What’s on in Stroud this week: 1 – 7 December
The seasonal floodgates are open, and Stroud district’s event organisers are already overflowing with festive cheer.
This week’s highlights include Stroud Goodwill on Friday and Stonehouse’s event on Saturday, plus seasonal singing opportunities, and Christmas crafts at the Brewery. Plus, art at the Sub Rooms, music at the Prince Albert in Rodborough and wreath making at the Old Crown in Uley.
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
- Make a wreath at the Old Crown – Tue 2 Dec, 6:30pm
Florist James Robbins leads a two-hour Christmas wreath making workshop at the Crown in Uley. The session offers the chance to create your very own festive wreath to take home, choosing from a wide selection of seasonal plants, bulbs, dried fruits, spices and ribbons.
- Attend Stroud Goodwill – Fri 5 Dec, from 5pm
Beginning around 6pm on Friday evening with the traditional lantern procession, Stroud Goodwill features three markets across the town, a Christmas Tree Festival at St Laurence’s and performance, arts, craft and shopping around town. This year, the festivities spill over into Saturday again with music at St Laurence’s and Santa Cruises on the canal.
- Sing along with the Chalford Community Choir and Orchestra – Fri 5 Dec, 7pm
The Chalford Community Choir and Orchestra leads a Christmas singalong concert and party in aid of the Chalford Sports and Social Club. Expect mince pies and seasonal singing for all the family.
- Enjoy Stonehouse Goodwill – Sat 6 Dec, 2 – 6pm
Stonehouse Town Council’s annual Goodwill Fest marks the start of the town’s Christmas celebrations, with seasonal stalls, children activities, street entertainers and music. Father Christmas will also be on hand, to switch on the Christmas lights and setting up shop for audiences in his grotto.
- Browse Christmas crafts at Stroud Brewery – Sun 7 Dec, 10am – 4pm
Stroud Brewery hosts a special indoor craft market in their balcony bar and loft, featuring creations from a range of local makers and creators. Expect floral arrangements and plants, Nepalese and Indian fashion, handmade Christmas decorations, stained glass and ceramics, soaps, oils, and perfumes, and plenty more.
- See Sheelanagig at the Albert – Sun 7 Dec, 7pm
This year Sheelanagig celebrates twenty years of entertaining crowds with their unique blend of foot-stomping, high-energy European folk music. Led by energetic fiddler Aaron Catlow, their Sunday night December date at the Prince Albert has become something of a fixture for folk-loving Stroudies in need of dancing opportunities.
Continuing this week
- See the Sub Rooms’ Little Art Exhibition – Until Sat 6 Dec
The third annual Little Art Exhibition returns for its seasonal run at the Sub Rooms ahead of Stroud Goodwill, featuring a variety of work submitted by local artists. The works are all on sale to raise funds for the Sub Rooms, either via a silent auction or – for those who don’t enjoy the uncertainty of auctions – for the first time this year via an eBay-style buy-it-now price.
Further afield
- Explore Bath Christmas Market – Until Sun 14 Dec
Bath’s Christmas Market tends to polarise opinion, but given the market is celebrating 25 years this year no one can dispute it has become a seasonal success for the city. The market features more than 250 traders across its twinkling chalets, with independent businesses from across the south west and enjoy a host of musical and other events during its run.
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.
