Surrey Day

A national celebration of everything that makes the county so special, Surrey Day returned for a second year last Saturday 2 May 2020 – recreated for an online audience that tuned in from all around the world.

Following last year’s inaugural celebration, which saw several-hundred special events taking place across the county, everything had to happen ‘virtually’ this time in respect of the lockdown. However, if anything, the day proved to be even more successful, as it meant people could get involved from wherever they were based – making it a truly global event.

Jointly hosted by the county’s tourist board, Visit Surrey, along with BBC Radio Surrey and Surrey Life magazine, there was everything from online tours of the county’s museums, galleries and attractions to special interviews, entertaining audio-clips and top tips for after the lockdown. People also took to social media to share their favourite local views – and, for the grand finale, Guildford Cathedral was lit up green, thanks to Peachy Productions, in homage to England’s most densely-wooded county. No wonder then that #SurreyDay was also trending on Twitter.

“It’s true that this was a very different Surrey Day from the one we had originally envisaged, but it also turned out to be just as special – and perhaps even more so,” says chair of Visit Surrey, Christine Howard. “By moving to an online celebration, with everything from virtual tours to special interviews and post-lockdown tips, we were able to reach an unlimited audience. So, even those outside of Surrey were able to discover all the things that make our county so special.

“Also, at this difficult time, I think it was very uplifting for people to be reminded of all the wonderful places that we’ll be able to visit and enjoy together, once this is all over.”

Throughout the day, BBC Radio Surrey provided ongoing coverage of the event as well as their own special programmes – including interviews with local celebrities about what they are most looking forward to about life after lockdown. For instance, Dame Judi Dench revealed that she can’t wait to see her friends at Priory Farm, in Nutfield, and visit the animals at the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield. Other well-known personalities, including musician Kenney Jones, actress Jenny Seagrove, X Factor finalist Scarlett Lee and politician Jeremy Hunt, also spoke of their love for the county.

In addition, the station hosted a ‘Virtual Stage’, featuring a variety of comedy, poetry and music performances from around the area, and teamed up with Local Food Britain to host a ‘Flavour of Surrey’ series highlighting the best local foods. There was also a fun county-themed quiz.

In-between all this, high-profile personalities, such as the High Sheriff of Surrey, Shahid Azeem, the Lord-Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux, editor of Surrey Life magazine, Rebecca Younger, and Professor Caroline Scarles of the University of Surrey in Guildford, shared their own unique perspective on the county.

“Despite having to take place online, I think this year’s Surrey Day was even more special in its own way,” says Professor Scarles, who is also a director of Visit Surrey. “This year, not only were we celebrating the people, places and stories that make our county so special, but also the extraordinary community spirit that we have seen in response to the coronavirus.

“There were so many inspiring messages, photos and videos, to help lift spirits and remind people what they can look forward to when the county finally re-opens its doors to visitors.”

We can't wait to celebrate Surrey Day with you all!

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