The Guildford Institute

The Guildford Institute The Guildford Institute is a social and educational charity and community hub in the heart of Guildford. Courses | Events | Talks | Visits | Community

The Guildford Institute has a special place in the heart of the local community. It is a unique venue where people of all ages and backgrounds can get together to learn, explore, create and meet old and new friends. With a wide range of courses, talks, music recitals, clubs and visits, there are many ways to enjoy what’s on offer. Our Library holds both historical and modern volumes so you can res

earch here or read at home, and we manage one of the most important local history archives in the area with a fascinating collection of photographs, playbills, brochures and leaflets and other important documents. We offer affordable room hire for external societies and organisations, and our vegetarian restaurant is one of Guildford’s best-kept secrets. The Guildford Institute is open to everyone – come and be a part of our extraordinary community.

03/06/2026

After a sell out event last year, we're excited to welcome back The Flamenco Thief (Craig Sutton) and Reinis Jaunais to the GI Music Lounge! 🎶

Look forward to a night of outstanding music as the duo take you on a musical world trip that is often described as an 'acoustic rave' by listeners.

⏰️ Saturday 20 June
🍻 Doors/ bar open 7pm
🎵 Music from 7.30pm

Book your tickets: www.guildford-institute.org.uk/event/the-flamenco-thief-and-reinis-jaunais-e129/

“What I most like about volunteering is the environment; everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I also love working with ...
02/06/2026

“What I most like about volunteering is the environment; everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I also love working with the community and meeting the variety of people we have enter the building…
.. It’s hard to find something I enjoy doing so much”.

This , we’d like to shine a spotlight on our wonderful volunteers! Simply put, the GI couldn’t run without them. 💙

From sitting on our Board of Trustees, volunteering in our Library, setting up for events, running coach visits, helping in our office, to giving talks at member coffee mornings, the ways our volunteers support us is endless.

Here’s to our team of amazing volunteers! 👏

As we approach the end of May, we’re reflecting on our highlights of the month! 💚 Taking part in   with our Library offe...
29/05/2026

As we approach the end of May, we’re reflecting on our highlights of the month!

💚 Taking part in with our Library offering the opportunity to discover buried treasures from our Archive
🌺 Our coach trip to Leonardslee Gardens to see the spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas on display
🔷 A nostalgic talk with local historian David Rose looking at once common everyday objects and the key part they play in his research
🎶 Barb Jungr performing in the GI Music Lounge
📚 Our Library offering special extended opening hours on two Monday evenings
🫖 History brought to life by historian and actor Jane Glennie (Pedlars & Petticoats ), who gave an entertaining theatrical talk on etiquette during the end of rationing in 1953
🎨 Beautiful artwork created at our Resin & Crystal Geode Workshop with AskaArt

We’re looking forward to an exciting June at the GI! Find out what we’ve got planned: www.guildford-institute.org.uk/events/category/course/apr-sep/

This Saturday! We can't wait to welcome Barb Jungr to the GI Music Lounge. Look forward to hearing Barb singing her beau...
21/05/2026

This Saturday! We can't wait to welcome Barb Jungr to the GI Music Lounge.

Look forward to hearing Barb singing her beautiful selection of songs by the legendary Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

⏰ Saturday 23 May
🍻 Doors/bar opens 7pm
🎶 Music from 7.30pm
🎫 Tickets: tinyurl.com/GI-Barb-Jungr

Plus, we have air con to keep you cool in the forecast hot weather!

Hallelujah is perhaps Leonard Cohen’s best known and most covered song. In challenging the usual approach we have freed the joyous and celebratory nature of ...

19/05/2026

Be sure to check out our latest free exhibition with Guildford Arts featuring the work of Martin Southwood and Angela Ortega Pestana. 🎨

Martin creates stunning paintings using acrylics and coloured pencil, inspired by subjects that evoke strong feelings for him. While Angela produces exquisite watercolours based on her travels around the country and Europe, with a focus on wildlife.

📍On display in our Assembly Room, home to V Cafe, until 29 May

18/05/2026

We're already looking ahead to the weekend as we'll be welcoming the superb Barb Jungr to the GI Music Lounge!

⏰ Saturday 23 May
🍻 Doors/bar opens 7pm
🎶 Music from 7.30pm

Accompanied by Simon Wallace, Barb will perform a selection of songs by the legendary Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. With years of experience, her incredible performances of this material have made her an internationally acclaimed interpreter of some of the most extraordinary writers of our time.

🎫 Book your tickets: www.guildford-institute.org.uk/event/barb-jungr-e127/

We're excited to once again be a venue for the brilliant Guildford Festival of the Arts! 🙌 There's so much to look forwa...
18/05/2026

We're excited to once again be a venue for the brilliant Guildford Festival of the Arts! 🙌 There's so much to look forward to - be sure to check it out.

When it comes to mental health, the smallest action can make all the difference. 💚Wellbeing is at the heart of what we d...
12/05/2026

When it comes to mental health, the smallest action can make all the difference. 💚

Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s for you or a loved one, this , find out what positive actions you can take through the services and opportunities we have available.

Wellbeing Centre 🫶

Our centre provides accessible mental health support services. A welcoming and safe space, it’s home to professional therapists and counsellors who offer a variety of support services.

Take part in our activities ✨

Our varied programme of activities provides opportunities to get creative, learn something new, enjoy live music and get together at our community events.

Meet others 🤝

Our free, friendly social groups brings people together to meet and make meaningful connections.

Chatty Café ☕

Meet on alternative Wednesdays, at 10.30am, for a chat and hot drink in our cosy Library.

Stitch and Sip 🧶

Our crafting group meet on alternative Fridays, at 2pm, in V Café.

Join us tomorrow to celebrate   as we ‘go underground’ and discover buried treasures from our Archive! ✨📚 Visit our hist...
08/05/2026

Join us tomorrow to celebrate as we ‘go underground’ and discover buried treasures from our Archive! ✨📚

Visit our historic Library, which first opened in 1892, and be amazed by the treasure trove of items on display that tell the story of Surrey’s history.

Our friendly volunteers will be on hand to tell you more about our Archive treasures and answer any questions.

🫶 Free for everyone, our Library is located on the ground floor of the building
⏰ Open 10am - 4pm

Address

The Guildford Institute, Ward Street
Guildford
GU14LH

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