Guildford goes 'car free'

A 'car free day' is taking place in Guildford this weekend.

The event will focus on informing people of the causes and effects of climate change.

The third annual event is taking place from 10 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon on Sunday 24th September and residents are being to “Be part of a Greener Guildford”.

Guildford Borough Council is coordinating the free, fun and interactive event, bringing in hundreds of local providers, traders and community organisations, all working together. The event will involve a range of education and awareness activities, family entertainment, and many different stalls.

Car Free Day encourages motorists to choose alternative travel such as walking, cycling or public transport, instead of using their car for the day. 

What's On?

On the closed roads in the town centre (Upper High Street, Tunsgate and High Street), the following zones will be filled with events, stalls and activities:

• EcoZone (Upper High Street):

• Zero Carbon Guildford – locals making a difference

• Guildford Environmental Forum – promoting their work

• Geared Up Cycles’ Bike Doctor – get your bike fixed for free

• Stagecoach – pop up bus stop

• SCC Active Travel – smoothie bike

• University of Surrey – ground breaking research

• Experience Guildford – promoting Greener Guildford

• St Edwards North Street display

• Guildford Bike User Group / Kidical – promoting cycling

• Extinction Rebellion – promoting awareness of climate change

• Surrey Wildlife Trust

• ActivZone / FunZone (Upper High Street):

• E-bikes – have a go

• 9m climbing wall – are you brave enough?

• Circus Skills – have a go, from juggling, to tight rope walking!

• MarketZone (High St):

• Antique & Brocante stalls

• Rural Craft stalls

• Market stalls

• Art & Maker stalls

• VeganZone (High St):

• Ethical Vegan Food stalls

• Ethical Vegan craft stalls

• MusicZone (Under Tunsgate Arch):

• Rock Choir

• H&T Creative – performances/workshops on plastic pollution

• Cactus Brass Band

• PlayZone (Tunsgate):

• GBC Community Play Rangers – fun interactive fun for kids

• Facepainting

Getting Here

• Only Upper High Street’s closure will affect public transport, with buses diverted up/down York Road to access/egress the bus station.

• Whilst two blue badge parking spaces will be temporarily lost in Upper High Street, an additional 7 blue badge spaces will be temporarily created in Upper High Street car park in Eastgate Gardens.

• All car parks will remain open as usual.

• Cycling is encouraged – there is additional parking for 100 bikes across the town centre and another 500 spaces at Allen House Grounds, off Chertsey Street.

Aim of the day:

'To open up spaces where our residents can experience, feel safe in, and enjoy, a traffic free environment.’

Guildford Car Free Day is also a celebration of the end of summer events in the town.

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