What’s on in Stroud this week: 20 – 26 April
It’s the last full week of April, and with sunshine forecast and fresh green in the hedgerows and trees, there’s an unmistakable springy feeling in the air.
Stroud’s event organisers seem to have a spring in their step too, with St Laurence’s Church hosting a creative programme on Saturday, Lansdown Hall welcoming three reggae sound systems on Saturday, and volunteers hosting a celebration of Coaley Peak on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Stroud Outdoor Pool debate continues to rage with a special meeting of Stroud Town Council, the Five Valleys Shopping Centre welcomes Joanna Lumley to open their vintage area, and Radical Stroud’s Stuart Butler launches a new publication with a special exhibition at the SVA’s John Street Gallery.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Discuss Stroud Outdoor Pool with the Town Council – Mon 20 Apr, 6pm
Following over one hundred written questions about the future of the outdoor pool in Stratford Park, Stroud Town Council hosts a special town meeting on the subject. The council are keen to stress that they are not the owner of the pool, or the decision-making body, but still want to enable the community to ask questions about this valued local resource.
- Mark the opening of Home of Vintage – Thu 23 Apr, 12.30pm
The Five Valleys Shopping Centre welcomes TV favourite Dame Joanna Lumley OBE for the official opening of their Home of Vintage area. Lumley will have the chance to browse a range of vintage wares, including second hand and new books from the excellent Dragonfly Books.
- Seek out a Moment of Wonder – Sat 25 Apr, 10.30am – 3pm
The team behind the autumn Festival of Wonder at St Laurence Church put together a day-long programme attempting to reawaken wonder in an ‘age of exhaustion’. The event features an art installation by local artists Pyrite Creative and circus performances by Stroud’s ‘School of Larks’, alongside creative and reflective spaces for all ages.
- Soak up the Reggae Roots Soundclash – Sat 25 Apr, 9pm
Residents Roots and Valley Steppas present a three sound system clash at Lansdown Hall. The evening promises various styles of reggae music played through hand built sound systems operated by Widebeam, Rigatoni and the Valley Steppas.
- Visit Coaley Peak – Sun 26 Apr, 10am – 4.30pm
Local volunteers host a special day of events at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s popular Coaley Peak Picnic Site, including activities from the National Trust and English Heritage. Enjoy the views, take a guided walk to the Neolithic Nympsfield Long Barrow and take part in a quiz and scavenger hunt.
- Visit Copsegrove Farm – Sun 26 Apr, 11.30am – 4.30pm
Kate and Martin at Copsegrove Farm in Bisley throw open the gates for a ticketed open day. The event offers the chance to meet their newly born Welsh Black calves, and have an audience with owls Midnight and Moonlight. Plus, try your hand at metal detecting and see if you can find some ancient treasures.
Beginning this week
- Learn about the General Strike with Radical Stroud – Wed 22 – Sat 26 Apr, 10am – 5pm
Radical Stroud’s Stuart Butler launches a new booklet commemorating the centenary of the General Strike with a special exhibition and spoken word event at the SVA’s John Street Gallery. Published by the Bristol Radical History Group, the booklet has been written in partnership with retired museum curator and Gloucester historian Tony Conder, and explores the story of the General Strike in Stroud and Gloucester
Further afield
- Spend a weekend by water at Gloucester Docks – Sat 25 – Sun 26 Apr, 10am – 4pm
Gloucester’s historic docks lays on a special weekend of heritage and community events, featuring guided walks, music and open events. The weekend includes events from the Canal & River Trust, the Kathleen & May tall ship, Gloucester Civic Trust, Llanthony Secunda Priory, and local businesses.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
