Families looking for an affordable day out this weekend are being invited to Stroud Brewery’s Free Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 7, as part of the brewery’s annual Malty Story Festival celebrations.
With free entry throughout the day, a packed programme of children’s entertainment, live music, food, drink and the launch of a new community-focused Bar Boot Sale, organisers are promising a fun-filled day for all ages — whatever the weather.
Taking place entirely indoors, the event offers families a chance to enjoy a full day of activities without worrying about rain disrupting their plans.
“We know how difficult it can be to find affordable family activities,” says Events Programmer Laurence Kapoor.
“This day is really about giving something back. We wanted to create an event where parents can enjoy themselves, kids can have an amazing day, and nobody has to worry about spending a fortune. Whether you’re here for five hours or just popping in for a couple, there’s something for everyone.”
The day will feature a wide range of free entertainment for children and families, including:
- Magical Timmy Time, one of the region’s most experienced children’s entertainers, presenting a free magic show packed with laughs, surprises and audience participation.
- The Magnificent Mr Kai, Stroud’s much-loved circus performer, hosting interactive circus skills workshops suitable for all ages.
- The Club Kids Free Party, bringing house, disco and garage classics, bubbles, balloons and family-friendly dancefloor fun hosted by Lottie Ball of Get Free Dance Therapy alongside the Club Kids DJs.
- Face painting, bouncy castles and family activities running throughout the day.
Alongside the family entertainment, visitors can enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music featuring a diverse line-up of local favourites.
Vintage swing outfit Moonlighting will open proceedings before Cellar Door deliver uplifting acoustic sounds. Local percussion collective Kaboozle will bring carnival-inspired Afro-Brazilian rhythms to the brewery, followed by Chilli Jam. The weekend will conclude with a headline performance from Gloucestershire favourites The Achievers, known internationally for their acclaimed blend of Americana, Blues and Roots music.
“We’ve always tried to make Sunday feel different from a typical family event,” Laurence explains.
“The children have plenty to do, but the adults aren’t forgotten. You can listen to great live music, enjoy some food, have a pint, browse the Bar Boot Sale and spend time with friends while the kids are entertained. It’s a proper day out rather than just an activity.”
A major addition for 2026 is the launch of the Bar Boot Sale, a brewery-inspired take on the traditional car boot sale. Running from 10am to 3pm in the brewery car park, it will bring together local sellers, bargain hunters and families looking for a relaxed Sunday morning browse before heading inside for the entertainment programme.
The Family Fun Day forms part of Stroud Brewery’s 20th birthday celebrations and rounds off a weekend of live music and festival programming at Malty Story Festival.
Despite attracting artists from across the UK, organisers have maintained a strong commitment to accessibility and affordability, with Friday tickets priced at £10, Saturday tickets at £15 and every advance ticket including a complimentary pint of Stroud Brewery beer. Sunday’s Family Fun Day remains completely free.
“For us, this is our annual thank you to the community,” says Kapoor.
“Stroud Brewery has always been about bringing people together. Sunday is the perfect example of that. Grandparents, toddlers, music lovers, families, regular customers and first-time visitors all sharing the same space. That’s what makes it special.
“And while Malty Story has grown into one of the biggest weekends in our calendar, we’ve always worked hard to keep it accessible. We want people to be able to enjoy incredible live music, great food, community events and family entertainment without spending a fortune.”
And perhaps most importantly for Gloucestershire families, every part of the event takes place indoors.
No muddy fields. No rain-soaked gazebos. No cancelled plans.
Whatever the weather decides to do outside, Stroud Brewery has it covered.
Event Information
Free Family Fun Day
Sunday 7 June
Stroud Brewery
- Bar Boot Sale: 10am–3pm
- Magical Timmy Time: 11am–12pm
- Moonlighting: 12pm–1:30pm
- Cellar Door: 2pm–2:45pm
- Circus Skills with The Magnificent Mr Kai: 2pm–3pm
- Kaboozle: 3pm–3:30pm
- Club Kids Free Party: 3pm–5pm
- Chilli Jam: 4:45pm–5:15pm
- The Achievers: 6pm–7pm
Food available throughout the day. Organic beer, soft drinks and hot drinks available.
Free Entry | Fully Indoors
