Published Thursday, 19th February 2026
We can confirm that Arts Takeover will be back for its fourth year to celebrate art and culture in and around Redhill.
Launching on Saturday 5 September, the 2026 festival will take place a month earlier than usual and features an exciting new drama initiative.
Arts Takeover provides a feel-good, cultural boost to the town centre through a vibrant programme of free and low-cost performances. It also inspires people to get creative themselves – whether it’s having a go at something new or re-discovering past hobbies. From fine art to storytelling; disco dancing to DJing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Arts Takeover 2026 opens with a special performance by local young people of Redhill Rising, an original song celebrating Redhill’s evolving identity through music, drama and community collaboration.
Other highlights include the return of the Battle of the Bands, with Redstart Community hosting a hotly contested showdown between talented local musicians. It will also introduce Write Out Loud – a feast of new writing rooted in the local area.
Write Out Loud
In collaboration with local partners, the Council is calling for writers and performers from across East Surrey to take part in a brand-new initiative to share original stories from fresh local voices.
Write Out Loud will give budding writers a platform on which to showcase a 15-minute extract of their work in Redhill town centre on the opening day of Arts Takeover 2026.
The work could be at any stage of development from an original concept right through to a complete work. It could be a solo or group piece; written for TV, theatre or radio; but it must have a connection to East Surrey.
Make sure you save the dates
Cllr Shelly Newton, Executive Member for Culture, says: “Arts Takeover has become a much-anticipated annual event that sees Redhill buzzing with creativity and possibilities. You could stumble into a flash mob, discover a talent you never knew you had, or end up dancing in the Belfry. Whatever you get up to for Arts Takeover, you’re sure to be entertained.
“This year I’m particularly excited to see the 15-minute dramas from new and emerging local playwrights. As we’re looking forward to a future as part of a wider East Surrey we want to share stories from across this area, whether they’re funny, bold, moving or unexpected. So, if you’re a budding writer, this could be your chance to have your work performed in front of a friendly Redhill audience.
“There’s still much to do before September but save the dates in your diary and listen out for further announcements about Arts Takeover 2026.”