Stroud’s programme of arts and community events for 14–20 September brings together live music, poetry, exhibitions, history and opportunities to try something different. As outdoor festivals begin to ease back with the seasonal change, organisers are turning to indoor venues across the town and wider district.
The week includes an open Morris dancing rehearsal at the Old Town Hall, a monthly songwriters’ event at the Prince Albert, a late evening of music and food at Loganberry, and a weekend celebrating the River Severn at the Chapels of Rest. Professor David Olusoga will also return to the Sub Rooms for a historical talk about tea.
Events in Stroud from Tuesday to Friday
Miserden Morris will welcome newcomers to an open rehearsal at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday, 15 September, at 7.30pm. The mixed side includes male and female dancers, performs in the Cotswold tradition and specialises in dances from Gloucestershire. The session follows the group’s celebratory day of dance held a couple of weeks earlier.
Local music producer and Lo-Hi-Lo frontman Ben Brockett will host the monthly Play the Songwriters Stage at the Prince Albert on Wednesday, 16 September. Musicians can register from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Performance slots are limited to two songs, allowing a range of performers to take part, and the event focuses on original compositions.
Loganberry will stay open late on Thursday, 17 September, from 5pm to 11pm. Proprietor Ollie Green has organised an evening of funk, jazz and soulful music, with DJs Will Mendoza and Jozef Russell providing the vinyl soundtrack. Fresh Standard will supply beer, Stroud Wines will provide wine and Caper will serve food.
From Friday, 18 September, to Sunday, 20 September, the Chapels of Rest in Stroud Cemetery will host Dialogues with the Severn. The weekend celebration of the River Severn has been conceived and organised by local photographer Alexander Caminada, Stroud painter, public speaker and writer Angela Findlay, and Kel Portman, co-founder of the Walking the Land collective.
The programme brings together art, talks, walks, music and poetry as part of a wider September schedule of exhibitions at the Chapels of Rest.
Poetry and history at the weekend
Stroud poetry night Slight will host another evening of poetic performance at Rough Hands on Saturday, 19 September, at 7pm. The event will feature award-winning poet and filmmaker James E Kenward and poet and Ællin frontperson Siân Magill. Entry is free.
Later that evening, at 7.30pm, Professor David Olusoga will return to the Sub Rooms. The Bristol-based academic and television presenter will explore the history of tea, taking the audience on a whistlestop tour of 350 years of Britain’s national drink.
The talk will examine tea’s connections with China, India, the Caribbean and the United States, offering a historical journey around the drink’s international relationships.
Exhibition closing and an event further afield
Visitors have until Wednesday, 16 September, to see This is the Magic Place at the Chapels of Rest. The exhibition of images and sound recordings from the Heavens Valley is presented by the Heavens Community Benefit Society as part of its public engagement programme.
The exhibition also gives visitors the chance to contribute thoughts and ideas about the Heavens ahead of the society’s annual meeting the following week.
Further afield, Days in the Sun folk and roots festival will run from Friday, 18 September, to Sunday, 20 September, at New Bliss Farm in Rudford, between Gloucester and Newent. The line-up includes Irish folk rock band Roving Crows, Highland group Skipinnish and Monmouthshire six-piece Rusty Shackle.
Organisers and community groups can suggest events for inclusion in the weekly guide to things to see and do in the Stroud area.
