Free family events bring WWII history to life in Esher this February

Elmbridge residents are invited to step back in time this February as Elmbridge Museum hosts two free family activity days linked to its new exhibition, ‘Echoes of War’, at the Civic Centre, High Street, Esher KT10 9SD. 

Join us on Saturday 7 February and Saturday 21 February, between 10:30am and 3:30pm for hands-on, wartime-inspired creative sessions. 

Activities are suitable for all ages and celebrate wartime ingenuity and sustainability: 

• ‘Make Do and Mend’ textile workshops: learn simple sewing techniques and transform old fabric into a headband or bow tie with Bee Smith Millinery.
• ration box activity.
• postcard storytelling: record personal memories or family stories and create a folded paper keepsake.
• exploration of the ‘Echoes of War’ exhibition, featuring dressed mannequins, display cases, interpretive panels and a creative installation with a surrounding soundscape.
• the chance to handle authentic artefacts and objects from Elmbridge Museum’s learning discovery box.
• Listen to audio recordings of local Home Front stories featured in the ‘Threaded Shelter’ display. 

The sessions are suitable for all ages, though under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided, but you’re welcome to bring old clothing or fabric scraps to upcycle. 

About the ‘Echoes of War’ exhibition 

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm 
Dates: 4 to 27 February 2026 

‘Echoes of War’ is a multi-sensory installation created in partnership with award-winning sound artist Emily Peasgood. The exhibition brings the Second World War Home Front in Elmbridge to life through sound, touch and craft. Visitors can explore real stories from local residents and schoolchildren, discover wartime roles through dressed mannequins, and step inside an immersive, artist-built recreation of a Morrison shelter. 

This VE and VJ Day commemoration project is supported with public funding from the UK Government through Arts Council England. 

For more information, visit the Elmbridge Museum website.