Programme June - September 2026A season of community and creativity to inspire and delight Live Music | Theatre | Art & Craft | Exhibitions | Comedy | Heritage | Nature
TRANSFORMATIONsOpening Times: 9.15am - 4.30pm (Closed Sundays and Mondays) Summer Late: Thursday 13 August 6pm - 9 pmthSUMMER EXHIBITION SUMMER EXHIBITION20261 - 25 AUGUSTST TH The Horton Summer Exhibition 2026 is kindly supported by Epsom Square Enjoy an eclectic mix of work by established artists, emerging talent and first-time exhibitors, all showcased within our stunning Grade II-listed building. The Horton Summer Exhibition 2026 marks the venue’s third open submission exhibition, giving people living in Surrey the opportunity to submit work for consideration. The exhibition celebrates creativity from across the county, bringing together a diverse range of artists at different stages of their careers. This year’s theme, Transformation, reflects The Horton’s remarkable history as a space that has continually evolved over the past century. Once an asylum chapel, later a music therapy centre, then abandoned listed building, it has since been transformed into the vibrant cultural venue it is today. Through varied artistic responses, the exhibition explores themes of change, renewal, growth, and reinvention.
WELCOMEWe are thrilled to see that The Horton Gardens – which opened a year ago – are in full colour. It has inspired the name of our first ever outdoor music festival ‘Wildflower’ this July. Looking through this brochure, I hope you’ll be excited by a few of the fantastic events on offer. But there is also so much going on behind the scenes: research on our history of music therapy, art projects with community groups, a reunion of hospital cluster staff shown in the photograph below and much more. The Horton is run by a charity but it is your venue. It is free to visit our exhibitions, café and gardens. We need your support to keep the listed building and grounds maintained and to do what we do. You can help by booking a show, meeting friends at our café or making a donation. Everyone is welcome at The Horton. We hope to see you soon. Maria Reeves, DirectorThe History of Surrey’s Mental Hospitals Talk Saturday 5 Septemberth Historian Julian Pooley traces the history of mental health care in Surrey from the 18th century to the late 20th century.The Horton HistoryTours 24 June, 8 July, 1 Augustth th st Our heritage volunteers are in training. Book onto a guided tour as they learn their craft. Limited places available.As an independent charity, The Horton relies on your support. Your donation helps us provide a welcoming cultural space for the community and future generations.Please scan the QR code to to donate Learn more about The Horton’s remarkable history. SUPPORT THE HORTON Our Heritage SAVE THE DATE: Heritage Open Day 12 September.th We are working with Horton Cemetery researchers on a free drop-in event.
FESTIVALWildFlowerOutdoors in The Horton GardensBBQ + BarAcoustic MusicSaturday 25 July, 12 - 8pmthCurated by & also featuring live music from:Dragonfly Sky3times7 Searching for AutumnNora Anna EltelTomorrow Bird Zach JohnsonMica Bernard BoatheadKB Bayley Jim CozensJoin us for The Horton’s first ever outdoor music festival, hosting a fantastic line-up of accomplished artists performing their own original songs.
Lunchtime Summer Recitals The Alionor Trio Friday 26 June, 2pmth Cello, violin and piano playing a Haydn and Dumky Trio by Dvorak. FREEPoetry & Music with Audrey Arden-Jones Friday 10 July, 2pmth Accompanied by Dr Fabricio Mattos, classical guitar, and Lucas Jordan, flute. FREENewberry & Verch Thursday 20 August, 8pmth Award-winning folk duo blending tradition, harmony and dance from their roots in both Ozarks, Missouri and Ottawa, Canada.Kristy Cox – Australia’s Queen of Bluegrass Friday 11 September, 8pmth A powerhouse bluegrass artist with award- winning albums. Kristy blazes a trail, bridging the sounds of Australia and the heart of American roots music.THE HORTON LIVE Music Wellness Relax & Recharge Yoga With Kali Thursdays, 9.30 - 10:30am Gentle, mindful yoga sessions suitable for all levels. In good weather, summer sessions may be held outside in our tranquil gardens. Gong Sound Baths 13 August, 7pm and 26 September, 2pmth th Relax and reset with the sonic vibrations of Helen NicholasThe Four Seasons Immersive Experience 12 - 15 August, various timesth th Creative animated projections set to highlights from Vivaldi’s musical masterpiece, specially designed to bring The Horton’s walls to life.