Spring has finally arrived in Stroud, and with it, longer days, brighter skies, and that unmistakable buzz in the air.
For me, sunshine brings reggae, house, UKG, and all the tunes that just make you want to move. Here at Stroud Brewery, we’re celebrating the season in style, with a mix of music, creativity, cold beers, and community energy that’ll have you smiling from your first pint to the last note of the night.
Kicking things off with a big splash of springtime madness, it’s the Big Sis DJs Eggstravaganza on Saturday 4th April, 7–11 pm, at the Balcony Bar. Big Sis are a collective that celebrates women in dance music, and this special edition brings their signature energy to Stroud. Their first guest headliner, Amelia Leigh, is on her way to festival glory, and she’ll be joined by Jessie Riot and Amy Omen, both exciting newcomers to the scene. Amy and Jessie are Big Sis alumni, so you know they bring the same high-energy, fearless vibes the collective is known for.
Expect a whirlwind of 160, jungle, footwork, DnB, grime, UK garage, house, and high-BPM madness. This one’s for the queens, the dancers, and anyone who loves a sweaty, joyful, full-throttle spring rave – doors at 7 pm, don’t miss out!
Over Easter weekend, creativity blooms in other ways too. On Friday 10th April, 10:30 am–12 pm, kids can get hands-on at our Junior Paint & Sip, guided by local artist Brydie, creating their own cute Easter-themed masterpieces. And on Sunday 5th April, we’re thrilled to host El RinCoro, a Spanish singing community led by our lively native Spanish teacher, Lys. It’s free to join, open to everyone, and a brilliant way to celebrate connection, culture, and rhythm this Easter Sunday.
Music and community continue to blossom through April. Some Voices Choir brings an evening of Bangers & Mash-ups on 7 pm, while Dub On Tap returns on Friday 17th April with Jam Jah Sound, powered by the mighty Valley Steppas Sound System. Jam Jah are a huge deal in the UK reggae scene, and having legends like Robbie Don and Myki Tuff – hosting and guiding the session – is something really special for Stroud. Their sessions are roots-driven, inclusive, and full of that authentic reggae warmth that makes you want to move, connect, and leave your worries at the door.
The Cotswold House Mafia hit the Balcony Bar on Friday 24th April, and I can’t tell you how excited I am for this one. House music, born in Chicago in the ’80s and evolving through New York and London, has a legacy of soulful grooves, chunky basslines, and dancefloor magic – and CHM bring all of it to Stroud. With DJ sets from Blatant, Sidetrakka, Danny Toft, Row Sax, and the CHM crew, plus live sax from Row, expect long, joyful spring evening vibes, a packed dancefloor, and the kind of music that makes you forget the world outside.
And let’s not forget Lace & Lashes on Saturday 18th April. These nights are legendary for a reason – tickets always sell out, and it’s easy to see why. Drag, cabaret, burlesque, live
vocals, glitter, lashes, and chaos – this is queer magic at its best. It’s a night that turns our taproom into a sparkling spectacle of colour, laughter, and pure, unbridled fun.
For those who like something a little different, Midweek Musical Bingo with Stacey Charles lands Monday 27th April at 7 pm. Forget numbers – Stacey calls out your favourite songs from decades of hits, Caribbean grooves, and pop favourites. Play bingo, win prizes worth up to £180, and enjoy live music, laughter, and a pint or two. Tickets are £12, and with this being a one-night-only event, you’ll want to grab them fast. A quick reminder: buying tickets in advance really matters – recently, we’ve had to pull a show due to low sales, and we hate to disappoint, so please support your local gigs!
We’re also in full swing with our Malty Story Festival plans, and there’s a whole lot of exciting things in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share. Friday is all about grassroots bands and a queer club night, giving local talent the spotlight and everyone a chance to dance late. Saturday promises Stroud’s raviest night of the year – think full-on beats, lights, and non-stop festival energy right in the heart of town. And Sunday wraps things up with family-friendly fun, so everyone from pint-sippers to tiny festival-goers can join in the celebrations.
Spring is also about getting outside, moving, and enjoying our world sustainably. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Hex Nines for Sunday Bike Care Sessions on April 5th and 19th, 10 am–2 pm. Hex Nines’ mobile bike service is perfect for keeping your ride safe, while promoting greener travel, community, and wellbeing – totally in line with our ethos of sustainability and connection.
Longer evenings, more sunlight, and brighter skies don’t just lift your mood – they actually influence the music you crave. A study from the University of Oxford found that warm, sunny weather nudges listeners toward energetic, positive tracks, the kind that make you move and smile. According to the researchers, when the sun’s out, we naturally reach for music that matches that uplifted feeling – so it’s no surprise that spring evenings at Stroud
call for reggae, house, UKG, and all the beats that get your feet tapping. For me, this is the perfect soundtrack to enjoy a pint, soak in the vibes, and celebrate the season with friends and community.
So, whether you’re dancing to Big Sis, vibing to Jam Jah, grooving with CHM, laughing with comedy, painting your Easter masterpiece, picking a song at the taproom, or joining in Malty Story Festival madness, April at Stroud Brewery is packed with music, creativity, and community – just how we like it.
