A colourful Stroud tradition with a distinctly unconventional twist is set to return this Bank Holiday Monday, with the annual Horns on Horns Road procession taking place on 31 August.
The procession will set off from Holy Trinity Church at midday, making its way along Horns Road to the Crown and Sceptre, led by the Stroud Red Band.
Members of the public are encouraged to join in, with participants invited to play instruments, dance and, naturally, wear their best homemade horned headdresses.
Horns on Horns Road began around ten years ago as a tongue-in-cheek “traditional” event organised by Stroud Red Band. Inspired by folklore traditions featuring horned processions around the world – from the Krampus processions of Alpine Europe to the horned devil fiestas of Spain – it has since become a firm fixture in Stroud’s annual calendar.
The event will coincide with Stroud’s Yard Trail, giving participants the chance to browse the various pitches and perhaps pick up a few bargains along the route.
Red Band leader Mark Coldrick said: “Horns on Horns Road has gone from strength to strength over the years. It’s a wonderful family community event, with the public joining in playing instruments, including home-made percussion, or dancing along in procession, mostly wearing horned headdresses that they’ve made themselves.
“Combined with the Yard Trail, and the live music at the Crown and Sceptre, it’s a colourful and joyous end to the summer holidays.”
Anyone wanting to get into the spirit of the event can also make their own horns at a special workshop being held at the Trinity Rooms on Sunday 30 August, from 11am to 3pm.
