There is something for everyone in the varied mix of events in the Stroud District.
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
Stroudwater Textile Festival
1 - 21 May 2008
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. The rolling hills that surround the market town of Stroud, once grazed sheep that provided the wool central to making the area famous - with the Scarlett cloth that travelled the world and the green billiard cloth and famous Wimbledon tennis ball that is still produced in a working Mill on the outskirts of the town.
The proud Mills and cottages that once hummed and buzzed with textile production now are more likely to be home to artists working in their studios.
From the rich textile heritage the Stroudwater Textile Trust has grown, and today presents as part of its year round programme an annual International festival that celebrates and connects this exciting history to the present day and to the vibrant and flourishing textile scene.
The Stroud Valleys were once home to the arts and crafts movement with William Morris and the two famous textile printers, Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher working from a cottage in Painswick. Attracted by the rural idyll these pioneers of innovative design were inspired by the landscape and the easy access to London and local cities of culture such as Bristol and Bath.
This reputation for excellence, forward thinking and innovative design continues today and the Five valleys are home to many of the countries leading artists and makers, who continue to enjoy the creative spirit that survives today.
The annual festival has built on its growing success and reputation for presenting high quality and innovative contemporary work from leading national and international artists and presents throughout the month of May a diverse and stimulating programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, events, walks and open heritage sites. Bringing artists and work of this caliber to the Stroud Valleys - artists who otherwise are only seen in capital cities and venues, in a celebration of contemporary textile work makes this festival a unique and progressive event.
"A marvellous festival, we thoroughly enjoyed the diverse programme and attended many of the stimulating talks. We will come again next year" Doreen & Jim Barnaville from Cardiff. "I had never been to Stroud before and had no idea it could present such a terrific event. Well worth the trip from Lancashire"
Stroudwater International Textile Festival runs from 1- 21 May 2008 in venues throughout the Five Valleys.
Go to: www.stroudwatertextiles.org.uk for further information
The Fringe Festival
12 - 14 September
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.
Other Festivals
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 (1 - 30 June 2008) 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.
Useful Links
- Festivals in Gloucester
- Cheltenham Festivals
- For a more detailed and comprehensive list of attractions please visit www.visitthecotswolds.org.uk
- You can also view the events calendar for more information on festivals and events in the Stroud District.
