Art Surrey is an organisation that stages Surrey art fairs held annually at Sandown Park in March and Epsom Downs in October, bringing together a combined total of around 220 artists showcasing over 7,000 artworks.
The events provide a platform for both emerging and established UK-based artists to exhibit and sell their work directly to visitors. Across each weekend, the fairs create a vibrant, gallery-style environment where audiences can discover new talent, connect with artists and purchase original pieces in an approachable setting.
At the heart of Art Surrey is a clear vision to make high-quality contemporary art accessible to all while supporting independent artists and promoting meaningful connections between creators and buyers. By curating a diverse mix of artistic styles and disciplines, the fairs appeal to first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike, with affordable pieces starting from £50 all the way up to large statement pieces worth over £5,000.
Art Surrey is delivered through a collaboration between Fraser Renton, independent artist and owner of Sussex Art Fair, and gallerists, Caiger Art. Bringing a wealth of experience, the partnership combines skills across artist liaison, marketing, event operations and promotion to deliver the annual events. This collaborative approach underpins the continued growth and success of Art Surrey, ensuring each event is professionally delivered while remaining closely connected to both its artistic community and local audience.
Event setup
The configuration of each fair has been carefully considered to create an engaging and accessible environment for both artists and visitors. Each event is delivered using a structured shell scheme, accommodating around 100 booths, each allowing artists to showcase their artwork in a professional and creative way. The layout encourages natural visitor flow and a new dedicated sculpture area provides the space and visibility required for larger, three-dimensional works. A designated wrapping area is also included, ensuring purchased artworks can be packaged onsite, supporting a seamless buyer experience.
Throughout the venue, tables and chairs are thoughtfully positioned to create opportunities for visitors to pause and engage more deeply with the artwork on display. The overall setup balances functionality with atmosphere, ultimately creating a welcoming and high-quality exhibition environment.
Derrick Ireland, one of the artists in attendance at the March event, commented:
“The Sandown Fair 2026 was superb. I must have chatted with a hundred or so customers, all of whom agreed that the fair was fulfilling, varied and stimulating with excellent displays of high quality art. The new layout of intersecting alleyways of booths added to the enjoyment for the general public and artists alike. Congratulations to the Art Surrey team for putting on such a successful event.”
Food and beverage
Due to the high-footfall nature of the event, catering for Art Surrey’s fairs at Sandown Park and Epsom Downs is kept simple to complement the visitor experience. The events begin with an opening night drinks reception where attendees can enjoy complimentary wine and an exclusive first look at the collections. Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy refreshments and light food from the onsite cafés, which is a convenient option to allow visitors and exhibitors to refuel without leaving the venue.
Event solutions
Having successfully hosted past art fairs, both Sandown Park and Epsom Downs have developed a detailed understanding of Art Surrey’s specific requirements. This continuity has allowed the venue teams to anticipate operational needs, support efficient exhibitor set-up and breakdown, and provide tailored solutions to ensure the best possible visitor experience. This consistent delivery is reflected in the positive feedback received from both exhibitors and visitors, with testimonials frequently highlighting the professionalism of the teams, the quality of organisation and the overall welcoming, well-managed environment.
Venue selection
Sandown Park and Epsom Downs racecourses were selected as the venues for Art Surrey due to their excellent accessibility, generous capacity and proven suitability for large-scale public events. Both locations are well positioned for local artists and visitors alike, offering convenient transport links and extensive on-site parking, making set-up and attendance straightforward across the weekend.
The flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces comfortably accommodate circa. 100 artists and 3,000 visitors, allowing for an open, high-quality exhibition environment that supports both footfall and exhibitor needs. Additionally, Art Surrey has hosted the fairs at the venues since 2023, which is a strong endorsement for Jockey Club Venues’ suitability, consistent event delivery and operational expertise
Pam Glew, one of the artists that attended the art fair at Epsom in 2025, said:
“[I] wanted to say a big thank you for Art Surrey in Epsom, the reception was fantastic, sales were great and repeat customers came that I had met at Esher. Organisation was flawless and the set up was easy! Thanks to the team for making it a success. The wrapping station was great as usual and there were plenty of people on hand at all times. Venue, signage and promo all great.”
Testimonials
Fraser Renton, Director at Art Surrey said;
“Our second event at Sandown Park has been our best Art Surrey event to date, welcoming over 3,000 visitors all of whom came to see the works of 125 exhibiting UK based emerging and established artists. We also welcomed Genesis Europe as our presenting sponsor for this event, showcasing three of their cars, one inside the venue and two in the forecourt that visitors viewed on arrival. Sandown Park is the perfect venue to hold an event such as ours, from the size of the venue to the logistics of security, catering, parking, cleaning and ease of access. The management team were all excellent and we look forward to working with Sandown again in March 2027.”
Michelle Lucking commented on this year’s event at Sandown Park Racecourse:
“I have never ever sent an email direct to the organisers after a show but I just wanted to say thank you for such a well done, friendly, and wonderful event. It’s my first art fair in six years and I was so impressed by how you organised this event. It felt completely centred on the artist, and you made sure there was a fantastic footfall. I honestly can’t thank you enough for all the attention to detail – the availability of staff, the quick handling of lighting, the packing stand, the opening night – it just felt like a well-run machine. Very excited to for Epsom and I shall definitely be applying to attend Sandown again next year.”
Jenny Urquhart added:
“I had such a lovely time at Art Surrey and was made so welcome by all the staff! It was so well organised with amazing facilities on hand. The footfall was ace and was such a successful weekend of selling art. Loved it!”
Will Budgett, an artist who exhibited at Epsom’s 2025 event, said:
“I had a great time at the fair! I think there was a perfect mix of interested buyers alongside people there for a nice day out ogling some art. So lots of nice conversations were had. From the point of view of the sculpture room, what a space! As all my work is related to light which is why I tucked myself away in the corner but it’s a brilliant place to display with a lovely backdrop.”
The next Art Surrey event will take place from 2-4 October 2026 at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Find out more here.
