What’s on in Stroud this week: 14 – 20 September
We’re already a fair way through September, and seasonal change is already in the air for Stroud’s community and arts events.
Outdoor festivals are beginning to dwindle with more pragmatic event organisers increasingly turning their sights to bricks-and-mortar venues, with poetry at Rough Hands, exhibitions at the Chapels of Rest, and another late opening at Loganberry.
Meanwhile, TV historian David Olusoga returns to the Sub Rooms this Saturday to talk tea, and those who fancy trying something new are invited to try Morris dancing at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district.
Regular and one off events
- Have a go at Morris dancing– Tue 15 Sep, 7.30pm
Following their celebratory day of dance a couple of weeks ago, it’s back to work for Miserden Morris, who open the Old Town Hall’s doors this Tuesday for an open rehearsal, welcoming any budding dancers who are interested in the ancient art of English folk dance. Miserden are a mixed side with male and female dancers, dancing in the Cotswold tradition and specialising in dances from Gloucestershire.
- Play the Songwriters Stage– Wed 16 Sep, 7pm
Local music producer, and Lo-Hi-Lo frontman Ben Brockett invites local musicians to the stage at the Prince Albert for this monthly event, which majors on original compositions. Register from 7pm for a 7.30pm start, with performance slots limited to two songs, ensuring a variety of performers at each event.
- Stay late at Loganberry– Thu 17 Sep, 5- 11pm
Loganberry proprietor Ollie Green continues his successful run of late openings with a special evening of funk, jazz and soulful music from DJs Will Mendoza and Jozef Russell. Alongside the vinyl, the evening will also feature beer from Fresh Standard, wine from Stroud Wines and food from Caper.
- Celebrate the River Severn at the Chapels of Rest– Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sep
Part of a formidable September programme of exhibitions at the Chapels of Rest in Stroud Cemetery, Dialogues with the Severn has been conceived and organised by local photographer Alexander Caminada, Stroud painter, public speaker and writer Angela Findlay, and Walking the Land collective co-founder Kel Portman. The result is a weekend celebration of the River Severn through art, talks, walks, music and poetry.
- Listen to poetry at Rough Hands– Sat 19 Sep, 7pm
Stroud’s new(ish) poetry night Slight hosts another evening of poetic performance, this time with award-winning poet and filmmaker James E Kenward and poet and Âellin frontperson Siân Magill. Entry is free for this event, which takes place at Rough Hands.
- Hear from David Olusoga at the Sub Rooms– Sat 19 Sep, 7.30pm
Bristol-based academic and TV presenter Professor David Olusoga returns to the Sub Rooms for a historical exploration of the humble cup of tea. Olusoga takes attendees on a whistlestop tour of our national drink, taking in 350 years of British history and interactions with China, India, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Closing this week
- See the Heavens exhibition– Continues until Wed 16 Sep
Continuing at the Chapels of Rest as part of the Heavens Community Benefit Society’s until Wednesday, This is the Magic Place is an exhibition of images and sound recordings from the Heavens Valley. The event is part of the group’s well-organised public engagement programme, and includes a chance to contribute thoughts and ideas about the Heavens, ahead of the CBS’ annual meeting next week.
Further afield
- Spend a Day in the Sun– Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sep
Days in the Sun is a new folk and roots festival kicking off at New Bliss Farm in Rudford between Gloucester and Newent this weekend. The event takes its name from a song by Irish folk rock band, Roving Crows, and features the Crows themselves, alongside Highland favourites Skipinnish and energetic six-piece Monmouthshire group Rusty Shackle.
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.
