Where community revival meets business survival

At last, a day of sun, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Surbiton Festival in full swing on Saturday 23 September.

This annual event, held in the heart of Surbiton, not only brings the community together but also serves as a valuable platform for small businesses to shine.

Udari Wick, a member of the Surbiton Business Community, encapsulates the essence of the festival and said: “People can’t see what I’m selling, but something like this, where local businesses are supporting each other, gives me a space in the high street when I really don’t have one.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Surbiton Festival is its ability to bring people from all walks of life together.

Nithya Naomi, a talented jewellery maker, acknowledges the festival’s role in her journey, saying: “I don’t have a lot of money to spend on marketing, but this event is really good because you get to meet people in person, and you get to see their reaction which validates what you’re doing.”

This personal connection, which is often missing in the digital age of social media marketing, adds a unique dimension to the festival.

Raj Balentran, a local festival attendee, highlighted the festival’s growth, stating that it was certainly much better than last year.

Another attendee, Stacy Tuff, who was accompanied by his 10-year-old daughter Anya, appreciated the festival’s family-friendly atmosphere, remarking that it was good to see it full of people.

Anya’s favourite part of the festival was exploring the jewellery stalls - such as Nithya’s.

The Surbiton Festival also plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting small businesses like Udari’s and Nithya’s. For Udari, who has a full-time job, participating in events like this is a balancing act.

She aspires to be more involved towards the end of the year but acknowledges the financial challenges she faces. “It takes a lot of investment,” she said. “And things are getting more expensive for me.”

Paul Goodsall, representing the Hampton Court Model Railway Society, participated in the festival for the second time, promoting their Tolworth Showtrain Model Railway Show in November. He observed that most attendees were local, emphasizing the importance of maintaining events like the Surbiton Festival.

Unlike Udari, Goodsall noted that the economic cost-of-living crisis had not affected his and the Society’s activities. In fact, he observed an increase in attendees compared to the previous year, indicating the festival’s resilience after the shock of COVID-19.

The Surbiton Festival stands as a testament to the power of community and the support it can provide to small businesses.

As Udari, Nithya, and Paul have experienced, this annual event not only brings people together but also gives local entrepreneurs the visibility they need to thrive.

In a world increasingly dominated by online transactions, the Surbiton Festival reminds us of the value of personal connections and the joy of supporting our neighbours.

So, as you explore the lively stalls and enjoy the festivities next year, remember that you’re not just attending a festival; you’re actively participating in the heartbeat of Surbiton’s community spirit.