Festivals & Special Events

Snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden (Jan - Mar 2013)

Painswick Rococo Garden
Painswick Rococo Garden

If you haven't visited the Garden at this time of the year, it is a sight not to be missed. Carpets of snowdrops drift through the woodland, clothing the steep banks below the renovated Eagle House, and thick on the grassy bank that leads up to the viewpoint above the maze, down by the fish pond and the square, rather dark plunge pool.

A bonus at Painswick are the winter-flowering cyclamen. A real reminder that spring is just round the corner.

Link to Click here for more informationClick here for more information - Snowdrops and Painswick Rococo Gardens


Stroud Spring Walking Festival (13 - 21 April 2013)

Spring Walking Festival
Spring Walking Festival

Blow away the winter cobwebs with eight walks in nine days. Something for all abilities and interests - from 1 mile strolls to 19 mile hikes - nature, history, canal and a few pubs. All walks are guided and free.

Link to Download the full programme from our new website here:Download the full programme from our new website here: - or collect a copy from Stroud Tourist Information Centre


Wotton-under-Edge Festival (20 April - 5 May 2013)

Wotton-under-Edge
Wotton-under-Edge

This year is the 43rd festival celebrating the arts in Wotton under Edge and the surrounding area. For further details of all the events on offer, visit the Wotton-under-Edge Festival website (see link below) or phone 01453 842499.





Link to Wotton-under-Edge FestivalWotton-under-Edge Festival - Further information


Stroud International Textile's Spring Select (27 April - 26 May 2013)

Hillu Liebelt
Hillu Liebelt

Leading artists, writers, speakers and scholars take part in Stroud International Textile's Spring Select. With a reputation for excellence and innovation Select has a mixture of exhibitions, events, talks, workshops and debates around the diverse and inspiring subject of textiles and contemporary crafts. 2013 has tapestry artist Hillu Liebelt, Japanese artist Seiko Kinoshita heading the bill. Select Trail dates: 11, 12, 18 and 19 May 2013.

Link to Stroud International TextilesStroud International Textiles - Further Information

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Nailsworth Festival ( 18 - 26 May 2013 )

The Festival will kick off with the trusted mix of Festival Saturday events - great fun for all the family. Throughout Festival week there will be an exciting mix of films, plays, music, speakers and a treasure hunt. See the website for full details. Something for everyone!

Link to Nailsworth FestivalNailsworth Festival - Further information


Site13 - Stroud Valleys Artspace Contemporary Arts Festival (1 to 31 May 2013)

This site festival presents the work of over 460 artists in 78 sites across the Stroud Valleys during May. The site festival creates a platform for artists and artist collectives to show new work, to initiate new projects, and work collaboratively with other artists.

Stroud Valleys Artspace, the festival host organisation, will open its doors for a programme of exhibitions, open studios, film screenings, talks and performances.

Link to Stroud Valleys Visual Arts FestivalStroud Valleys Visual Arts Festival - Further Information

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Stroud Valleys Mills Open Days (May - September 2013)

Open Day at the Mill
Open Day at the Mill

From May to the end of September, we open four mills at different times which tell different parts of the remarkable story of cloth making in the Stroud Valleys. This is the industry that shaped the local valleys and created the towns. The finest snooker and tennis ball cloth are still made locally today. At Dunkirk Mill Centre a large waterwheel drives 1800s machinery; at the Weaving Shed, Gigg Mill, get down to weaving a pattern, watch an 1800s handloom work and see a power loom in action. Open less often are Stanley Mill, where carding and mule spinning are demonstrated in a unique interior, and St Mary's. It is beautifully set in the countryside with a large waterwheel and a steam engine, both idle at present.

Link to Stroudwater Textile TrustStroudwater Textile Trust - more information


Stroud on Water Canal Festival (TBC June 2013)


North Nibley Music Festival (6 July 2013)

Link to North Nibley Music FestivalNorth Nibley Music Festival - Further information


Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park (2 - 4 Aug 2013)

British Festival of Eventing
British Festival of Eventing

Top class sporting action, family entertainment and quality shopping all come together in an idyllic location to celebrate The Festival of British Eventing. The Festival takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Gatcombe Park, home of HRH the Princess Royal which is situated a few miles from the old village of Minchinhampton and close to the market town of Stroud.

The competitions during the weekend attract the country’s top national and international riders. Visitors to Gatcombe Park will find there is something special for the whole family to enjoy. Parking is within easy walking distance of the showground and is free. Discounted tickets are available in advance.

Link to For futher information click hereFor futher information click here - Gatcombe Park


Dursley Town Festival (29 June 2013)

The Festival is in two parts – a food, arts & crafts market in the town centre in the morning, followed by the annual children’s procession kicking off an afternoon of performances and activities on the Recreation Ground.

There will be fun things for children and young people to do all day.

Link to Dursley Town FestivalDursley Town Festival - Further information


Art Couture Painswick (14 July 2013)

Art Couture Painswick - winner 2012  (c. All in the Image)
Art Couture Painswick - winner 2012 (c. All in the Image)

The fourth annual Art Couture Painswick festival will be held on Sunday 14th July in the streets of Painswick. The festival features catwalk shows of strange, weird, fabulous and fun works of art designed to be worn on the human body. The entrants will be judged by a celebrity panel

To enhance the festival atmosphere there will be music on three stages, street performers, high quality craft and produce stalls, and plenty of food and drink available throughout this picturesque Cotswold village.

To find out more or how to apply please click on the link below.

Link to Art Couture Painswick Art Couture Painswick - Further information


Stroud Country Show (20 July 2013)

Cotswold and Jacob sheep, Gloucester and Dexter cattle and Gloucester Old Spot pigs feature in the rare and traditional breeds livestock show, together with poultry and waterfowl.
Other attractions include the Stroud Horticultural Society show tent with handicrafts; dog show; vintage cars; heritage roadshow; Stroud Brewery; brass bands; children’s rides; trade and charity stalls. A great day out for all the family.


