The Stroud Fringe Festival may not return for a while yet but until then each year we put together a Guide to the August Bank Holiday Weekend in Stroud. From art exhibitions, fairs, trails and festivals to music, theatre and spoken word there is as per usual still plenty going on! Share, invite friends from further afield to show them just what an amazing place Stroud truly is…And do come back to this page for news and updates as there will no doubt be much more to add…
ART
GALLERY PANGOLIN
MON 2ND AUG - SAT 11TH SEPT
Off the Wall
An exhibition exclusively of Modern British and Contemporary sculpture that all work, interact, lean and hang off the wall. With over 40 works by 24 British and International artists, this exhibition is the first of its kind at Gallery Pangolin. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm/Sat 10am-1pm
gallery-pangolin.com
HALLIDAYS MILL
THURS 8TH JULY - SAT 28TH AUG
TJUKURPA
Summer Aboriginal art exhibition. Tjukurpa is the creation period and it forms the basis of all Aboriginal knowledge. It is a complex, all-encompassing belief system that defines religion, law and moral systems for Australia's indigenous people. It comes from their ancient ancestors who created, and brought life to the earth, during what non-indigenous people know as 'Dreamtime', or the ‘Dreaming'. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
hallidaysmillgallery.com
LANSDOWN HALL AND ART GALLERY
WEDS 25TH - SUN 29TH
Almost Unbelievably Normal: DiSect, Rex Birchmore and Galina Gardiner
DiSect: Stroud based collage idiot back at Lansdown with a limited edition print release of ‘You Promised Me A Rose Garden’ the front cover of the July issue of GOP, plus a load of originals and prints. Crab Museum by Rex Birchmore: Ethically sourced crabs. Plastic snatched from our beaches and bellies. Reordering and documenting things. Enjoying doing that. Galina Gardiner: Paints in oils. Everything can be pretty (even Whitty). Commonplace things are what catch and throw Galina (i.e mostly you can tell roughly what it is and guess what it’s about). Mystique: notably absent. In a parallel world, also a local painter of cows and ice cream. 11am-5pm. Private vie Fri 27th 6-8:30pm
lansdownhall.org
THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK
SAT 10TH JULY - SUN 12TH SEPT
Gallery Pangolin Presents: Jon Buck : March of Mutability
Following Jon Buck’s successful 2019 exhibition Time of Our Lives, a major body of work shown across both Pangolin Galleries, Gallery Pangolin and The Museum in the Park have teamed up to present a new exhibition entitled ‘March of Mutability’. This show will include a group of new sculptures relating to contemporary theories of evolution, alongside prints and drawings. Buck draws inspiration from a wide range of historical and contemporary scientific and anthropological sources; his work explores primary patterns derived from the natural world. They embellish the surfaces of his sculptures implying that this diversity requires conserving.
SAT 28TH AUG - SAT 4TH SEPT
Stroud Local History Society Exhibition: Festivals and Shows
Stroud Local History Society celebrates Festivals and Shows held in Chalford, Stroud, Stonehouse and Rodborough in the past, including Stroud's connections to the 1951 Festival of Britain and the Stroud Show Carnival parades of the 1960s. This exhibition shows in Gallery Two and will be open every day including Bank Holiday Monday (30th August).
museuminthepark.org.uk
THE PAINSWICK CENTRE
FRI 28TH MAY -MON 30TH AUG
Handmade In Painswick
A pop-up shop for the summer showcasing incredible local makers and artisans all based in and around Painswick. From art to jewellery to food to flowers featuring the Bespoke Flower Company, the Painswick Beekeeper honey, local artists Rupert Aker and Jennie Barber, hand knitted woolies from the Tibbiwell Alpacas, jewellery from Photogem and Ooblin, amongst many more! 10am-5pm
painswickcentre.com
STATION GALLERIES AT STROUD AND STONEHOUSE RAILWAY STATIONS
Let’s Create Stuff
An exhibition celebrating the magic of the landscape and our connection with nature through a colourful and playful exploration created by Stroud based illustrator Hatty Staniforth and moving-image artist Katherine Glynne-Jones who are both part of the Let’s Create Stuff collective. Footage captured on walks in Stroud forms the basis for 12 prints by Hatty and also a short video piece by Katherine, which can be found at @okletscreatestuff. This work forms a series of exhibitions by local people at Stroud and Stonehouse railway stations.
