What’s on in Stroud this week: August Bank Holiday special
Where once Stroud Fringe loomed large in Stroudies’ August Bank Holiday plans, nowadays there is just as much to see and do over the weekend, but across a slightly wider-spread selection of venues.
The Prince Albert in Rodborough and the Hog in Horsley compete throughout the weekend for best pub-based beer festival, the Crown and Sceptre’s Outer Fringe weekend makes its annual return, live event newcomer the Bowbridge Arms hosts a Stroud Dub Club takeover and the Old Lodge throws a sunset garden party.
Meanwhile, Stroud Yard Trail pops up on Monday at multiple venues around town and the Stroud Red Band continue their traditional Bank Holiday procession along Horns Road on Monday, with a free horn making workshop at the Trinity Rooms on Sunday.
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
- Watch a band at the Albert August Bank Holiday Beer Festival – Thu 21 – Mon 25 August
The Prince Albert team celebrate landlord Miles’ birthday weekend with five days of live music and DJ sets, alongside cask ales, and ciders, good food and good company over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Come prepared to be entertained, whether by sea shanty singers, celtic folk musicians, an eight piece psychedelic Cornish collective or traditional music from the Mongolian steppes depending on the day.
- Skank the weekend away at the Bowbridge Arms – Sat 23, Sun 24
Stroud Dub Club hosts a special bank holiday takeover at the Bowbridge Arms featuring a variety of performances, including DJ Dopamine’s immersive crate of dubs on Friday, a full sound system session from Majestic Vision on Saturday and a live performance from Stroud’s own reggae/dub group Frankly Skanky on Sunday. Plus a drum circle and kids dance and crafting on Saturday.
- Celebrate HogFest in Horsley – Fri 22 – Mon 25 Aug
The team at Horsley’s best pub mark the bank holiday weekend with a summer holiday edition of their HogFest beer festival, with free entry, 50 ales, keg beers and ciders, and food from Gurt Wings, The Roti Shack and Boigers. Plus, a full programme of musical acts including Dave Pilla, Howlin’ Matt and Dead Dog Cider.
- Join the Outer Fringe at the Crown and Sceptre – Fri 22 – Mon 25 Aug
The Outer Fringe returns to the Crown and Sceptre for another year, promising beer, music, food and fun. The lineup includes touring Argentinian ska-cumbia-punk-raggamuffin outfit Negra Santa on Friday, Stroud punk stalwarts Chinese Burn on Sunday and the Red Band, noodles and a Yard Trail multi-yard on Monday.
- Party at the Old Lodge – Sun 24 Aug, 3pm – 10pm
The team from the Old Lodge throw a dog-and-family-friendly garden party for the bank holiday weekend. Expect three DJs, food and drink served all day and sunset views when the time comes.
- Pick up a bargain at Yard Trail Stroud – Mon 25 Aug, all day
Stroud’s second hand sale extravaganza returns for another year with bargains on sale in front and back yards around town, and pop-up sales in the yards at the Crown and Sceptre, Stroud Rugby Club, Stroud Brewery and the Trinity Rooms. Expect bargains of all shapes and sizes.
- Join the procession with Horns on Horns Road – Mon 25 Aug, 11:45am
Stroud’s premier socialist brass band lead their annual bank holiday horned procession along Horns Road in aid of bank holiday jollity. Meet at the junction of Horns Road, Bisley Road and Trinity Road, for a 12 noon start. Wear horns, bring something to blow or bang and join the march to the Crown & Sceptre, where more tunes will be played. Plus, make your own horns at a free horn-making workshop on Sunday.
Further afield
- Celebrate Orpheus Day in Cirencester – Sat 23 Aug, from 10am
A special Orpheus Day parade opens Cirencester’s Phoenix community festival, marking the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Cirencester’s historic Orpheus Mosaic. The event will include a parade of puppets and a performance of A Song for Orpheus, a new piece of music written by Brit, BAFTA and Emmy award-winning composer Howard Goodall. The free Phoenix Festival takes place in the Abbey Ground all day on Saturday and Sunday.
- 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.
