The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames is set to host the Walton Community Fest on Saturday 23 May 2026, offering residents a free afternoon of performances, workshops, and local activities. Running from 11:30am to 4:00pm, the event serves as a celebration of local culture, creativity, and community spirit.
The festivities will begin with a parade starting from Cowey Sale, featuring the Walton-on-Thames Scout Band and local school groups. Throughout the day, an outdoor stage will host a variety of live entertainment, including performances from the Riverhouse Barn Choir, youth theatre groups, and local dance troupes. Attendees can also participate in craft workshops and create their own custom silk-screen printed postcards.
In addition to the performances, several local organisations will be present with stalls to engage with the community. These include Walton Charity, the Eco Hub, Elmbridge CAN, and the Walton Repair Cafe. Tim Hazell, the venue’s historian in residence, will also be on hand to give a talk on the history of the British May Fair.
The arts centre itself is a not-for-profit venue managed by the Walton-on-Thames Community Arts Trust. Located on Manor Road and overlooking the River Thames, the centre was established in 1989 after a group of local residents worked to convert an 18th-century barn, previously used by Elmbridge Borough Council as an equipment store, into a dedicated space for the arts.
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