Godalming highlights: summer 2018

8th June 2018

From a quirky duck race and dog-friendly festivities, to al fresco music and food festivals, Surrey’s ancient market town of Godalming is full of enticing activities this summer.
 

(Image credit - Godalming Town Council)

Food

On Saturday 7 July, the internationally-themed, free-to-attend Godalming Food Festival takes over the town of Godalming. It’s a place to find everything from Thai treats, to Spanish paella and a traditional French market. There are tasters and samples to be found across the range of foodie stalls, while tipples span from local beers to artisan French wines.   Godalming’s Sing O Lingo will be kicking off the festival with some ‘make and take’ food – with free goodies for the first 20 children to attend – while live music and entertainment will be going on throughout the day, as well as free Punch and Judy shows.

The last Saturday of every month also sees Godalming Farmers’ Market come to town – a tradition that is continuing with gusto throughout the summer. Expect everything from baked goods, deli foods and meats, to chutneys, cheeses and cakes.

Music

Godalming’s Staycation Live Festival is back for another year from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 August. Now in its eighth year, Staycation Live has become one of Surrey’s most popular and fastest growing music festivals. Venues around Godalming will be hosting music events throughout the weekend, with various stages and a range of musicians popping up in Phillips Memorial Park for bigger events. As well as music, there’s everything from bouncy castles and craft stands, to micro-brewed beer and food stalls.

Music in the Park Godalming is also running all the way through until 9 September, with regular concerts and music events being held in a stunning location alongside the River Wey. Most concerts take place at 3pm on Sundays and with everything from Motown to brass bands, there are genres to suit all musical tastes. The special Proms in the Park event is also happening there on Saturday 8 September from 5pm.

Art, history and culture

A hub of arts, crafts and creativity, Godalming has a thriving calendar of cultural events this summer. A focal point for much of this is the Godalming Museum, where three Surrey artists are exhibiting from 12 June to 7 July. Godalming Photographic Club’s Annual Exhibition also takes place at the museum from 10 to 28 July, featuring competition-winning work. August is ideal for younger visitors, with the Enchanted Garden summer holiday exhibition and activities providing plenty of creative pursuits for the little ones.

For a slice of local culture, visitors should head over to Boarden Bridge this summer too. This ancient bridge fell into disrepair and closed in 2016, but thanks to The Peter Caudle Memorial Trust, the bridge was recently repaired and reopened. A wooden footbridge where many generations of Godalming locals have played Poohsticks over the River Wey, this is a place to soak up some of the area’s local history.

Another spot celebrating local history is the Jack Phillips Memorial gardens and cloister, in the Phillips Memorial Park next to the River Wey. The area commemorates the life of the Godalming local and wireless operator who died aboard the Titanic. Pick up a leaflet of the Jack Phillips trail from the Godalming Museum for a recommended walk around Godalming inspired by the life of Phillips himself. The route also takes in the new blue plaque dedicated to Jack at the place of his birth in Farncombe Street.

(Church Street, Godalming - Image credit - Godalming Town Council)

Out and about

For those who like to get involved in new and sometimes quirky activities, Godalming has it covered this summer too.

The Great Godalming Duck Race takes place on Saturday 23 June. For the event, the rotary club sells rubber ducks for £1 each before hundreds of them float off down the River Wey, with a number of ducks winning their owners prizes for their efforts!

Godalming’s show for dog-lovers – Dogalming – is also taking place this summer for the second year in a row. Saturday 11 August will see a dog takeover at Aarons Hill Recreation Ground, where people will be shown tips and tricks for exercising and working with their dogs. There will be a demonstration of assisted dogs by Canine Partners, while various pooches will be in the running for prizes too, ranging from Best Puppy and Best Veteran, to Best Dressed, Best Family and Best in Show, with prizes sponsored by Nestle Purina.

And finally, wander around Godalming town centre this summer to experience the best of the town’s shopping. The town recently took part in the Compete on the Street Awards, where 40 Godalming businesses were visited by mystery shoppers. With the majority being awarded gold, silver or bronze awards – Godalming visitors are in for a shopping treat this summer. Shops that came out top include the Ashley & Lewis paint store (in Farncombe), Catwalk boutique, COOK, Godalming Food Company, the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Shop, Jewelled and Little Angel Shoes.

While you’re out wandering, look out for the abundance of gorgeous blooms that are taking over Godalming this summer too, which have been introduced through the Floral Godalming project, with funding from The Peter Caudle Memorial Trust.

Find out more about Godalming

Read our other summer 2018 related stories:

Inside look: Denbies Wine Estate this summer
Beaverbrook: a sublime summer in Churchill's Surrey bolthole
Woking Food and Drink Festival 2018: the lowdown
North Downs Way: celebrating 40 years of a stunning walking trail