Arts Takeover returns to Redhill this October

The week-long festival of the arts, curated by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, will run from Saturday 4 October and aims to create a ‘feel good’ factor in the town and surrounding area.

The first Arts Takeover burst onto the Redhill arts scene in October 2023 as part of the Council’s long-term strategy to boost physical and mental wellbeing. This year’s festival will continue to provide low cost or free performances by local artists alongside opportunities for people to be creative themselves and try something new.

New for this year, will be an Arts Takeover stall at Redhill Market on Saturday 4 October and a recycled fashion show on Tuesday 7 October where you can strut your sustainable style. The popular community art exhibition for young artists will also return in partnership with the Lucy Raynor Foundation.

Taster sessions will include dancing, drumming circles and a Bollywood extravaganza, as well as sketching, improvisation and horror writing workshops. The full line up of performances from local musicians and bands is still being finalised, so watch this space.

Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture says: “The borough is home to a huge amount of creative talent. Arts Takeover is about encouraging everyone to get involved – whether that’s as a spectator or a budding artist - so I recommend you sign up for a workshop and support our local performers.

“It’s exciting to see the Arts Takeover developing year on year and going from strength to strength. I want to thank all the local organisations, artists and venues taking part. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the local arts scene and discover something new about Redhill and its surrounding area.”

The full programme for the 2025 Arts Takeover will be confirmed later in the summer and tickets will be on sale from 1 August. Most classes will cost between £5 and £15 with prices designed to cover professional fees only and kept as low as possible. Many performances will be free of charge.

Local venues taking part in Arts Takeover include The Light, Florries Café, Redhill Library, St John’s Community Centre and The Garibaldi Community Pub. Here are some events taking place at The Belfry Shopping Centre to start thinking about over the summer:

Community art exhibition

Young artists aged between 10 and 25 years are asked to submit a portrait for the 2025 gallery in association with the Lucy Rayner Foundation. Submissions must be received by 30 September and the ‘This Is Me’ exhibition is due to run from 4 October at The Belfry Shopping Centre. Full details can be found at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/arts-takeover  

Redhill ReRunway: the recycled fashion show

Redhill is asked to strut its stuff on Tuesday 7 October, 6 to 8pm at The Belfry Shopping Centre Community Stage. The town’s first fashion show will be a celebration of community and sustainability and everyone aged 13 and over is invited to be a catwalk model and showcase their sustainable style.