cscic.org
SVA JOHN STREET GALLERY
MON 23RD AUG - SAT 4TH SEPT
Noela James Bewry: Residency and Exhibition
Noela James Bewry, abstract artist, will be resident in SVA John Street Gallery from Mon 23rd until Sun 29th: " I plan to use this opportunity as a challenge to paint on a very large canvas in public. It will be a process of discovery, so please do walk past and follow the progress...” Following on from her residency in Noela will be showing a selection of abstract paintings from Mon 30th August until Sat 4th September: “I belong to Brancaster Chronicles which is a forum for live and recorded discussions on abstract painting and sculpture organised and filmed by participating artists (branchron.com). Taking part in this group has liberated and expanded my understanding of abstract art and is key to my development as an abstract painter." The exhibition will be open to the public on Thurs - Sat from 10am till 4pm
sva.org.uk
CIRCUS
GIFFORDS CIRCUS
THURS 19TH - TUES 31ST
The Hooley
Giffords Circus continues to push the boundaries of circus artistry by combining high production value with creative flair and attention to detail, with acclaimed production designer Takis bringing his magical touch to the production with their biggest set ever. The Hooley 2021 stars Tweedy the Clown, Nancy Trotter Landry, Lil Rice, Rebecca Musselwhite, and Duo Imagine, with live music from the Giffords Circus band directed by musical director James Keay. Following the show Giffords unique travelling restaurant, Circus Sauce, will be open serving three-course hearty locally-sourced seasonal feasts and new for this year – there is a licensed bar! Minchinhampton Common
giffordscircus.com
FESTIVALS/FAIRS/TRAILS
THE OUTER FRINGE
27th - 30th August
A full weekend of live music, a beer and cider festival and great food...Music lineup: Saturday -Mr Markos Outer Space Emporium (1:30pm), 3 litre Capri (2:30pm), Tamzin Barnes (4:10pm), Shady Past (5:30pm), Lost Submarines (6:50pm), Dry Seamen (8:10pm) and Les Bernadettes (9:30pm)/ Sunday - Earl (1:55ppm), Howling Matt (3pm), Texas Tick Fever (4:05pm), Woo Town Hillbillies (5:10pm), Trevor Babajack Stieger (6:40pm), Big Joe Bone (7:45pm) and Luke Philbrick and Solid Gone (8:50pm)/Monday - Stroud Red Band (12:30pm) and DJjerksauceproject (2pm). The Famous Chilli Cookoff also comes back on the Sunday, with local chefs competing for the coveted Cup alongside Americana bands. Bank Holiday Monday will see the return of Erin Baker's fabulous Veggie/Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Bar after the slow march down Horns Road with the Stroud Red Band!
crownandsceptrestroud.com
NOISE ON THE NAL PRESENTS: WATERSIDE STORIES
SUN 29th
Performers, musicians and community exhibitions at Queen Elizabeth II Field! 2-4:45pm
cotswoldcanalsconnected.org
PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDEN
FRI 23RD JULY - SUN 5TH SEPT
Magic Mayhem Trail
Meet Unipiggle, a muddy, loud and proud Unicorn Pig with special Magical Powers…He can turn anything he wants to CHOCOLATE! What’s that?! Unipiggle’s magic has been stolen! It was swiped by a cheeky choco-magic thief who is hiding somewhere in the resplendent Ro-cho-co Garden. Track down Unipiggle then find all of his magical pals to solve the puzzle and find the culprit! This trail has been created by local author and illustrator Hannah Shaw who lives in Stroud. Hannah’s magical Unipiggle series is published by Usborne and aimed at 6-8 year olds. Fans of the series will love to see all the familiar characters but you don’t need to have read the books to enjoy the trail. The trail is only 50p with admission to the Garden, and of course… there is a chocolate prize! (alternative prize also available).
rococogarden.org.uk
STROUD ART FAIR
SAT 28TH
Following on from the very successful launch event held in June this year, the Stroud Art Fair returns on Saturday 28th August outside the Sub Rooms. A similar number of stall holders are on show but this time they will also be using the George Exhibition Room inside the Sub Rooms to extend the event. Since the organisers began the concept of starting the non profit making Stroud Artists Cooperative they now have 51 different local artists from a diverse genre, age and ability who have signed up to exhibiting on the square and participating in the group. The August fair will see a number of new artists. The Stroud Artists Cooperative are keen to develop shared projects where artists group around themes to then put on an exhibition, share skills and network. If you are an artist who would like to join the cooperative you can get in touch via stroudartcooperative@yahoo.com
YARD TRAIL STROUD
MON 30th
The hugely popular Yard Trail Stroud returns this Bank Holiday Monday, a great way to get to know your neighbourhood, hunt some bargains or make some cash whilst saving the planet by reusing and recycling and building stronger communities! Pick up a map available at venues throughout Stroud to plan your day...
