What’s on in Kingston in 2026
What’s on in Kingston in 2026
From punkish knitwear and Bowie-fuelled discos to 1930s-themed nights and creating a wildlife haven, 2026 is shaping up to be a fun-packed year across Kingston. We caught up with Robin Hutchinson to hear about the bold, brilliant and sometimes delightfully unexpected events that The Community Brain and Creative Youth have planned…
The Community Brain and Creative Youth are responsible for bringing some of the borough’s most brilliant events to life. Behind them is Robin Hutchinson and it’s always a pleasure to catch up with him and his team to find out what their plans are for the year ahead. Meeting them for a coffee on a rainy morning in January, it felt like the sun had come out as they revealed what’s in store. Imaginations run wild as they plot out their calendar, but at its heart is bringing people together – whether that’s the local community or from around the world.
So, diaries at the ready. Here’s what to look forward to, until at least July…
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February
Wild Tolworth
One of London’s most ambitious rewilding projects is taking shape in Tolworth. The initiative will see the reintroduction of grazing cows to encourage biodiversity, with the first three arriving in February. Expect nature, community engagement and a very different view of suburban green space.
Bowie celebrations
On 10 February 1972, David Bowie first performed as Ziggy Stardust at the Toby Jug pub in Tolworth. Fifty-four years on, his influence on music, fashion, design and sexuality is being celebrated with a mural at Tolworth roundabout and a night dedicated to his greatest hits: a Bowie-themed Silent Disco takes place on 11 February at Surbiton Station.
March
Celebrating ‘Hidden Hook’
Did you know that London’s jet-set once flocked to Hook to dance the night away? The area was home to the legendary Ace of Spades hotel and its nightclub, which was at its heyday in the 1930s. There was an open-air pool, landing strip, polo lawn and stables. On 20 March, its legacy will be celebrated at Southborough School with an evening of 1930s-inspired live music and storytelling. Working with Kingston uni students, the history of Hook is being brought to life, and there will be a new book on the area, which was home to famous folk such as author Enid Blyton and aviation pioneer Harry Hawker.
Sibling Knitwear in the spotlight
A collaboration with Kingston University brings a new exhibition to Kingston Museum celebrating the bold, innovative knitwear label Sibling that made waves from around 2014. Rumour has it a certain DJ from Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding may make an appearance… the exhibition looks set to launch around the end of March and will run until the summer.
Creative Youth Fundraisers
Creative Youth works with young creatives across the borough to help them realise their talents through the arts. FUSEBOX, their venue on the riverside, suffered two devastating floods last summer. Complex matters outside of their control have meant that it has yet to be reopened. As well as losing a vital platform for young artists, the closure has also meant the loss of vital income. A fundraiser will be held – with Robin performing with The Reptiles for a gig on 28 March.
Seething Festival
March also sees the return of the ever-popular Seething Festival (pictured top), bringing music, performance and community spirit to the streets. Do check out the tale behind it – the legend of Lefi Ganderson: the Goat Boy of Mount Seething who defeated the giant ‘Thamas Deeton’.
April
Surbiton History Walk
On 18 April, there will be a guided walking tour through Surbiton, stopping off at historic local pubs along the way, and led by a local history expert.
May
Surbiton Food Festival
This popular community event brings people together to celebrate the best of local food and drink. If you’ve never experienced the ‘Seething Freshwater Sardine Festival’ it is one not to miss (3 May) plus there is The Village Fete and Community Sports Day on 16 May.
June/July
FUSE International
As well as nurturing talent across the borough, Creative Youth has a flagship festival which brings together creatives from around the world. The next FUSE International will take place from 26 June to 5 July, with over 80 events across film, music, theatre, and visual arts, which take place at various venues in the borough. Highlights include a collaboration with Korean dancers.
Ongoing Projects
Baking Ideas at Tolworth Station
This community space holds events for all including cookery masterclasses. On 21 February, you can try your hand at making chapatis, plain parathas, naan and Sri Lankan coconut rotis. More food workshops, including sessions for children, are in the works.
Surbiton Community Forge
Established in 2023, the Forge is a collaboration with The Community Brain and has quickly become a creative sanctuary. Based in Tolworth, it offers blacksmithing workshops with an impressive 60–70% female participation.
More than metalwork, the Forge is about community: shared skills, collaboration and friendship.
Community Rail Network
Local volunteers are transforming railway stations across the UK, and south west London boasts a particularly active group. From planting to public art, Community Rail projects are quietly reshaping how we experience everyday spaces. The Arts Society Kingston has provided artwork for the platforms of Kingston Station and Surbiton and Tolworth Stations are used as venues for various events. Tolworth could soon have an artist-in-residence too.
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