Stroud Arts Festival is celebrating an incredible 80 years, and October is set to be a very special month in this landmark anniversary year, with an exciting programme bringing together music, theatre, visual art, poetry, dance and community.
From 5–10 October, Art in Motion at The Yard Gallery captures moments from the Festival’s 80th anniversary programme through paintings and sketches created by members of the Stroud Artists Cooperative, celebrating both the performances and audience who have made the Festival such an important part of Stroud’s cultural life.
Music takes centre stage on Saturday 10 October, with the Capriol Chamber Orchestra, joined by award winning pianist Clare Hammond. The programme includes Gavin Sutherland’s Capriol Overture, Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto and Haydn’s ‘The London’ Symphony.
From 15–24 October, Years in the Making at Lansdown Gallery celebrates Stroud’s remarkable artistic heritage, bringing together the work of past artists, contemporary practitioners, art educators and emerging talent.
Join the party on 17 October for 80 Years in the Making – A Community Celebration. This joyful evening at St Laurence Church will feature music, poetry, drama, a spectacular lighting installation, performances from the Stroud Scouts, The Acapellies and the Minpins, and plenty of surprises.
On Sunday 18 October, Jonathan Trim and the Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra present the world premiere of a specially commissioned orchestral work created to mark Stroud Arts Festival’s 80th anniversary — a celebration of Stroud, its landscapes and its creative community.
And the month reaches a magical finale on Saturday 24 October, when Ballet Cymru brings Sleeping Beauty to the Cotswold Playhouse. This reimagining of the classic fairy tale combines Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score with stunning choreography and immersive projections.
Stroud Arts Festival is a charity with a commitment to making the arts accessible to all. Throughout this anniversary year, the programme offers a wonderful range of opportunities to experience music, theatre, dance, poetry and visual art, with accessible ticket prices and events for audiences of all ages.
October promises to be a particularly vibrant celebration of everything that makes Stroud such a creative and culturally rich community.
Be part of this very special 80th anniversary year — explore the full programme and book your tickets now at stroudartsfestival.org.
