Surrey Hills Enterprises will hold the first Surrey Hills Spring Festival at the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford on March 25 and 26 from 10am to 5pm.

It will celebrate the onset of spring and bring together the very best of Surrey’s food, drink, art and crafts.

Visitors can experience a wide range of fun and exciting activities that celebrate spring and showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills.

Festival-goers of all ages can expect traditional country crafts, live music, art demonstrations, local food vendors and outdoor woodland activities.

They can start the day with a trip on an Old Kiln Light Railway steam train, watch charcoal making, wheelwrighting and wood turning, participate in planting spring seeds or make a corn dolly.

There is a chance to be entertained and captivated by Surrey children’s authors, who will read stories from their books in the beautiful wooden Eashing Chapel, while enjoying artisan coffee and cake.

Visitors can enjoy a hearty lunch from local food producers, tap along to a host of Surrey singer-songwriters, browse the wonderful stalls for that unique piece of art or gift for a loved one, and enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine or Surrey Hills gin and tonic.

They will have the opportunity to explore and discover the rich history, culture and beauty of the Surrey Hills. Guests can also visit the museum’s historic buildings and learn about traditional countryside living.

Surrey Hills Enterprises’ executive director Wendy Varcoe said: “We are thrilled to be launching the Surrey Hills Spring Festival for the first time.

“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of Surrey Hills TradeMark food, drink, art and crafts. We look forward to welcoming visitors to mark the start of spring in the Surrey Hills.”

Old Kiln Museum Trust general manager Ed Fagan added: “We’re excited to partner with Surrey Hills Enterprises to bring the Surrey Hills Spring Festival to the Rural Life Living Museum.

“This event gives us an opportunity to share the history, culture and expertise of the museum to a wider audience and promote it as a great venue for family events. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and showing them all that the Rural Life Living Museum has to offer.”

Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12.50 on the day, and are free for under-16s. The price includes entry to the Rural Life Living Museum. To book visit https://surreyhills.org/event/surrey-hills-spring-festival-2023/