Epsom and Ewell’s first ever arts festival gets underway this weekend with a series of concerts, plays, exhibitions and literature readings held across the borough.

Surrey Comet:
Some of the members of the Epsom Youth Big Band and some of Epsom Youth Jazz Band

Named after the chemical formula for Epsom salts which made the town famous nearly 400 years ago, the MgSO4 festival runs between Friday, June 24 and Sunday, June 26.

More than 60 art, writing, and music workshops, kid’s crafts, performances and exhibitions will take place across the borough over the weekend.

Surrey Comet:
Composer Ben Tompsett and singer Beth Keens, 12

While some events charge a small booking fee, others are free to explore.

The non-profit organisation aims to inspire residents and started with a letter in 2015 to The Epsom Guardian.

Surrey Comet:
Laura Dodsworth's 'Bare Reality' project is being turned into a stage play 

In answer to the question why there was no representation of the artists and performers around the area, artist Sarah Dewing and What’s On Epsom offered to host a meeting for anyone who was willing to start an Arts Festival. The meeting was so successful that they ran out of chairs.

Surrey Comet:
Sky Sports News presenter Julian Walters with his uncle, auhor Michael Frayn

MgSO4 formally launched at a busy party on Wednesday, June 8. Among the guests was the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, George Crawford, who praised the festival for launching an inclusive festival that the whole community can enjoy, and for their significant contribution as volunteers to the cultural life of the borough.

Surrey Comet:
The Poetry & Music Ensemble who will be accompanying the young poets as they perform their poems on stage at the festival event at Bourne Hall

At the event, Chair and Festival Director Sarah Dewing told guests: “As an artist myself, I am very proud to be involved with this ambitious venture, which has evolved out of a collective desire to elevate and celebrate the status of the arts in Epsom and Ewell.

“The name for the festival symbolises our intention to make Epsom a creative hub once again, and celebrate the unique character of our town.”

MgSO4 held a young musician competition and a poetry competition, and if you’re looking to get even more hands on, you can volunteer.

Surrey Comet:
Thomas Kavanagh, 11, winner of MGSO4 Festival's Young Musician of the Year Competition

MGSO4 Festival - Highlights

What  Becoming a children’s author: Top tips

When - Saturday, June 25, 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Where – Bourne Hall, Ewell

Price - £7

Aspiring children’s authors can get some insider knowledge with this talk from Clare Somerville, Deputy Managing Director of Hachette Children’s Books.

Learn about the commissioning process and find out what publishers are looking for - vital for anyone serious about breaking into the industry.

What – An evening with Michael Frayn

When - Friday, 24 June 2016 - 7:30pm

Where – Bourne Hall, Ewell,

Price - Adult £12 + booking fee, Concession £10.80+ booking fee, Under 16: £8.50 + booking fee

Join celebrated novelist, playwright and Ewell native, Michael Frayn, for the evening. Michael will be discussing his work and the inspiration that his childhood in Ewell has provided.

The audience will also be treated to highlights of rare footage from Frayn’s 1978 BBC documentary about Ewell.

What – Charlotte Turnbull

When - Saturday, June 25 - 5:30pm

Where – Derby Square, Epsom

Price - Free

The Voice contestant, Charlotte Turnbull, headlines the acoustic showcase event Live in Derby Square.

Hailing from Wallington, Charlotte attended NESCOT College in Ewell, and began recording music covers in her bedroom and uploading them onto YouTube just two years ago.

For more information, visit http://mgso4festival.org