Laurence Kapoor has thanked the Stroud community after hundreds of people came together for a weekend of music, culture and creativity at Stroud Brewery’s Malty Story Festival.
The three-day event featured live bands, DJs, family entertainment, independent traders and performers, drawing people of all ages to celebrate grassroots culture in the town.
Reflecting on the festival, Kapoor, Stroud Brewery’s event organiser said the weekend captured everything Malty Story was created to achieve. “It’s hard to know where to start,” he said.
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“Over three days we saw mosh pits and magic shows. Ravers and reggae heads. Circus skills and community spirit. Families dancing together at Club Kids. Packed-out rooms discovering new bands. Independent traders filling the Night Market. Hundreds of people coming together to celebrate music, culture and creativity in Stroud.”
Kapoor said the festival had always been intended as more than just a music event.
“And that’s exactly what Malty Story was always meant to be,” he said.
“Not just a festival.
“A celebration of our town.
“A celebration of grassroots music.
“A celebration of the artists, performers, makers, traders, volunteers and communities that make Stroud such a special place.”
The weekend featured performances from a diverse range of acts, from Ragstone opening the Main Stage on Friday afternoon to Chez & Muli MC closing Saturday night’s programme. Festivalgoers also enjoyed sets from the Freedom Party, Dub On Tap, Broken Jaw and The Achievers, alongside family attractions including Magical Timmy Time, Mr Kai and Club Kids.
Kapoor said the atmosphere across the site had been remarkable.
“Every room was alive.
“Every floor had its own story.
“Every person added something to the weekend.”
He thanked the artists, DJs, traders, volunteers and staff who helped bring the festival together, as well as the audiences who supported the event.
“To every artist, DJ, band, MC, performer, trader, volunteer, crew member and member of staff who made it happen… thank you,” he said.
“And to everyone who came through the doors, bought a ticket, brought their family, danced, sang, supported local artists and helped create such an incredible atmosphere… thank you.”
Kapoor said Malty Story remains an important opportunity to support grassroots culture and showcase local talent.
“Malty Story exists because we believe grassroots culture matters,” he said.
“It’s our annual opportunity to give something back to the community that supports us all year round. A chance to showcase local talent alongside national names. A chance to bring people together. A chance to celebrate everything we love about Stroud.”
As the team begins reflecting on this year’s event, Kapoor said the response from the community had reinforced why the festival continues to grow.
“This weekend reminded us exactly why we do it.
“We’re tired.
“We’re emotional.
“We’re incredibly grateful.
“And we’re already thinking about the next one.”
He added: “Thank you, Stroud.”
