Excitement is mounting as Epsom prepares for the world’s greatest flat race The Derby at Epsom Racecourse and the town will be celebrating this annual event with a host of entertainment during the half term week.  

The Epsom Derby Festival is a join event organised by What’s On In Epsom, The Ashley Centre, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and Bourne Hall Museum and will include children’s craft activities, fashion shows, a traditional Derby Market, pantomime horse race, live music, derby walks, treasure hunt and shop window competition! 

On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May there will be Fashion Shows in The Ashley Centre on the hour every hour from 11am till 4pm. From Monday 30 May until Friday 3 June The Ashley Centre will be entertaining children of all ages with a variety of craft activities and entertainment between 10am and 4pm The activities include big art floor fun, dress up parlour, Derby hat making competition, bunting bonanza and wooden trophies. 

On Sunday 29May What’s On will be bringing back the traditional Derby Sunday Market to be held in Epsom Marketplace from 10am-4pm with up to 40 stalls, buskers and children rides. 

On Monday 30May the Market Place will host the Mayor’s Charity Fun Day from 12-5pm including a Pantomime Horse Derby. A fun day with stalls, children rides, live music supplied by Realistic Music Academy with the final of the Pantomime Horse Derby at 4:30pm. 

Bourne Hall Museum will be running three Derby History Walks around the town on Wednesday 1 June 2pm and 7.30pm and on Thursday 2 June at 7.30pm. Booking essential. 

The action moves up to Epsom Racecourse on Friday 3 June with Investec Oaks Day and on Saturday 4 June for the Investec Derby Day. Gates open each day at 11am. 

From 27May until 4June there will be a free Treasure Hunt. Follow the clues around the town to spot the decorated horses with a chance to win prizes from Epsom Downs Racecourse, KidZania, Hobbledown and lots more. Entry forms available from Hatty’s Sweet Shop, So Lippy and The Ashley Centre. 

Also from 2 May until 4June local shops will be decorating their windows in a Derby theme for a chance to win a great prize from Epsom Downs Racecourse. 

For more details, visit The Ashley Centre or What’s On In Epsom Facebook pages or lookout for posters on the borough noticeboards.