Link to Click hereClick here - for more information


Gossington Music Festival (26 - 28 July 2013)

Family friendly festival celebrating Gypsy Jazz, a genre encapsulating passion, melody and technical ability like no other. Camping available.

Link to Click hereClick here - for more information


Frocester Beer Festival (23-24 August 2013)

Frocester Beer Festival
Frocester Beer Festival

The annual Frocester Beer Festival is run in conjunction with Frocester Cricket Club at the cricket club's ground in the hamlet of Frocester near Stonehouse. The Festival is an all-ticket event taking place every August bank holiday weekend and the 2013 Festival will be the 34th. There is parking and a camp-site (with public amenities, but non reservable pitches), a stage with a complete programme of live music throught-out the festival, hot food, and most importantly, over 100 different cask-conditioned real ales from more than 50 breweries around the UK. There is also a large selection of wines along with some cider and perry. Over the years this event has proven to be a highlight in many people's calender, and has been a very successful way for us to raise further money for charity.

Link to Frocester Beer FestivalFrocester Beer Festival - Further Information


Berkeley Agricultural Show (26 August 2013)

Berkeley Agricultural Show
Berkeley Agricultural Show

A typical Country Show and the highlight of the agricultural year in the Vale of Berkeley. This show, now in its 109th Year, is a great day out for any family wanting to see the beating heart of the countryside - trade stands, show jumping, livestock and a visit by the hounds of the Berkeley Hunt and much much more.

The show is held in the meadow adjacent to Berkeley Castle. Please telephone the organisers on 01453 543335 for further information.

Link to Further informationFurther information - Berkeley Show


The Five Valleys Festival (30 Aug - 29 September 2013)

Stroud Food Festival
Stroud Food Festival

There are five valleys which converge on the historic town of Stroud - the secret door to the ‘Undiscovered Cotswolds’.

This September we have a festival for each of the five valleys that together last the entire month. Your chance to enjoy and explore the undiscovered.

Between them, the festivals celebrate the very best things about this area of the Cotswolds. The creativity of its people, quality food and drink, its countryside and wildlife, great walking and environmental sustainability.

The Five Valleys Festival kicks off with the Stroud Fringe. Three outside stages around the town will present musical artists drawn from across the region, and its free!

The Food and Drink Festival offers something for every pallet and pocket. Why not explore the commons and valleys and find a variety of very different pubs and inns serving great food and the best in local award winning ales?

The Walking Festival offers a variety of walks for everyone. Explore valley, vale, hill, town, canal, river.

The Stroud Festival of Nature brings together all kinds of organisations, groups and individuals who work, live and enjoy the natural world around us, set in the wonderful grounds of Stratford Park.

The Eco Homes weekend offers you the opportunity to visit over 20 inspiring homes around Stroud.

Pick up a Five Valleys Festival brochure from the Tourist Information Centre in George Street, Stroud - 01453 760960.

Link to Stroud Valleys FestivalsStroud Valleys Festivals - For further information on all the events

PDFPDF Stroud’s Shambles Market Recipe Book


Stroud Festival of Nature (7 September 2013)

Stroud Festival of Nature 2012
Stroud Festival of Nature 2012

First launched in 2008, the Stroud festival of Nature brings together a host of organisations, groups and individuals from around Gloucestershire and beyond, to inform and engage the public in all aspects of the environment: landscape, wildlife, eco lifestyles, walking, recreation, tourism, etc. There are activities, competitions, walks, things for sale.

Link to Click here for more informationClick here for more information - Stroud Festival of Nature


Frampton on Severn Country Fair (8 September 2013)

Join the family fun and experience the countryside like never before... There will be attractions including; a wide array animal displays, classic tractors, Gloucestershire Army Cadet Force, the tug of war, ferret racing, fishing demonstrations, crafts and much, much more!

Link to Further informationFurther information - Frampton Country Fair


Five Valleys Walk, Stroud (29 September 2013)

Enjoy the walk!
Enjoy the walk!

The Five Valleys Sponsored Walk is a 21 mile circular route split into 10 manageable sections weaving in and out of Gloucestershire’s famous Five Valleys.

The shortest section is less than a mile long, so participation has never been easier! Walk just one section, link several together, or tackle the whole route. You can start and finish at any of the checkpoints.

The walk takes in some of Gloucestershire's most beautiful countryside, weaving in and out of its famous Five Valleys.

Free shuttle buses are laid on, courtesy of Stagecoach, to take you back to your vehicle wherever you decide to finish your walk. Free drinking water, maps to help you navigate the route and lots of encouragement are available at every checkpoint from our friendly marshals.

Link to The Meningitis Trust WebsiteThe Meningitis Trust Website - For further information on how to get involved


Christmas under the Edge (TBC December 2013)

Festive Shopping
Festive Shopping

Wotton Chamber of Trade are proud to host the Christmas Under the Edge street event. This year's theme is 50s Vintage Christmas. Shops stay open late, craft stalls in the street, children's fancy dress competition, Santa's grotto, hot food & drinks, fair rides, local choirs, school choirs and much more!!



Stroud Goodwill Evening (TBC December 2013)

Come along to the annual Stroud Goodwill Evening and enjoy festive shopping, family fun and street entertainment. Stroud's famous independent shops and cafes will throw open their doors to extend a warm welcome to you.


Berkeley Castle at Christmas (TBC December 2013)

A chance to see the Castle decorated for a Victorian Christmas.

Link to Berkeley CastleBerkeley Castle - Further information

Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle

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