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Have your say on the future of local councils in Surrey

Take part in a landmark Government consultation on proposals to replace Surrey's current councils with up to three larger authorities. We support a three unitary approach - Find out more and read our consultation question guide.

Join us at an online or in-person event where you find out more about Local Government Organisation, ask questions and find out how to have your say. 

Weather warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms from Friday 18 July and an amber weather warning on Saturday 19 July. Read our advice during severe weather for more information.  

Essential maintenance to our planning services

There will be disruption to our planning services from Thursday 17 July to Saturday 19 July. This is whilst we carry out some essential maintenance. You will not be able to search or comment on a planning application during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

The Big Draw Festival

The Big Draw 2023

What you need to know

The Big Draw 2023 is coming to Guildford this October. The festival is a worldwide celebration of drawing and art.

We're running an art themed competition open to all our residents. There are prizes for the best submissions. This year's theme is #DrawingWithSenses. We're encouraging you to use your senses and create artwork using:

  • touch
  • sight
  • sound
  • taste
  • smell

to produce something, you love or enjoy.

This could be:

  • a finger painting
  • a sensory collage for touch
  • a video of a beautiful place for sight
  • a sound recording of music or nature
  • a photo of something you've baked or tasted

Our winner will be chosen based on:

  • creativity
  • relevance to the theme

Watch our YouTube video to find out more. (opens new window)

How to enter

The competition opens on the 1 October 2023. We must receive your entry by 4pm on 31 October 2023. You must live in the Guildford borough to enter and you can enter one submission.  

You must submit your entry by:

E-mail

Email your submission to: community.wellbeing@guildford.gov.uk

Social media

You can tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your photo and video creations. Use @GBCCommunityWellbeing

Social media submissions must follow the terms and conditions of the platform used. We do not take responsibility for the sharing or removal of any photos, or videos uploaded.

In person

Visit a submission station. Find your nearest station below:

  • Ash library, Ash St, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6LF
  • Guildford Library, 77 North Street, Guildford, GU1 4AL
  • Horsley Library, Parade Court, Ockham Rd S, East Horsley, KT24 6QR
  • Watts Gallery, Down Ln, Guildford GU3 1DQ
  • The Hive, Park Barn Drive, Guildford, GU2 8EN
  • Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry St, Guildford GU1 3SX
  • Shere Museum, Gomshall Ln, Shere,GU5 9HE
  • Guildford Institute,  Ward St, Guildford GU1 4LH
  • Ash Vale Chapel,  33 Wharf Road, Ash Vale, GU12 5AY

Managing your data

All entries will adhere to our GDPR policy. We'll delete all your personal information from our systems once the competition has ended.

Information provided for the Big Draw Competition will not be shared with third parties.