Surrey Day set to be 'biggest and best yet'

Surrey Day 2027 is set to be the "biggest and best" celebration yet, organisers have said, as they unveil next year's theme and date.

The ninth annual celebration of life in the county will take place on 8 May and be themed 'Inspirational Surrey'.

Organisers said the event would celebrate a county that has inspired generations of artists, writers, musicians and creative minds.

"Surrey has a rich creative heritage," they said. "HG Wells wrote The War of the Worlds while living in Woking, Lewis Carroll had strong ties to Guildford, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also made his home in Hindhead."

"The musical connections are just as impressive," they continued.

"Eric Clapton was born in Ripley, Paul Weller in Woking, and members of Queen, Genesis, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles have called Surrey home."

Mark Carter, who created the concept of Surrey Day, said "some really exciting plans were already in place to make Surrey Day 2027 the biggest and best to date".

"We will look to commemorate Surrey's remarkable history in the world of arts and entertainment," said the BBC Radio Surrey presenter.

"But [we] will also shine a spotlight on the people finding inspiration in the county today."

Visual artists George Frederic and Mary Watts made their home at Compton, according to organisers.

This is now home to Watts Gallery and the celebrated Watts Chapel - "part of a creative legacy that continues across the county", they continued.

For Surrey Day 2027, communities, attractions, artists, performers and organisations will come together to tell their stories and celebrate the places, people and ideas that make Surrey special, organisers said.

Surrey Day is led by founding partners BBC Radio Surrey, Visit Surrey and the Surrey Lieutenancy.

"Whether Surrey has inspired you to create, explore, perform, write, make music or simply see the world a little differently, we'd love you to join us," said Chris Howard, Chair of Visit Surrey.

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