There is something for everyone in the varied mix of events in the Stroud District.
Stroud International Textile Festival | Fringe Festival | Other Festivals | Useful Links
The Stroud Tourism Website has lots more information on various festivals that take place in the area, you can find out more on www.visitthecotswolds.org.uk
1 - 21 May 2009
The Stroud Five Valleys in Gloucestershire have a long association with cloth production and textile design, and the influence of the textile industry on the surrounding landscape, architecture and the economy remains today.
Stroud International Textiles was formed to celebrate that heritage. It presents a year round programme of activities related to contemporary textiles, while linking to the traditional. Part of its year round programming is an annual Festival that takes place every May.
The annual Festival is the only festival in the UK to profile textiles and the related arts, and has a reputation for excellence and for presenting high quality and innovative work from leading international, national and local artists throughout the month of May. The Festival presents a diverse and stimulating programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, events in venues in and around Stroud. Bringing artists and speakers who usually are seen and heard only in major cities and venues, Stroud International Textiles aims to broaden out textile thinking, making it a unique and progressive event., touching on the traditional, presenting cutting edge thinking and linking to related contemporary crafts. Alongside the leading work is a strong commitment to emerging young artists.
“A marvellous festival, we thoroughly enjoyed the diverse programme and attended many of the stimulating talks. We will certainly come again next year”
“Well worth the trip from Lancashire. I had no idea that Stroud could present such a terrific event”
Some of the artists appearing in 2009 will be: Michael Brennand-Wood, Margot Selby, Rachel Gornall, Hilary Bower, Jacy Wall, Matthew Harris, Dawn Dupree, willow artist - Mary Butcher with Tim Johnson.
The fabulous Studio Seven group of textile artists will again be offering a new innovative installation and performance.
A Jewellery Showcase with top names that include Susan Cross, Nora Fok and Nel Linssen.
A World Textile sale and the Chrome Yellow Book stand will be back again in 2009.
Making a rare appearance in the UK in May 09 will be jazz pianist Keith Tippett accompanied by Julie Tippett. Improvised sound echoing discord and mark making in textiles.
This fantastic Festival is a major event in Stroud's cultural calender. For a free Events Brochure contact the Tourist Information on 01453 760900
Go to: www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.uk
September 2009
More recently, the Fringe Festival has delighted both locals and visitors with events both indoors and out. Dancing and music in the streets - everything from African drumming to flamenco dancers, clog dancers, Morris men and classical events. The entertainment is a mix of paid and free, with inclusive event tickets available. For many, the whole experience has been completed by an associated campsite, opened once a year for this event, and located on parkland which is close to the Leisure Centre and an impressive woodland collection!
For further information see the Stroud Fringe Festival website.
The Stroud Arts Festival was the first major event to put the town on the visitor map, and still does the District proud with its wide selection of cultural activities.
The Arts and Crafts tradition lives on in the creativity which still exists throughout the District. It is a real haven for sculptors, stained- glass artists, masons, sculptors, writers, painters and a wide range of creative artists.
The annual Site Festival and Open Studios event that takes place every June is a celebration of the diversity of the visual arts in the Stroud district.
Now in its 9th year, the work of over 250 local, national and international artists can be seen. From the garden shed to the converted mill, artists open their doors to the public. Walks and mini bus tours take you around the Valleys to the individual studios.
Alongside the Open Studios are 2 Taster exhibitions and a programme of events, talks, workshops and exhibitions that also take place within the Site Festival.
"The creative energy that surges through Stroud and the surrounding valleys is extraordinary, stimulating and exhilarating at the same time. There is a fabulous vitality of arts in the Stroud area, everyone should go and take a look"
Matthew Fort journalist and Guardian Food Editor.
Visit www.sva.org.uk for more information.
