Saturday, 10 May 2025

Surrey Day returns on Saturday, 10th May 2025. A collaboration between Visit Surrey and BBC Radio Surrey, each year it celebrates the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of our county. Now in its seventh year, the event coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, placing a special focus on Surrey’s remarkable role in World War II.

Locally, Oxted and Limpsfield played a significant part during the war. The Canadian Air Force was stationed nearby, a secret airstrip lay hidden behind Park Road, and signposts were removed to confuse potential invaders. Surrounded by three key RAF bases, the area even witnessed a Messerschmitt shot down over the Common.

Limpsfield Chart housed a prisoner-of-war camp, and many evacuees found shelter in local homes, some of which were transformed into makeshift classrooms. The well-preserved WWII air raid shelters at Grub Street remain a powerful reminder of that era. The area also lays claim to a real-life wartime heroine: Diana Rowden, a former Manor House School pupil, who served as a Special Operations Executive agent and gave her life in 1944.

What’s On for Surrey Day

To mark the occasion, Visit Surrey has recorded a special podcast with the Friends of Limpsfield Common, custodians of the wartime air raid shelters. Part 1 of the podcast will be broadcast on BBC Radio Surrey and podcast platforms on Surrey Day, and is also available via the Friends’ website: friendsoflimpsfieldcommon.org.

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Limpsfield Highlights

Open Day at the Grub Street Air Raid Shelters
📍 Limpsfield Common
🕑 Saturday, 10 May | 2:00 – 5:00 PM
BBC Radio Surrey will be broadcasting live from just after 1:00 PM. While all guided tours inside the shelters are now fully booked, everyone is welcome to pop along and enjoy the atmosphere.

Entertainment at the Limpsfield Royal British Legion

• 🎤 Maddie Hart singing from 2:00–4:00 PM
• 🎶 Live band in the evening

A VE Day Party at The Bull Inn, Limpsfield

• 🎙️ Kylie Dyer performing wartime classics
• 🎸 Live music from the fantastic Dockyard Dogs

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Oxted Celebrates in 1940s Style

In Oxted town centre, the flags will be up, bunting out, and a festive 1940s atmosphere will take over the streets. Expect live music, classic cars dressed in VE Day colours, and plenty of community spirit throughout the afternoon.

Live Music Schedule:

• 🎺 Oxted Band – 12:00 PM, Station Road East (by Paydens)
• 🎤 Sing It Out – 1:00 PM, Station Road West (by IG Equine)
• 🎶 Oxted Rock Choir – 2:30 PM, Station Road East (by Boots)
• 🎙️ Ms Molly Moonshine – 3:15 PM, Station Road West (by Stag Grooming)

Activities:

• ✂️ VE Day Crafternoon at Oxted Library – 2:30–3:30 PM
• 🚗 Classic Car Connections Display – Station Road West, 12:00–3:00 PM

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Stay Connected

For the latest updates, follow:
📱 @limpsfieldsurrey
📱 @oxtedlocal
📱 @loveoxted

Planning your own community event?
If you’re planning an event, email us at hello@limpsfieldsurrey.com to let us know.