over the wild, atmospheric landscape of Wakehurst in Ardingly, West Sussex. The event is also catered for kids if you wanted to turn it into a family fun day out. There are currently dates available for August, but we would recommend getting in there before there’s any chance of disappointment. Wakehurst, previously known as Wakehurst Place is owned by the National Trust and is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. It is a beautiful wild botanic garden, home to the Millennium Seed Bank and over 500 acres of the world’s plants right in the heart of Sussex.
Batts Hill Pop Up Gin Garden
If you are gin lovers much like we are then you will also love the idea of a gin festival! From now until September there are selected nights available at The Barn in Solo, Reigate. A fabulous secret gin garden location. It could make for a perfect place for pre-dinner drinks or perhaps a much needed night out with friends! The ticket prices include a 2-hour sitting, 2 gin cocktails of your choice from a menu selection as well as a grazing box. The event is being held by Batts Hills Surrey Gin who are a small batch produced, hand crafter and locally owned company, which is also Reigate’s first ever gin!
Borde Hill Gardens
Borde Hill Gardens in Haywards Heath, West Sussex is hosting various different events up until October 2021. Everything from craft shows, gardening clubs, a 10k run for Chailey Heritage Foundation, various live music events, wonderful summer trails, live opera, bushcraft, open air movie nights, plant fairs and much, much more! There is literally something for everyone, whether it is a day out for the whole family to enjoy or maybe an outdoor movie date for two! Borde Hill Gardens also have some stunning gardens, play areas for kids and an excellent restaurant- Jeremy’s and café right next door – Cafe Elvira owned by a lovely couple with 5 star customer service, atmosphere and of course food!
Guildford Beer Festival
Guildford Cricket Club is hosting its annual beer festival which has now been running for the past 11 years. Featuring over 100 casks of ale and craft keg beers sourced from around 25 independent and micro-breweries in Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and Berkshire. The beer line up is extremely varied, with many different ABVs, colours and different styles of beers (IPAs, best bitters, milds, porters, stouts, blonde ales, strong ales). In addition to the main beer bar, a second bar has a broad range of ciders, wines and gins from local producers along with soft drinks. Tickets are available to purchase for the 23rd and 24th July 2021.
Qatar Goodwood Racecourse
Usually known as the famous Glorious Goodwood. The event which has always been a truly fabulous and fun day out and having been many times in the past ourselves, it’s a great excuse to get dressed up in your best glad rags and spend a day in the sunshine with friends having a few drinks! Whether you are into your horse racing or simply looking for a lovely day out, the races is always a great experience. This event is running between 27th – 31st July 2021.
Goodwood Revival
Another amazing Goodwood event is Revival, which recreates the glamour of motor racing as it used to be. The Motor Circuit comes alive for the Revival, both on and off the historic track. The only historic race meeting to be staged entirely in period dress! The Revival sees a return to the halcyon days of Goodwood as the spiritual home of British motor racing. It’s a celebration of bygone days, vintage fashion and wheel-to-wheel racing around this classic circuit, which remains unchanged since its heyday. It’s an extremely popular event which takes place 17th-19thSeptember, however, be quick as tickets are already limited!
Sausage and Cider Night!
Mac’s Farm in Ditchling, Sussex is holding its 5th annual sausage and cider night on Saturday 17th July 2021! In recent years, the event has fully sold out so get in quick to avoid any disappointment this year! It’s a fantastic night filled with Bucklers Reel folk music and dancing, a delicious farmers BBQ with Old Oaks Poultry sausages, endless drinks and even camping if you’re planning to make a whole weekend of it! This is also a family event if you would like to bring the kids along to join in the fun!
Mud Monsters Run!
Are you into running? Or perhaps you enjoy challenging yourself? Maybe you are looking for an event to raise money for charity? The Mud Monsters Run is a 5k, 10k or 20k (double lap) challenging run in East Grinstead. The trail goes through the West Sussex countryside with many muddy obstacles on the way! Their runs are great value for money and every runner will get a free medal, free photos plus loads more! It’s about having fun but enjoying a good challenge over amazing terrain with a variety of natural and manmade obstacles. They have just about everything you need for an extra muddy run, woods, rivers, streams, craters, deep muddy bogs, and many more muddy surprises along the way!
Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Are you partial to a glass or two of the old vino!? Albury Vineyard in Surrey holds tours and wine tasting experiences. Starting with an introduction to the English wine scene, followed by a guided walk through the vineyards which overlook the beautiful Surrey Hills. Personally, I’m already sold! Your tour finishes seated in their tasting tent where you will be guided through a savouring of their award-winning wines. They will talk you through the wine making process and explain their ethos behind organic viticulture. Once your tour and tasting experience has come to an end, you are very welcome to stay for further wine, some bar snacks or perhaps a cheeseboard!
Summertime Live
The Urban Soul Orchestra/Dance music festival will be in both Brighton and Lingfield Racecourses. In recent years, this event has been extremely popular, and so tickets are selling out fast- you might not want to hang around! It’s an amazing evening event of live music, DJ’s, karaoke stages, lots of glitter and make up stalls, delicious street food and bars, plus plenty more. Basically everything you love and want from a summer music festival!
Whatever you decide your perfect summer event is, we would love to hear about it! If you are thinking of moving in Surrey and Sussex why not take a look at our property portfolio. We would love to chat with you about your dream home. We have offices throughout Surrey and Sussex so if you are thinking of moving just give us a call to book a valuation – we can’t wait to speak with you.