January is nearly over, the snowdrops are starting to come out, Storm Eowyn has rolled seemingly straight into Storm Herminia, and Stroud’s annual calendar of cultural and community events keeps on rolling.
This week those looking to get out of the house can enjoy open dance and performance events, Independent Venue Week gigs at the Prince Albert, the Good on Paper party and snowdrops at Rococo Garden.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion in 2025 use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Attend the Village Inn Open Mic Night – Wed 29 Jan, 8pm
Nailsworth’s Village Inn invites all comers to this regular gathering open to local songwriters, singers, poets and performers. The evening is hosted by musician Johnny Barlow, and everyone is welcome, whether performing solo or looking for support from the Village Inn house band.
- Come dance at the Trinity Rooms – Thu 30 Jan, 7:30pm
Maria-Carin Gala hosts an evening of freestyle dance for all ages at the Trinity Rooms. Neither experience nor footwear are necessary for what we are told is a partially-guided freestyle community dance journey.
- Eat ice cream for breakfast on a Roam and Wonder walk – Sat 1 Feb, 10am
Local professional walk organiser Hannah aka Roam and Wonder leads a free 9.5 mile loop, beginning and ending at the Bear at Rodborough and promising at 10am ice cream stop at Winstones.
- Attend the Good on Paper Party – Sat 1 Feb, 6pm – late
Alex Hobbis and Adam Hinks’ definitive Stroud listings magazine Good On Paper celebrates its tenth birthday with a special party at the Long Table and Studio 18. Expect a veritable who’s who of creative Stroudies including Boss Morris, Valley Steppas, Elvis McConagall, Jonny Fluffypunk and a Sound Records Vs Klang Tone DJ set.
- Watch the Tenement Jazz Band at the Albert – Sat 1 Feb, 8:30pm
Edinburgh’s Tenement Jazz Band revive the halcyon days of free (hat donations encouraged) Saturday night gigs at the Prince Albert of Independent Venue Week, bringing their well-travelled jazz stylings to Rodborough for one night only. The band tell us they seek to capture the raw energy and excitement of the early jazz recordings, finding and reviving lesser-heard songs and cultivating new interpretations.
- See Emily Barker at the Sub Rooms – Sun 2 Feb, from 7:30pm
Honorary Stroudie Australian singer-songwriter Emily Barker returns from the other side of the world for a Sunday night at the Sub Rooms. Expect beautiful songs and support from fellow Aussie Liz Stringer.
Continuing this week
- See the snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden – Until Sat 2 Mar, 10am – 5pm
Peak time has arrived at Painswick Rococo Garden, celebrated as it is as one of the best places in the Cotswolds to see snowdrops during early spring. Such is the popularity of this annual staple that booking is recommended in January and required throughout February.
Further afield
A brisk walk from Paddington Station, Frameless brings together 42 well-known works of art across four immersive gallery spaces, in what the marketing describes as the country’s ‘largest permanent multi-sensory experience’. Though relatively deep pockets are required to gain access, the subterranean galleries make a fun family outing on stormy January days when outdoor culture remains inaccessible.
- 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.