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wednesday 26 August, 6:30pmth An outrageous take on Shakespeare's most magical comedy. Fairies, lovers, and one very silly donkey. Performed outdoors in The Horton Gardens. (Indoors if wet.)THEATRE & EVENTSFunkytown Summer Disco Party Friday 3 July 2026, 7pmrd Turn up the heat for 70s and 80s disco party night with DJ Kobbie. Now with amazing immersive projection experience. Theatre Party TimeFriday 25 September, 8pmth In this explosive true story, Elton John takes on Kelvin MacKenzie and The Sun in Britain’s biggest-ever libel battle - a play packed with scandal, media warfare and 1980s excess. Edinburgh Fringe Theatre Award 2025 ComedyAnyone For Tennis Thursday 25 June, 8pmth A Wimbledon line judge for 20 years, comedian Pauline Eyre is ready to spill the Pimm’s on tennis gossip from the fragrant royal box to the musty locker room, and why line judges are OUT! Expect smashing stories, ace anecdotes and a 40-love letter to the game. And there’s nobody to say ‘quiet please’.Hallie Rubenhold on Story of A Murder Saturday12 September, 1.30pm th Join Sunday Times best- selling author and prizewinning social historian Hallie Rubenhold for a fascinating historical examination of one of the most infamous murders of the twentieth century.Friday 7 August, & Friday 30 October, 8pm th th Join us for two nights of huge laughs with some of the UK's finest touring stand- up comedians.Comedy at The Horton Monstering The Rocket Man Author Talk
Short Stories Tall Tales Immerse your little ones’ imaginations through live performance, fully interactive role-play, music and creative drama.Adventure Maps Thursday 23 July, 11am & 12 noonrd Create imaginative maps of The Horton, transforming familiar areas into fantasy worlds. A day of exploration inside and out. Ages 6-11 with a parent or carer.Mouse and Sam Friday 3 July, 11.30am & 1.30pmrd An original tale written and told by Hannah Summers where you get to meet Mouse. He lives under Sam’s house. FAMILY FUN Art workshops Performances for kidsMusical Creatures Family Art Thursday 13 August, 11am & 12 noonth Create your own fantastical creatures inspired by music and sound. Ages 6-11 with a parent or carer.A fantastic theatre experience packed with puppetry, music, and plenty of laughs. All the family can enjoy a fast-paced, interactive show for the young and young at heart. Caspian the crab is BIG in curiosity. He loves cleaning, collecting adventure stories, and watching the humans who live near the shore. Performed outdoors in The Horton Gardens. (Indoors if wet.) Caspian’s Storm Saturday 8 August, 11:30am & 2pmth The Adventures of the Ugly Duckling Thursday 24 September,th 11.30 & 1.30pm An exciting adaptation based on the famous Hans Christian Andersen tale.AGES 0-5AGES 3+
Communal Fabric Workshop Saturday 20 June, 10.30am – 1.30pmth Enjoy collaboratively painting, writing, drawing, sewing, or knitting in groups on found fabrics discovered in the former Horton Chapel before its renovation. Part of Epsom Refugee Week.LIFE ART STUDIOWednesday Life Drawing Every Wednesday 10am - 12:30pm Develop your drawing skills at our friendly regular sessions.Saturday Life Drawing 27 June - 11 July, 10am - 12:30pmth th Inspiring weekend drawing sessions.Life Art - Full Day 8 Augustth 10.30am - 3:30pm Full day of figure painting with a long model pose. Learn & CreateNagomi - Wagara Wednesday 1 July, 10am – 12pmst Experience the calming blend of Pastel Nagomi Art and traditional Japanese Wagara patterns inspired by nature, seasons and good fortune.Alcohol Inks Thursday 9 July,10am – 12.30pmth Explore the exciting world of alcohol ink in this fun, hands-on workshop with artist Tracey Jane Cooper, and discover creative techniques using this unique medium. Life Art workshops at The Horton feature professional nude models and are suitable for all abilities. Taught by artist Steve Trimm. WORKSHOPS & COURSESFelt Bag Making Workshop Saturday 20 June, 10am – 3pmth In this practical workshop you will learn how to make an attractive shoulder bag with a flap and strap - large enough for all those essentials: phone, keys, purse and a bit more.Creative Textile Workshop Saturday 27th June, 10am – 3pm Led by artist Maria Walker, learn to make decorative containers out of fabric, formed by hand using a simple running stitch. All materials provided.
