Thousands of people attended this year’s Stroud Show, held at Stratford Park on Saturday, and with a theme of ‘heritage’.
Alex Lovell and Sabet Choudhury from ITV West Country joined MP Dr Simon Opher and Stroud’s Mayor, Cllr Tony Davey on stage to open the show.
Chair of Stroud Show, Wendy Fabbro, told Stroud Times: “Stroud Show 2026 was a big success. It was too busy to count all the people who came, but we think we were about 9,000-10,000 ‘Stroudies’ celebrating the arts, crafts, music, produce and caring unique communities of our Stroud Valleys.”
Cllr Davey received the Edna Powell Cup on behalf of the recipients, social enterprise The Long Table, based at Brimscombe Mill, which was presented by Megan Damsell, Edna Powell’s granddaughter.
Louise Price, a member of Stroud show committee and Edna Powell’s daughter, explained what the presentation meant to her: “It means such a lot. Wendy Fabbro, who has been organising the show for 10 years, is stepping down. So, we’ve got to up our game and find somebody to keep the show going.”
Wendy added: “This is my last show as Chair, after 10 years of involvement, and nine as Chair. I love how the show has opened career opportunities to some of our young people, that our public services have been recognised and applauded, that charities have been able to advertise what they do and raise funds for their cause, that local traders sell their wares and mostly that we can all celebrate the things that make Stroud great. Keep sharing your skills, talents and passions, Stroud!
“The weather was kind to us, not too hot, not too windy; and large crowds surrounded the arena for entertainment all through the afternoon. The headline act, Craig Perry of ‘Slightly Unusual, Magician and Illusionist’ had an amazing response from the crowd.
“We were pleased to welcome the Fire and Rescue team who delighted so many children and families, and the Community Police who always make a big contribution to our Show.
“Also, very many thanks to MP Simon Opher, and Stroud Mayor Tony Davey who opened the show. We also met some famous historic Stroud people, courtesy of the Cotswold Playhouse actors, including George Holloway, Elsie Chambers (who sang her song ‘Keep the home fires burning’), and Frances May Dickenson (1857-1934) who became a doctor and worked to save the troops through the First World War in Serbia.”
“The Heritage marquee was very popular, with demonstrations of weaving and spinning, wood carving, basketry, patchwork and quilting, items from the Museum in the Park, and fascinating local history from the Stroud Local History Society.
“A big shout-out to all the 11–16-year-olds who entered the creative writing competition, we received so many imaginative and well-crafted stories, so even if a prize was not awarded this time, please keep up the great work. Young people also excelled on stage and congratulations to Incubation who will go on to play at the Sub Rooms later in the year.”
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