Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is inviting the community to celebrate an exciting new chapter with a free urban festival and open day on Saturday (18 July) at its Goldsworth Road base.

The event - which runs 2-6pm daytime, all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult) and 7-10pm gig (14 plus with adult) - celebrates both the signing of a new lease that will keep the organisation at the Fiery Bird venue until July 2028 and the launch of Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live., a new programme funded through Arts Council England’s Supporting Grassroots Music Fund.

It is an opportunity for people of all ages to experience everything Phoenix Cultural Centre can offer with space for live music, creative workshops, wellbeing activities, writing, performance and opportunities to meet the people working for creativity and wellbeing as part of Woking’s rich heritage.

The launch of Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live. marks the beginning of a new programme celebrating the diversity, creativity and grassroots culture. Through music, storytelling and shared cultural experiences, the project will support local artists, develop new audiences and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to come together.

Elaine McGinty, CEO of Phoenix Cultural Centre, said: “This is a wonderful moment for Phoenix. Securing our lease until July 2028 gives us the stability to build on everything we’ve achieved with our community while continuing to work towards our long-term ambition of securing a permanent community-owned cultural centre for Woking.

“For the first time in 15 years, we are starting a new chapter in our final meanwhile home, which will see us through to 2028, alongside an Arts Council England Supporting Grassroots Musicfunded programme.

“Together, they give us the opportunity to demonstrate what Phoenix can achieve when a community has the space and support to flourish.

“Our venue is now fully equipped to showcase what a permanent Phoenix Cultural Centre could mean for Woking. Alongside today’s programme of free activities, visitors can discover the wider work we do through supported volunteering, industry training, cultural programmes, community advocacy and pathways into careers in the creative industries.

“The skills people gain here are transferable far beyond the arts, creating confidence, opportunity and stronger communities.

“This urban festival is a celebration of our future and the skills and community spirit people have to make something special in our town centre and also of everyone who has helped us reach this point.

“Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are visiting for the first time, we’d love to welcome you.”

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Open day programme (times subject to change):

2pm: Doors open

2pm-6pm: Scriptorium and A Room of Our Own. Open throughout the afternoon for writing, reading, creative inspiration and quiet reflection. Browse vintage/retro stall sof clothes, local authors’ books and CD’s on sale and find out about support and services in our foyer. Family friendly busking in outside area - contact [email protected] for a slot

2pm-4pm: Poetry open mic – public living room

2pm: Yoga with Jim – free taster session. Booking and enquiries, [email protected]

3pm-4pm: Djembe drumming workshop with positive inspirations. Booking and enquiries, [email protected]

3.15pm-4.15pm: Sound bath with Debs Yoga and Singing Bowls. Booking and enquiries, [email protected]

2pm-4pm: Community open mic – Fiery Bird music venue. Singers, musicians, spoken word artists, comedians and magicians of all ages welcome.

2.30pm and 4.30pm: Circus skills with Patches the Clown. Free family workshop suitable for children aged 4 plus.

3pm: Woking Improv Theatre – free taster session. Booking and enquiries, [email protected]

4pm-6pm: DJ set with Atmosphere the DJ

7pm-10pm: Live music – entry by donation (14 plus accompanied by an adult)

Visitors can also enjoy free on-site parking, a licensed bar and refreshments and information about volunteering, workshops, training and upcoming events.