facebook.com/yardtrailstroud
MUSIC
THE HOG HORSLEY
SAT 28TH
Texas Tick Fever
Moonshine-Fuelled Americana from Texas Tick Fever. Tales of hobos, grifters, bootleggers and drifters from the backwoods of America…7:30pm
SUN 29TH
G-Strings Ukulele Experience
The brilliant G-String Ukulele Experience will be joining The Hog on Sunday 29th August as part of their Bank Holiday weekend entertainment! Expect covers of classic songs with a ukulele twist. 4pm
MON 30TH
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Live music from St Vincent and the Grenadines - an instrumental Blues/Jazz/Funk Band featuring up and coming musicians Harry Ashcroft, Tom Robbins, Jozef Russell and Felix Williams. 3pm
hoghorsley.com
STROUD BREWERY
SAT 28TH
Crooked Stylus: Back In The House
After more than 18 months in the corona wasteland with only the medium of radio broadcasts to sustain, Crooked Stylus is back to serve the dancefloors of Stroud! Contorted house, twisted disco, acid bungalow and skewed funk all lovingly sewn, knitted and sellotaped together by DJ Darius Akashic. 8pm £5 from Sound Records
MON 30TH
Lick It Back
A mixture of 50’s US R’n’B, early 70’s Soul, Bluebeat, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Roots, Lovers spun by Lick it Back this bank holiday Monday
stroudbrewery.co.uk
THE SUB ROOMS
SAT 28TH
Neighbourhood Launch Party
Dubbu and Mendoza are established promoters, DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. They masterminded the Stroud Block Party which has gone down in local history as one of the best parties in town. They're responsible for Notorious, Uptown and most recently Overproof. And now? They're bringing their good vibes to the Subs brand-new art-deco bar with Neighbourhood. Prepare to dance until the early hours with a top-of-the-range sound system, and these wicked DJ's taking to the decks. More good news?! The launch party is completely free...8pm
thesubrooms.co.uk
THE CARPENTERS ARMS MISERDEN
SAT 28TH
Global Beats Summer Breeze
Global Beats/Jag P heads to the Carpenter Arms for a DJ set ft funky world vibes, Bhangra, Afrobeat, Latin, Balkan and more! 4pm
thecarps-miserden.co.uk
SPOKEN WORD
CHRIST CHURCH ROOMS NAILSWORTH
FRI 27TH
Nailsworth Festival: Philip Douch - Stories For Latterly Lock Down Grown Ups
Award-winning Stroud writer-performer Philip Douch brings us an entertaining evening of his own short stories for grown-ups. Mostly fun, sometimes gently moving, Philip’s engaging style is laced with warmth, wit and a playful love of words. With dubious claims to fame ranging from reading his work at the Cheltenham Literature Festival to playing Eddie the Eagle’s dad alongside the man himself at The Everyman, Philip invites you to sit back and listen to tales of awkward love in the lingerie department; friendly aliens unravelling the mysteries of Network Rail and the man constructing a matchstick model of HMS Dreadnought. This is an evening sure to send you home with a smile on your face as longlasting as any jab in your arm… and you’ll even get the full benefit without needing to come back for another dose in a few weeks’ time. 7:30pm £8
nailsworthfestival.org.uk
ENGLAND UNCOVERED
FRI 27TH
Stroud: Bottoms Up! A Guided Walk
Known disparagingly as the Bottoms, Stroud grew to be the textile capital of the Cotswolds. It clothed the Redcoats, supplied trade goods to the Native Americans, and gave the world a place to put its billiard balls. It may even have supplied the cloth for the first US flag! On this guided walk we explore the growth of Stroud from backwater to behemoth and on the way discover the last fatal pistol duel, Blackbeard the Pirate, the Napoleonic hero who almost became a schoolboy statistic and the man who made the suburban weekend. The tour ends at the Stroud Brewery - where you get a free beer to toast Stroud's most famous son. Starts outside the Sub Rooms, Sat 11am/Fri 5pm £12pp booking in adv essential
Englanduncovered.eventbrite.co.uk
THE SUB ROOMS
FRI 27TH
Any Questions?
BBC Radio 4’s iconic discussion programme comes to Stroud. Described as ‘a topical discussion programme in which a panel of personalities from the world’s politics, media and elsewhere are posed by the audience’ the show has been just that for 70 years since it’s first broadcast from the Guildhall in Winchester on 12th October in 1948. Hosted by David Jacobs from 1967 to 1984 and most memorably by Jonathon Dimbleby from 1989 to 2019 the show is one of Radio 4’s flagship programmes and remains hugely popular. 6:30pm Free
thesubrooms.co.uk
THEATRE
PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDEN
MON 30TH
IKP Productions: Beauty and the Beast
Following their sell-out success with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, IKP return with a brand new, “delightfully daft” (The Stage) retelling of the classic story Beauty and the Beast. This enchanting production promises to be fast-paced, family-friendly and fun so prepare to be amazed and amused as IKP give this tale of adventure and acceptance their trademark ‘bonkers’ treatment. This is an outdoor performance, and will take place in all safe weathers including wet weather. Please bring something to sit on.2:30pm
rococogarden.org.uk