Floral Mixed Media Wednesday 2 September, 10am - 12pmnd Discover how to create loose and abstract florals using a range of media and collage.Places & Spaces 17 - 30 Juneth th Featuring artwork by local artists aged 7–18 inspired by the places they love in Epsom & Ewell. Supported by Epsom Civic Society.Freewheelers Us & Them 2 - 26 Septembernd th A fascinating and moving photographic exploration of shifting narratives around disability, experienced through a constructed “asylum hospital” environment.The Horton Summer Exhibition 1 - 25 Augustst th An eclectic mix of work by established artists alongside emerging talent and first-time exhibitors.Hidden Worlds Exhibition 8 – 18 Julyth th Contemporary work by the Consuo Textile Art Group and their imaginative responses to themes of The Horton’s psychiatric history. Featuring weaving, stitching, knitting, natural dyeing, basketry, lacemaking and printmaking.EXHIBITIONS In our stunning atrium galleryCreate Your Own Monet Saturday 1 August, 10am – 4pmst In this immersive full-day workshop, you’ll learn how to interpret light, colour, and movement to create your own semi-abstract water scene inspired by Monet’s iconic style.Ikebana Summer Flowers Friday 7 August 10.30 – 12.30pmth Discover the Japanese art of Ikebana and create a simple floral arrangement with fresh summer flowers and foliage to take home.Nagomi - Mermaids Wednesday 16 September, 10amth Experience the calming blend of Pastel Nagomi Art with patterns inspired by nature, seasons, good fortune and mystical mermaids. Discover inspiring exhibitions showcasing creativity. (Open Tuesday to Saturday.) Collective Roots 22 August 1:30 - 4:30pmnd Join us for a collaborative painting workshop exploring Collective Roots. Create a shared artwork inspired by themes of community, identity, connection and change.Chinese Brush Painting - Orchids Friday 18 September, 10.30am - 3.30pmth In China, orchids symbolise love, friendship and modesty and are a frequent subject of paintings. Led by experienced tutor Angela Reich. WORKSHOPS & COURSES
Made to order in our kitchen, savour tasty sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes and freshly-made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. Served with a choice of Birchill’s teas or freshly ground coffee. Traditional Afternoon Tea – £26 Prosecco Afternoon Tea – £32 G&T Afternoon Tea – £34 Afternoon Tea must be booked in advance.CAFÉ-BAR MAKERS MARKET Artisan Craft Fair The Horton Choir Tuesdays 1.30pm-3pm Are you passionate about music? Do you like singing, even if you don’t always hit that note? Join The Horton Choir - open to all. The first session is free. Contact us to find out more. The Horton Book Clubs FREE TO JOIN Be part of an exciting local reading community, discussing books chosen beforehand by the group. Wednesday Book Club Last Wednesday afternoon of each month Saturday Book Club Second Saturday afternoon of each monthSaturday 29 August, 9:15am – 4pmth The Horton will be filled with stalls selling high- quality craft products and artworks created by artists and artisans from across the Southeast. Including jewellery, textile, glass, ceramics, artwork and so much more. FREE ENTRY Enjoy fresh food at The Horton Café cooked by our in-house chef - from seasonal specials and paninis to home-baked cakes and treats. Eat and drink in the atmospheric former altar space or sit outside overlooking The Horton Gardens. COMMUNITY Café-Bar Timings: Serving 9.15am - 4pm (10.30am-2.30pm for hot food.) The Bar is also open before evening events. All profits from The Horton Café are donated to the charity to help run and maintain our beautiful listed building. AFTERNOON TEA Served Wednesday to Saturday 11.30am-2.30pm
Our beautiful, historic and fully accessible Grade II listed building in Epsom is in a quiet location away from noise and traffic. Facilities include a free car park, licensed bar and café. Meetings and Conferences Choose from large or small private spaces for up to 140 people. Staging, AV and breakout spaces can be provided. Parties Celebrate your birthday in a unique heritage space, perfect for dancing. Our suppliers can create a bespoke immersive experience just for you. Rehearsals Our Performance Space is also available for hire for bands and other performing arts. It has an 8m high ceiling, sound system, wooden floor, acoustic panelling, a baby grand piano, an upright piano and staging. Wakes Book a Celebration of Life event for up to 180 people. Choose from in-house catering, our recommended suppliers or self-catering. VENUE HIREMeetings | Parties | Conferences | Rehearsals | Filming | Wakes Contact our Events Team at admin@thehortonepsom.org
THE HORTON GARDENS Enjoy a stroll around our peaceful gardens or sit in a deckchair and be at one with nature. Don’t miss our outdoor programme - from live music and theatre to creative workshops.The Horton Arts Centre, Haven Way, Epsom, KT19 8NP01372 747 662@thehortonepsom thehortonepsom.orgChristmas Party Night Friday 11 Decemberth The Horton Hootenanny New Year’s Eve with live music from Blunter Brothers SAVE THE DATESOpening times vary for event evenings. Check your booking for details.Building & Gardens Tuesday - Saturday 9:15am - 4:30pm Café serving 9.15am - 4pm (Hot food 10.30am - 2.30pmWildflower Festival - 25 Julyth Caspian’s Storm - 8 Augustth A Midsummer’s Night Dream - 26 Augustth Yoga with Kalli - Thursdays (weather permitting) Creative workshops (selected events) OPENING TIMES EVENTS IN THE GARDEN