Guildford Guildhall
What's on at the Guildhall
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture. It allows everyone a chance to explore exciting, historic places and learn about local architecture and culture.
Dates: Thursday 12 September to Saturday 14 September 2024
Discover more information about the events at
Coffee Time Talk: Freiburg: Friends for 45 Years
(part of Heritage Open Days)
Date: Thursday 12 September
2024 is the 45th anniversary of the twinning of Guildford with Freiburg in Germany. How did it come about, why was Freiburg chosen and what does twinning involve? The Chair of Guildford Twinning Association, Barbara Ford, will explain all and why this special friendship is still important.
NB. this talk takes place on the second Thursday of the month.
Pre-book your place by emailing heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 444751.
Heritage Open Days: Special Opening and Design Awards Exhibition!
Dates: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September
Take a look around our iconic Guildhall, taking in the amazing artworks and artefacts within. Our knowledgeable stewards will be on hand to share stories of this history of the building, what it has been used for and who's visited (including royalty!).
Guildford Design Awards pop-up exhibition
This small display, by the Guildford Society, shows off the award-winning projects from the 2023 Guildford Design Awards.
Heritage Open Days: Jazz from Trad's Army
Date: Saturday 14 September, 12.15pm until 1pm and 2pm until 2.45pm
Trad jazz is where jazz started, so join us for this celebration of heritage jazz in the Guildhall. Trad's Army, a 6-piece trad jazz band made up of retired army musicians will entertain visitors in our historic building. This event is part of the Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival:https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk/ (opens new window)
Coffee Time Talks
Join us, on the first Thursday of most months for an informative but relaxed talk on topics of local interest. This is a chance to meet with other people for coffee and chat followed by the talk. All talks are free but voluntary donations are welcome.
Pre-book your place by emailing heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 444751.
Times: Doors open at 10.30am. Talks start at 11am and last for 50 minutes
The History of Allotments
Date:Thursday 3 October
This talk isn't just about Digging for Victory and growing huge vegetables. It's also about the history of land rights, riots and rebellion, and the impact of legislation on today's allotments. Did you know that a parliamentary question about allotments brought down a Prime Minister? Jean Wickens will enlighten us.
Following the Thread
Date:Thursday 7 November - please note this tour and talk takes place at Guildford House Gallery.
Join this exhibition tour at Guildford House Gallery with Quilt Art member Sara Impey. Quilt Art was the first exhibiting group of its kind in Europe and in 2025 celebrates its 40th anniversary. This international group has exhibited all over Europe and further afield. All the members are leading textile artists and many use quilting techniques as their starting point. Each member was free to interpret the exhibition title as they wished.
Tales of a Loseley Guide
Date:Thursday 5 December
Our speaker Hugh Anscombe has been a guide in Loseley House for over ten years. Why did they call it Loseley? It's a question he is sometimes asked. Delving deeper he will be with Elizabeth I's visit in no time. Hugh's talk is sure to inspire you to visit Loseley for yourself.