Great Green Barn Opens as New Venue Space in Surrey with Focus on Sustainability and Community
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Great Green Barn officially opened its doors as a new venue space in Surrey, one with sustainability and community at its heart. The 17th century barn underwent a restoration where traditional crafts were at the forefront, and now it is ready to serve as a space for arts, drama, education, community, comedy, inspiration, music, crafting, and more.
The Great Green Barn CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, will present its own events, while also being available for hire by organizations and individuals who follow an eco-sustainable approach. With a focus on promoting eco-friendly practices, the Great Green Barn is committed to benefitting the local community, society, and the planet as a whole.
The Great Green Barn’s Autumn season is now on sale, offering an eclectic mix of cookery classes, live theatre, games’ nights, afternoon teas, and cabaret. Workshops and events hosted by local organizations will also soon be added to the schedule.
Among the upcoming events is a 5-week Greek cookery course taught by Georgios Nyfoudis, of London’s acclaimed Greek restaurant The Life Goddess. Participants will learn how to prepare and cook traditional Greek dishes in hands-on classes with tastings along the way. The Great Green Barn also offers monthly afternoon teas with locally made scones and finger sandwiches, as well as board game nights for those who enjoy some friendly competition.
For theatre enthusiasts, the Great Green Barn will host two live theatre performances. “Ode to Joyce” is a compilation and performance by Cheryl Knight, celebrating the life and work of Joyce Grenfell, one of the greatest female entertainers of the twentieth century. “The Essence of Audrey” is a show written and performed by Helen Anker, portraying the iconic Audrey Hepburn in a private viewing of her film memorabilia. Both shows promise to be a nostalgic and entertaining experience.
Additionally, the Great Green Barn will host a special Christmas afternoon tea on December 15, featuring a live performance by “King of Cabaret” Stefan Bednarczyk with his show “An Afternoon with Noël Coward.”
Vanessa Ford, the founder and owner of Great Green Barn CIC, has fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own theatre with this restoration project. She hopes that the space will be an inspiration, education, and source of happiness for the community she has lived in her entire life. Ford says, “I am so looking forward to welcoming everybody.”
The Great Green Barn is located at Upper House Lane (Run Common Road end), Shamley Green, GU5 0SX. Tickets for all events can be purchased online through the Great Green Barn’s website, or in person at For Earth’s Sake Shop. Limited parking is available at For Earth’s Sake, so carpooling is encouraged.
For more information and interview requests, contact Paul Savident at paul@greatgreenbarn.com or 07966 014911.
About Great Green Barn CIC:
Great Green Barn CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company operating a traditionally restored 17th century barn as a venue space for events, workshops, and courses focused on sustainability and traditional crafting. In partnership with For Earth’s Sake CIC, the Great Green Barn aims to be a hub for the local community to discuss, contribute, and share ideas and initiatives that benefit society and the planet.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.