What’s on in Stroud this week: 20 – 26 July 2026
The summer holidays are here, and it’s another busy week in the Stroud district, with theatre shows, reading groups, community meetings and the return of Gifford’s Circus to the area on their summer tour.
Elsewhere, the Britannia in Nailsworth throws an all-weekend music festival, a new exhibition continues at St Laurence’s Church and those seeking a Stroudie weekend away can head to Neston Park in Wiltshire for the return of Womad.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district.
Regular and one off events
- Discuss Rodborough Fields – Mon 20 Jul, 6pm
Following the successful purchase of 9.42 acres of grassland, woodland and river bank by the Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks Preservation Group earlier this year, nearly 40 further acres of land has now been put up for sale by the neighbouring farm. On Monday night, the group is holding a public meeting at the Prince Albert to consider next steps.
- Print cards at the Museum in the Park – Wed 22 Jul, 10.30am – 3:30pm
As part of a wonderful series of summer holiday events at Stroud’s Museum in the Park, artist, illustrator and writer Tracy Spiers leads a card-making workshop inspired by the Museum’s objects, buildings and grounds. The drop-in session is open to all ages, with participants creating printed cards to take home.
- Join Stroud Radical Reading Group – Wed 22 Jul, 6.30pm
Stroud Radical Reading Group meets monthly for an open discussion of a different radical book. This month’s choice is William Morris’ News from Nowhere, a consideration of a utopian, agrarian society in the year 2102. Entry is free but donations are encouraged to support venue costs at the Redz Youth Hub.
- See Gifford’s Circus at Frampton Court – From Thu 23 Jul
Gifford’s Circus rolls back into the Stroud area this week, with a five night run at Frampton Court in Frampton-on-Severn, before popping up on Minchinhampton Common next week. Tickets are still available for this year’s show, Waterfield, inspired by the beauty of the English countryside and the creatures that call it home.
- Enjoy theatre at Slade Farm – Fri 24 – Sat 25 Jul
Barnstorm is a Youth Theatre project based in Gloucestershire, bringing together thousands of young people since 1993 and producing more than 40 original shows. This year’s show, Summerstorm, has been co-created by 37 young theatre makers and will be the subject of three performances at Slade Farm on Summer Street this weekend.
- Watch a band at Britstock – Fri 24 – Sun 26 Jul, 6pm
Move over Chalfest, The Britannia’s own festival returns to Cossack Square in Nailsworth this weekend for a free celebration of live music. Expect original tunes and covers from a range of bands including Dead Dog Cider, The Usual Suspects, Mike Walsh and Slide Boy Roy.
Continuing this week
- Help tell the stories of St Laurence’s – Fri and Sat until 1 Aug, 10am – 1pm
A new exhibition Bells, Crosses and Treasures: An Exhibition of Discovery invites visitors to uncover the stories hidden within St Laurence’s central Stroud’s parish church. The exhibition is the latest event in the development stage of St Laurence Restored – Preserving Stroud’s Historic Heart, the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project at one of Stroud’s most historic buildings.
Further afield
- Attend Womad – Thu 23 – Sun 26 Jul
The celebrated World Music event returns after a year’s hiatus. Historically known as something of a Stroud away day, the event has now moved 20 miles further away to Neston Park in Wiltshire, but still within an hour’s drive. This year’s lineup of international artists includes Malian Wassoulou singer Oumou Sangaré, British producer and MC Alfa Mist, Swedish singer-songwriter José González and Nigerian afrobeat multi-instrumentalist Mádé Kuti.
School holiday events
For a selection of family-focussed activities taking place locally during the summer holidays, see the Brimscombe Mill, Museum in the Park and Active Lifestyles Stroud websites, or for a guide to preschool children see this guide from the Stroud Motherhood Collective.
For details of how to suggest community events for inclusion in our weekly guide to things to see and do in the Stroud area, see here.
