What’s on in Stroud this week: 8 – 14 December
The second week in December means week two of seasonal festive events, and whether you’re in the mood for singing, dancing, crafting or something else, Stroud’s pubs, churches, cafes and halls are here to help you get into the seasonal spirit.
This week’s highlights include a Christmas ceilidh at Lansdown Hall, a special concert at St Mary’s Church in North Woodchester and pub carol singing in Rodborough and Selsley. Plus, the Stratford Park Miniature Railway is running on Sunday and Jolly Nice ice rink is now open.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Paint your own wrapping paper at Star Anise – Fri 12 Dec, 6.30pm
This festive hand-painted gift-wrapping workshop from the Painted Palms creative community offers the chance to learn simple techniques to personalise your presents. Join art teacher and printmaker Ellie Doidge for expert guidance through the step by step process, helping you create designs you can be proud of.
- Enjoy the Five Valleys Voices Christmas Concert – Fri 12 Dec, 7pm
The two Five Valleys Voices choirs come together for a special seasonal evening performance at St Mary’s Church, North Woodchester. We are told to expect separate performances by the women’s choir and men’s choir, followed by a powerful finale showcasing the combined talents of the full choir.
- Dance a seasonal ceilidh with Fitty Gomash – Sat 13 Dec, 3pm and 7.30pm
For over 15 years, Fitty Gomash have been playing barnstorming Christmas Hooleys in Bristol, and after a sell-out debut Stroud show last year, the Christmas Ceilidh returns to Lansdown Hall in 202. This year, there will also be a special ceilidh in the afternoon for families and children, and the evening event will begin with rowdy carols around the piano, followed by the very best in seasonal dancing.
- Sing with the Prince Albert Carol Consort – Sun 14 Dec, 12 – 2.30pm
The Prince Albert Carol Consort marks 25 years of singing at the Prince Albert this year, and their lunchtime singing sessions take place on each Sunday in December in the run up to Christmas. All are welcome to sing with this growing community of singers, who sing a collection of unusual carols from around the country.
- Ride the Stratford Park Miniature Railway – Sun 14 Dec, 2 – 4.30pm
A rare out-of-season Christmas running day sees the Stratford Park Miniature Railway team offering rides around the track behind a variety of battery and steam powered locomotives. Donations are requested to help maintain the line.
- Carol with the brass band at the Bell in Selsley – Sun 14 Dec, 5pm
The team at the Bell in Selsley throw open their doors for a special free carol-singing evening, accompanied by a real brass band. The team in the kitchen will be producing burgers and fries throughout the event, and the bar will be open, serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and more.
Continuing this week
- Go skating at Jolly Nice – Until 1 Feb, timings vary
The Jolly Nice team roll out their seasonal skating experience for another year, with plenty of fun to be had on their synthetic rink. It forms just one element of a respectably-broad Christmas offering on site, with events including their annual Christmas tree forest and a chance to enjoy a fireside story with Father Christmas and meet his reindeer.
Further afield
- Watch the Christmas horses – Fri 12 – Sat 13 Dec
Cheltenham Racecourse’s annual Christmas Meeting kicks off this Friday, with two days of racing horses, and some seasonal sideshows. Non-horse highlights include a festive fancy dress competition and a winter wonderland on Saturday with the chance to meet Father Christmas’s reindeer and make gifts with the on-site elves.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
