This spring, Waverley Borough Council is supporting the wider business community with a diverse mix of cultural activities happening across the borough. Culture is being used as a driver to increase high street footfall, bring in new visitors, support existing events such as the artisan markets and increase the attractiveness of our towns. The programme of events has been made possible with funding through the Government’s ARG fund (Additional Restrictions Grant)
Last month saw the return of the monthly Surrey Hills Artisan Markets in Cranleigh organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership with Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce. With their next market taking place this Saturday 2 April, the atmospheric market will showcase Surrey Hills Artisans including local food, drink, arts and crafts. There will be live music and entertainment throughout the town including children’s entertainment from The Shed of Stories and visual folk theatre ensemble Glimmer Theatre.
Also this Saturday in Godalming, the cultural journey continues with the Spring Festival taking place from 10-4pm organised by Godalming Town Council. There will be stalls in the town centre, an array of mouth-watering artisan street food and drink, local farm produce, as well as street entertainment from internationally acclaimed street performers Circa Rum Ba Ba.
This Easter sees the launch of three Family Activity Trails taking place in Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere. Families will be able to play (for free) on an illustrated activity trail that celebrates each town, bringing to life its heritage and taking them on a journey of discovery. Families are invited to head to the start of the trails, pick up a free activity sheet and embark on a short walk following colourful vinyl stickers adhered to the pavements. Along the way, children will be invited to undertake creative activities.
Waverley Borough Council Economic Development, and Cultural Services teams, have been working in partnership with Godalming Town Council, Godalming Library, and A Line Art to develop these trails which will be in situ until June for families to enjoy.
Councillor Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, said: “As we all start to recover from the impact of COVID-19, it’s vital that we support the wider business network to encourage people back into our town centres with an array of cultural activities, events and markets. We hope families will enjoy and explore what Waverley has to offer this spring from culture, arts venues and museums to a wide range of local independent businesses.”
The calendar of events continues during the Easter holidays. For further information about the activities taking place this spring, please visit:
https://www.farnham.gov.uk
https://godalming-tc.gov.uk
https://haslemeretc.org