What’s on in Stroud this week: 15 – 21 September
As the nights draw in and the weather gets a bit less predictable, Stroud’s event calendar’s annual retreat indoors has already begun.
Though Sladebank Woods are still happy to risk an outdoor open mic night, the built environment dominates this week’s listings with three events in Nailsworth as part of Heritage Open Days and a celebration of Thomas the Tank Engine in Rodborough Church and at the Old Endowed School.
Plus Hidden Notes takes over Stroud venues for the weekend with related events at a number of venues including St Laurence Church, Lansdown Hall & Gallery and Rattle and Brash.
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
- Catch the open mic in Sladebank Woods – Thu 18 Sep, 7pm
The Sladebank Woods team lay on an autumnal evening of music, poetry and songs, surrounded by the beauty of nature. All are welcome, from seasoned performers to those just wanting to listen quietly from the back. Tea and coffee available.
- Celebrate Thomas the Tank Engine – Fri 19 – Sun 21 Sep
A special weekend of events celebrates the 80th anniversary of first publication of the Thomas the Tank Engine books whose author, the Revd W Awdry, lived in Rodborough Avenue from his retirement in 1965 until his death in 1997. The special events kick off with some social history from Radical Stroud’s Stuart Butler on Friday, followed by a guided walk, activities and a talk from the author’s daughter on Saturday and a church service on Sunday.
- Visit Stokescroft – Sat 20 Sep
The annual Heritage Open Days festival offers a rare chance to step inside this little-altered Queen Anne house fronting onto Chestnut Hill in Nailsworth, which probably dates back to around 1705. In the 19th Century, the building was known as the Barracks – possibly a reference to Russian prisoners held there during the Crimean War – and given it stands on Cossack Square there are seemingly many secrets to tell.
- Attend the Minchinhampton Folk Club Festival – Sat 20 Sep, 1 – 10pm
Minchinhampton Folk Club’s Tuesday – Saturday Festival culminates in a special all day event at the Cotswold Club. Expect music throughout the day from local acts including None the Wiser, Lyn Briggs, Mansfield Smith and the Pete Blackwell Band. The evening ends with a headline set from Bristol soul, roots & Americana act A.D. Scruffs.
- Explore Nailsworth Quaker Meeting House – Sat 20 Sep
The grade II* listed Quaker Meeting House on Chestnut Hill in Nailsworth has been used as a place of worship by Quakers since 1680, and is another place holding a special opening for Heritage Open Days. The building’s peace garden will also be open to view and visitors.
- Step inside Nailsworth Clock Tower – Sat 20 Sep, 10am – 2pm
Another event as part of Heritage Open Days sees Nailsworth’s landmark grade II listed clock tower open to visitors. Completed in 1952 as a war memorial, the tower boasts a new clock, manufactured by Kent-based clockmakers and restorers Gillett and Johnston, with an electrically wound mechanical movement,
- Enjoy Hidden Notes 2025 – Sat 20 – Sun 21 Sep
Good On Paper supremos Alex Hobbis and Adam Hinks bring together the fifth edition of their popular festival of contemporary classical and avant-garde music. The event features music, film, talks, art installations and book discussions. 2025 highlights include a set from modular synthesist and Indian vocalist Arushi Jain, a talk about the new book from Stone Club co-founder Lally MacBeth and music from collaborative synth-clarinet alliance James Holden and Waclaw Zimpel.
Continuing this week
- See Living Matter at Rattle and Brash – Fri 19 Sep, 7 – 9pm, Sat 20 – Sun 21 Sep, 11am – 1pm
A showcase for an impressive range of local creative talent, Living Matter is a 40 minute spatial sound installation by multi-instrumentalist and composer Mara Simpson and sound engineer, Tobin Jones, featuring work from poet JLM Morton and artist Narna Hue. Taking place as part of Hidden Notes Festival at Rattle and Brash off Summer Street, the installation sits at the end of a trail of listening posts from the town centre. Coffee and pastries will be available on Saturday and Sunday morning and a licensed bar on Friday evening.
Further afield
- Drop in to Open House Festival – Until Sun 21 Sep
Taking place in the capital since 1992, Open House Festival is a London-wide event that sees special openings and celebrations of the city’s architecture and special places. The event now takes place over two weekends and includes open days and events in all 33 London boroughs.
- 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.
