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This is the bit of January where the week still feels long, but the weekend suddenly looks negotiable. One minute you’re staring at the forecast and the post; the next you’re deciding between a panto night in Haslemere, a guided walk at Frensham, or an indoor reset at Wisley where the plants look healthier than we do.

Today’s edition is built for quick choices: a handful of standout shows (Guildford, Woking, Walton, Camberley), two easy daytime plans, and a couple of comedy options for anyone who wants to laugh their way into the end of the month.

In today’s edition

Let’s take a look.
— Prince Khurram

_{P.S. Our Monday Update leans more towards news, the Wednesday Midweek Brief balances news and events, and the Friday Weekender is lighter on news and fuller on events and Eat & Drink. We would really welcome your thoughts on this format and how we can improve The Surrey Digest for you.}

The government has set out a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan aimed at upgrading around 5 million homes by 2030, including older, harder-to-heat housing common across Surrey.

Click here: To read the official announcement and check grant eligibility details

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) already apply to some visitors, but late February 2026 is when enforcement tightens and coverage expands.

Click here: To check whether you need an ETA and how to apply

Guildford Borough Council has launched a dedicated climate change website, pulling together local information for residents, businesses and community groups.

Click here: To read the launch update and access the new hub

Mole Valley District Council reports it has come top in national rankings for homelessness prevention, based on official government statistics.

Click here: To read the council’s summary and find further information

A big indoor watersports weekend in Farnborough, bringing clubs, kit, talks and demos under one roof just over Surrey’s border.

Click here: To check dates, programme details and ticket options

A 50 km trail ultra from Denbies, climbing onto the North Downs Way and looping through Norbury Park, with a generous cut-off and big views as the reward.

Click here: To see route notes, cut-offs and entry information

Lingfield Park’s countryside-themed raceday lands on Saturday 28 February 2026, the sort of winter afternoon out that comes with fresh air, form guides, and a quietly optimistic attitude to your betting slips.

If you are planning a 2026 wedding, do not leave it to the last minute. Black tie has a way of looking effortless when it is done properly, and painfully obvious when it is not.

Why black tie should be tailored:

A dinner jacket is unforgiving. Sleeve length, shoulder shape, lapel roll, and trouser rise show in every photo.

Made to measure avoids the rental look. Cleaner lines, better shape, no tired sheen.

If you want black tie done properly, start now with Barucci Custom Tailors London.

Click here: to view the 2026 Collection and reserve your appointment

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Description: A stage adaptation of the first Midsomer Murders story, bringing the familiar cosy-village setting and darker turns to the theatre.

Conversation evening with Alison Steadman | Sat 24 January (Info/Tickets)

Location: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames
Description: In-conversation event with Alison Steadman covering career highlights and anecdotes, with audience Q&A and a relaxed arts-centre feel.

Epsom Comedy Club | Jan 2026 (Info/Tickets)
Location: Epsom Playhouse, Epsom
Description: A club-style stand-up night with a mixed bill, several acts in one evening and a straightforward way to make a weeknight feel like an outing.

Aladdin | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Haslemere Hall, Haslemere
Description: Haslemere Hall’s annual family pantomime take on Aladdin, with songs, slapstick and plenty of audience participation for a wide mix of ages.

Free Guided Walk | Selected dates (Info/Tickets)
Location: Frensham Little Pond, near Farnham
Description: A guided walk taking in the pond, heath and surrounding countryside, with a ranger or volunteer sharing local history, wildlife and how the site is managed.

The Psychology of Serial Killers | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Dorking Halls, Dorking
Description: A talk on what research says about serial offending and investigation, aimed at true crime and psychology audiences who prefer an evidence-led approach.

The Vehicles of James Bond | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge
Description: An illustrated talk on Bond cars, gadgets and stunts, with options to attend in person at the museum or join via livestream.

A Sky Full Of Stars (Coldplay tribute) | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: G Live, Guildford
Description: Full-band tribute show built around Coldplay’s biggest songs, with big singalong moments and a standing-gig feel.

Shape of You: The Music of Ed Sheeran | Dates vary (Info/Tickets)
Location: Camberley Theatre, Camberley
Description: A tribute show focused on Ed Sheeran hits, combining live vocals, guitar and loop-style arrangements in a seated theatre setting.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Location: Dorking Halls, Dorking
Historian and broadcaster Alice Roberts brings her touring show on empire, power and collapse to Dorking for one night, mixing history, storytelling and visuals.

Location: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames
A free exhibition from West Surrey Artists, spanning painting, print, ceramics and more in a relaxed riverside gallery setting.

Location: Guildford House Gallery, Guildford
The open exhibition’s last weekend of its 2025–26 run, a good moment to catch it before it closes.

Location: The Retreat, Staines
Soul band night in a small venue setting. Check the listing for entry details and any booking requirements.

Epsom’s farmers’ market typically runs on the first Sunday of each month in the town centre, with an early-March edition expected on that pattern.

Click here: To check the latest confirmed dates and times before you travel

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

A recurring Sunday coffee session inside a gallery, which is a pleasingly Surrey combination of culture and caffeine with minimal pressure to understand anything on the walls.

Click here: To see the next session date and book a place

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Heating engineers covering Redhill, Reigate and surrounding areas, from servicing to upgrades, with some renewables work listed.

Click here: To see services and request a quote or call-out

24-hour plumbing and heating business based around Epsom with wider Surrey coverage.

Click here: To see contact details and request routine or emergency help

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

And Finally,

If you’re planning the next week, think of this one as your “small yes” list: a show you can book, a walk you can just turn up to, or a matinee that leaves Sunday afternoon intact.

If you’ve spotted something good coming up in your town (the kind of event that doesn’t always make the big listings), hit reply and send it our way. We’re especially keen on the quietly brilliant stuff that sells out before anyone realises it existed.

Have a good weekend, Surrey.

Thank for reading. Let’s chat on Monday.