Newsletter - Wed 18 Jun, 2025

By David Grantham

Cultural matters dominate this issue, with the upcoming Reigate Summer Festival, the ongoing Surrey Artists Open Studios, and deliberations on how to move forward at the Harlequin. But first, news in brief.

News in brief

Gatton Park Road, the important link between Reigate and the A23, reopened earlier this week after being closed since 6 January for gas mains replacement work. Work will continue on site which may require temporary traffic management, SES Water have said (Abre numa nova janela), adding: “The support and patience shown by the local community has been appreciated while this work has taken place and we apologise for the inconvenience it has caused.”

A Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar, La Parranda, has opened at 38A High Street, Reigate, the former home of Thai Taste, offering “authentic food, hand crafted cocktails & lively DJ vibes”. “Dive into our curated menu of street-style dishes, house-made cocktails, and classic Mexican favourites,” says La Parranda’s website (Abre numa nova janela). Thai Taste closed as a restaurant on 31 May, announcing beforehand its transformation into “something new and exciting”.

WH Smith in Reigate High Street is among the stores being rebranded TGJones, with a signage application (Abre numa nova janela) submitted to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. TGJones is a name that was invented (Abre numa nova janela) after the WH Smith chain was bought by Modella Capital. The WH Smith name will still survive in some locations such as train stations and at airports.

Views are wanted on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s draft greenspaces strategy (Abre numa nova janela), which aims to protect and enhance over 3,200 acres of parks, commons, and countryside. Sites include Reigate Heath, Redhill and Earlswood Commons, and over 70 parks, 24 allotment sites and 3 cemeteries. The strategy highlights the vital role green spaces play in supporting health, wellbeing, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The consultation closes on 13 July 2025.

Following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Hornbeam Road, Woodhatch, on Thursday 5 June, a 37 year-old man has been charged (Abre numa nova janela) with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and failing to report a collision. He will appear at Guildford Crown Court in July.

Together for Surrey is a new online platform to support sustainable living. Launched by Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey, the website (Abre numa nova janela) aims to offer practical tips on saving money, boosting health, and protecting nature.

Pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Linkfield Lane, earlier this year took part (Abre numa nova janela) in Feet First: Walking Training, a road safety initiative delivered by Surrey County Council to help children walk more safely and confidently in their area. The session coincided with the recent safety upgrades outside the school, such as the new zebra crossing, removal of parking bays and a widened footway. Across Surrey, Feet First training (Abre numa nova janela)has already helped 6,100 children this academic year.

Reigate’s big cultural weekend: something for everyone

The Reigate Summer Festival runs this Friday - Sunday (20 - 22 June), offering music, drama, dance, comedy, film, art, literature, history, fashion and workshops at venues across the town.

“Reigate Summer Festival is a celebration of the town’s creativity, a weekend of mainly free entertainment for the local community and beyond. The festival pulls together the town’s abundance of creative and cultural talent into one unmissable event in and around the town centre,” say the organisers.

Locations include four stages in the town centre: in Reigate Tunnel, by the old town hall, in Cage Yard and in Reigate Methodist Church. They’ll offer live music across a wide range of genres, as well as dance and other arts.

Among other venues, the upstairs of Caffè Nero (the old town hall) will host an exhibition from Reigate Priory Museum, historic photographs will be on display at Reigate Library, and the Everyman Cinema has screenings of work from local independent filmmakers.

Book signings, writing workshops and children’s activities are just some of the other events taking place.

The festival ran for the first time last year, and has its genesis in New Music Fest which began in 2014.

“This year you can look forward to a bigger Fringe Trail, more shops and venues taking part and a fantastic atmosphere as the whole town comes out,” say the organisers.

A schedule of what’s going on and when - sortable by category, venue and date - is on the festival’s website (Abre numa nova janela).

The Planet Reigate podcast (Abre numa nova janela) has also previewed the festival in its most recent episode.

Surrey Artists Open Studios celebrates 25 years of creativity

Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS) is marking its 25th anniversary.

Running until 22 June, more than 250 artists are welcoming visitors into 152 studios across the county, offering a glimpse into their creative worlds.

From painting to sculpture, ceramics to jewellery, SAOS includes exhibitions, workshops, hands-on experiences and artist trails.

What’s open when and where can be found on the SAOS website (Abre numa nova janela).

Harlequin reopening options being explored