THIS year, the Museum of Farnham is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Willmer House, its home in West Street since 1961, and there are plans to mark the huge milestone in style with a special garden party on June 9 from 6pm to 10pm.

The evening will be a chance to relax and enjoy the museum’s beautiful walled garden with entertainment, food and drink. The entertainment will be provided by local bands U Ukes, the Wildflowers and Cajun Boogaloo.

Guests can also enjoy cocktails provided by Four Marks-based Gorilla Spirits, as well as wines and beers from the museum’s specially stocked bar.

Tickets are priced at £16 each, which includes a barbecue dinner provided by Lewis Brothers Catering. Every ticket sold will support the museum in its efforts to purchase a locally found gold Bronze Age ring for its collection.

Liz May, museum curator, said: “The 300th Birthday Party is not to be missed, the garden, music, food and drink will make it a night to remember!

“It is all for a good cause, as the proceeds will go towards purchasing a gold Bronze Age ring found in Cranleigh for the museum collection. The ring is one of only three to be found in the county and by purchasing it, the museum will be making sure it is available for Surrey residents to enjoy for centuries to come.”

The garden party is just one of a series of events planned at the Museum of Farnham this year to celebrate Willmer House’s landmark anniversary.

The museum’s usual range of family-friendly summer activities will be given the Georgian touch, and an archaeology exhibition will help members of the public discover the history beneath Willmer House.

Visitors will also get to experience a Georgian-themed event coinciding with the national festival Museums at Night in October.

Another of the highlights of this programme is a special exhibition (running until December 22) about the history of Willmer House, specially curated by pupils from Potters Gate Primary School.

Willmer House is a very fine example of a Georgian townhouse, built by a hop merchant by the name of John Thorne in 1718; it is now a Grade II-listed building. Over the years it has been many different things to different people; a hop grower’s residence, a school for young ladies and a dentist’s surgery.

Tickets for the garden party can be purchased directly from the museum or online via Eventbrite by searching for ‘300th Birthday Party’. Alternatively, pop in during opening hours (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm), call 01252 715094 or email [email protected].