Mole Valley’s Arts Alive festival is nearly here! Since 1997, Arts Alive has provided a month-long community arts festival where visitors can get hands-on with a range of artistic pursuits. 2025’s festival will kick off with launch events in both Dorking and Leatherhead on the following dates:

• Dorking: Saturday 13th September – 10.30am – 12.30pm - St. Martin’s Square

• Leatherhead: Saturday 20th September – 10.30am – 12.30pm - Leatherhead High Street

This year will see a fabulous programme of 135 events taking place across Mole Valley throughout October with historical talks, walking tours, music, comedy, dance and theatrical performances all set to provide unique opportunities for people to follow their passions and engage with the arts. Nearly half of these events will be either free, or under £5 to attend.

There are a range of activities for families to enjoy, including during the October half term week, as well as evening events for adults such as dance classes. There will also be events taking place at the recently-refurbished Pippbrook House. Last year saw 14,800 participants attend across the available events, with event browsing and booking for this year opening to the public in early September on the Arts Alive website.

Helping to promote this year's festival is Magic Radio presenter, as well as Surrey local, Jack Pepper! One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, national radio broadcaster and featured in HM the King’s “35 under 35” list, Jack can now add “2025 Patron of Arts Alive” to his list of accolades, joining such luminaries as Dame Judi Dench, Lorraine Kelly and Gyles Brandreth.