Issue #004 | Thursday 29th October 2026 | New homes, half-term plans and Thursday essentials
Good morning, East Grinstead! Pop the kettle on: here’s what’s happening in town today.
It’s a misty half-term Thursday to start, but brighter spells should arrive later. Today’s lead is the newly approved 550-home Alder Vale neighbourhood, followed by a quick guide to what’s happening in town tonight and through the weekend.
If there’s something happening in town you think we should cover, email us at [email protected].
Grant,
East Grinstead Guide
GIF: Aardman Animations via GIPHY
In this East Grinstead Guide issue
🌤️ Weather — today’s forecast
🥕 Today at a glance — market, theatre and trains
🎭 Planning — 550-home Alder Vale scheme approved
🚆 Travel — late trains and road closures
🧙 Family — Harry Potter and Hallowe’en Quiz
📅 Events — what’s on through the weekend
🏆 Voting — Best of East Grinstead 2026
Looking for a local business? Find shops and services on the East Grinstead Guide website.
1. Today’s weather
A chilly, misty or foggy start is expected around East Grinstead. The fog should gradually lift during the morning, leaving variable cloud and some longer sunny intervals during the afternoon.
The temperature should reach around 16°C, with light winds. If you’re travelling early, allow a little extra time where visibility is poor.
2. Today at a glance
Image: East Grinstead Town Council
East Grinstead’s Farmers’ Market runs from 9am to 2pm in Market Square. The Addams Family opens at Chequer Mead at 7.30pm, and tonight is the final scheduled evening of this week’s late-train replacement buses.
Remember that College Lane and part of Garland Road remain closed. These are quick reminders from earlier issues; the full details are linked below where available.
3. 550 homes approved west of Imberhorne Lane — Planning
Press release: Vistry; planning reference DM/26/0131
Councillors unanimously approved the detailed plans for 550 homes on land west of Imberhorne Lane. The new neighbourhood, to be called Alder Vale, follows outline permission granted in December 2025.
The developers say Vistry will deliver 420 homes and David Wilson Homes 130, including 165 affordable homes. The wider plans include green space, sports facilities, land for a primary school, a care village and a neighbourhood centre.
Construction is expected to start before Christmas, according to a local government update published this month.
Planning and details
4. Late trains and road closures — Travel
A few things to know before you travel today.
Late trains: tonight is the final scheduled evening of this week’s engineering work. The 10.50pm and 11.22pm trains from London Victoria terminate at East Croydon, with replacement buses continuing to East Grinstead. The 11.06pm East Grinstead to London Victoria service is replaced by a bus to East Croydon.
College Lane: closed from Old Road northwards to De La Warr Road until Friday 6 November while gas mains are replaced.
Garland Road: closed southbound for about 40 metres from the London Road A22 junction until Tuesday 10 November while electricity cables are installed.
Access to properties is maintained. Follow the signed diversions and allow extra time.
5. Harry Potter and Hallowe’en Quiz — Family
The Bookshop on the High Street is holding its annual Harry Potter and Hallowe’en Quiz from 7pm to 9pm tonight.
John is at the helm for an evening of ghoulishly difficult questions for the family. Check ticket availability with The Bookshop before setting out.
The Bookshop is at 22 High Street, East Grinstead, RH19 3AW.
6. What’s on through the weekend — Events
Here’s what’s on in and around town through Saturday. Tap an event name for details and check the organiser’s page before setting off.
Thursday 29 October
Autumn Trail at East Grinstead Sports Club — 10am to 3pm, Saint Hill Road. Free entry.
Descendants Dance and Craft Day at Learts Creative Studio — 10am to 4pm, £60.
Farmers’ Market — 9am to 2pm, Market Square.
The Addams Family — 7.30pm at Chequer Mead.
Friday 30 October
Free Indoor Play Day — 2pm to 4pm at the Dolphin Leisure Centre.
Firework Night at East Grinstead Rugby Club — from 5pm.
A Ghostly Evening at The Bookshop — 7pm to 9pm.
Saturday 31 October
The Addams Family — 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Free Halloween cinema at The Three Crowns — Corpse Bride, 4pm to 6pm.
Light Party — 4.30pm to 7.30pm, ages 10 to 14.
Halloween fancy-dress karaoke at The Three Crowns — from 8pm.
7. Have your say: Best of East Grinstead 2026 — Ballot
Image: East Grinstead Guide, using a photo by Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Best of East Grinstead 2026 vote is open across 29 categories, from cafés and pizza to plumbers and community groups.
Voting closes on Monday 7 December 2026. Remember to click the link in your confirmation email, as your vote only counts once confirmed.
Know something happening in town? Email [email protected] or join the East Grinstead Guide Facebook group.
Find local businesses on the East Grinstead Guide website.
Forwarded this by a friend? Sign up for the daily East Grinstead Guide.
See you tomorrow,
Grant, East Grinstead Guide
Want to feature your business or sponsor the newsletter? Email [email protected].