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Talks


Thomas Gainsborough: His Life and Times – T364

24/09/2025
Sep 24 Wednesday
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Have you heard about the notorious Guildford Guy R Have you heard about the notorious Guildford Guy Riots? 

On #BonfireNight, we’re sharing images from our Archive that document the Guildford Guy Riots, that took place between 1820 to 1865. 

Each year, the rioters (known as the Guys) would come out and wreak havoc on the town – damaging private property, letting off fireworks and lighting bonfires in public places such as Holy Trinity Church. 

The tradition of celebrating #GuyFawkesNight was in decline by the 1800s, and like many other towns, there were people in Guildford keen to continue the annual tradition. However, these ‘celebrations’ escalated over the years until they became out of control. 

The 1850s were a particularly bad decade for rioting and on 5 November 1857, a bonfire was lit outside of St Nicolas Church, and the police charged into a hail of flints and stones. 

Eventually, these riots came to an end under the leadership of the new Mayor of Guildford, Mr PW Jacob, and introduction of a greater police force. After years of unsettlement, Guildford returned to being the market town we know today! 

#guildford #surrey #guildfordhistory #localhistory #guyfawkes #ukhistory #guildfordguyriots #guyriots #archive #libraryandarchive #archivematerial #historiclibrary #communityhub #artseducationcommunity
With November here, we're looking ahead to the fes With November here, we're looking ahead to the festive season. 🎄💫 This year, we have a packed programme of celebrations! 

From creative crafts to live music and discovering Christmases gone-by, plus V Café's festive lunches, find the perfect way to enjoy the season. 

🔗 Browse our Christmas events via the link in bio or visit guildford-institute.org.uk and click our Christmas tab 🎅

#guildford #surrey #christmas #christmasevent #festivelunch #christmascrafts #festivelivemusic #ianshaw #christmaspast #festiveseason #festiveevent #christmas2025 #christmasinsurrey #communityhub #artseducationcommunity
We’d like to say a special thank you to @anderto We’d like to say a special thank you to @andertonsmusicco who kindly sponsor our weekend Music Lounge events. 🙏 🎶

Thanks to their generosity, this year we’ve been able to welcome many talented musicians to perform in the heart of Guildford! 

Music performances have included @tristanseume, @flamencothief, @viccracknell Jazz Quartet, @dysondean  and Trio Pierne. 👏

✨ We have a busy line-up of Music Lounge events planned before Christmas, with performances from the Allison Neale Trio, @krisdrever, @ianshawjazz and @suntousussomusic! ✨

🔗 Visit the link in bio to find out more or visit guildford-institute.org.uk

#guildford #surrey #andertonsmusic #musiclounge #gimusiclounge #livemusic #musicevent #weekendevent #weekendmusic #smallcharity #communityhub #artseducationcommunity
Visit us to see fantastic free art by local artist Visit us to see fantastic free art by local artists 🎨 

Our latest exhibition with @guildfordarts features the work of @hopkinschristine and Maureen Banfield-Hamlin 👏

The perfect activity for those cooler autumn days, especially with the prospect of a warming drink at V Café ☕️

📍On display in our Assembly Room (home to V Café) until 17 November

#guildford #surrey #guildfordarts #artexhibition #freeexhibition #freeart #freeactivity #artandcoffee #painter #printmaker #localartists #surreyartist #guildfordartist #artinsurrey #artinguildford #vcafe #veggiefood #veganfood #communityhub #artseducationcommunity

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