Guildford’s Expanding Role in the World of Poetry and the Creative Arts

Published on: 5 Dec, 2025
Updated on: 6 Dec, 2025

Behind the scenes at the gala. Picture: Martin Oxley

Surrey Poet Laureateship’s end-of-year gala brought an electric night of performance, community, and celebration to the Nomad Theatre in East Horsley.

The event, described by the organisers as their most ambitious showcase to date, drew poets, partners and supporters from across Surrey.

Guildford, in particular, was said to have a growing role in promoting the arts including the nurturing of poetry.

The night was officially opened by Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jane Tyson, who welcomed the audience and spoke passionately about the town’s commitment to arts and culture.

She praised the Laureateship for “bringing poetry into the everyday life of communities across our borough,” highlighting Guildford’s growing role as a hub for creative engagement.

Guildford’s voice resonated strongly in the programme, with several local poets taking to the stage, including Jonathan Beach, who represented the Guildford Poetry Hub. His performance was warmly received, and organisers noted the hub’s significant growth and energy over the past year.

The Guildford Poetry Hub meets every Thursday from 10am to 12pm at Guildford Library, offering an open space for writers of all backgrounds to explore their creativity. The Laureateship has underscored its commitment to nurturing grassroots writing communities within the borough.

The evening also featured performances from across the Laureateship’s initiatives, from nature-inspired verse to deeply personal spoken-word pieces, showcasing the breadth of Surrey’s contemporary poetry scene.

Organisers highlighted that Guildford remains a key centre for their county-wide work, with partnerships spanning Guildford Library, community groups and regional arts networks.

As the Laureateship continues to expand, Guildford is expected to play an even larger role in hosting events, nurturing poets, and supporting cultural programming that reaches residents of all ages.

With the Guildford Poetry Hub thriving, plans for expanded programming in the borough are already in development. Organisers hope that many attendees, especially those discovering the Laureateship for the first time, will continue their journey with weekly sessions at the library.