Published: 01 September 2026
Young people from across Surrey are invited to get creative and discover future career opportunities at the Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Staines Library Hub. The free festival runs from 11am to 3pm and features workshops, performances and hands-on creative activities.
Now in its fourth year, the festival brings together leading arts organisations, creative professionals and educators from across Surrey, giving young people a unique opportunity to try new creative activities, meet industry experts, gain insight into creative careers and learn about the many pathways into the sector.
Festival highlights include:
- Music production workshops with Surrey Arts
- Video game design sessions with Chaos Created
- A filmmaking workshop with the National Film and Television School
- DJ workshops, poetry workshops and opportunities to try musical instruments
- Live performances from Surrey Arts' Ukrainian Guitar Group, SG Troop from Stopgap Dance Company and Surrey singer-songwriter Fin
- Screenings of shortlisted films from the Escalate Arts Film Festival 2026
Some workshops require advance booking to secure a place, while most can be enjoyed by simply turning up at the start time.
Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: "The Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival is a fantastic opportunity for young people to discover new creative interests, build confidence and develop valuable skills. Whether they're interested in music, filmmaking, dance, poetry or digital creativity, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
"We're committed to ensuring young people across Surrey have access to high-quality cultural experiences and opportunities to develop their talents. I encourage young people and their families to come along, get involved and be inspired."
The festival will also showcase Escalate Arts, Surrey County Council's Arts Council England funded programme for young people. Delivered in partnership with Spelthorne Borough Council, Artswork and Ashford Youth Club, the programme helps young people get involved in arts and culture through creative projects, workshops and youth-led opportunities.
For more information and to view the full programme, visit Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival - Surrey County Council