Published Monday, 14th September 2026
Redhill Arts Takeover, now in its fourth year, brought the feel-good factor into town between 5th and 12th September.
The week-long festival is developed and organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in recognition of the power of art and culture.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Biggs, said: “The Redhill Arts Takeover gets bigger, bolder and better each year thanks to the fantastic efforts of all the local artists, organisations and businesses that support it. It shows how much creative talent we have in the town and the power of art and culture to bring people of all ages together, improve wellbeing, and support a thriving town centre."
Redhill Arts Takeover opened with an inspirational performance of original song, Redhill Rising, from Nikki Franklin’s People’s Choir with support from the Include Choir. This was the first of more than 40 events that took over venues across the town centre and spilled out onto the streets and throughout the Belfry shopping centre.
Other highlights of the opening Saturday were three spectacular walkabout performances from 13-foot puppet, Eko the Sea Giant. Brought to life by five puppeteers from Autin Dance Theatre, Eko greeted people young and old and joined in with colouring and dancing.
Throughout the afternoon, the Redstart Community Stage attracted hundreds of visitors to stay and enjoy the live music from local musicians as well as Ska legends, Potato 5 and The Deltones.
Jody Reid, General Manager of Posadero Lounge, which provided an outdoor bar and BBQ for the occasion, said: “The team and I had a great day helping to host the stage, which was also great for business. We had a record-breaking day for sales and so many compliments from guests who loved the music and Eko the puppet.”
General Manager of the Belfry Shopping Centre, Andy Nash, added: “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback and lots of extra smiling faces. Our visitor numbers were up 35% on the same Saturday last year and it was our busiest day in the last six months.”
Arts Takeover continued with sold-out performances from headliners such as Blur drummer, Dave Rowntree, and popular author, Ben Aaronovitch. There was also a triumphant return of the Recycled Fashion Show, which saw 11 designers turn junk into funk with a creative flair and strutted their stuff down the Unit 45 runway in front of a packed audience and four eagle-eyed judges.
Winner, Max Pollard, said: “It’s great to be part of Arts Takeover – bringing a community together and bringing art to people. It’s an amazing thing.”
Other opportunities for local people to get creative themselves included popular art workshops, such as Neon Life Drawing, and activities such as a Spoken Word Cafe. Any costs for performances or activities were kept as low as possible, with charges designed to cover expenses.
More photos of the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myrbbc/albums/72177720335506855/