What’s on in Stroud this week: 15 – 21 December
It’s Christmas Day next week, and Stroud’s community singers have certainly got the memo.
If you’re in the mood for singing Christmas carols up a hill, with a brass band, in the pub, or down at the museum, you will find your opportunity in Stroud this week.
Elsewhere, there’s a chance to meet the animals at a community open day at Nailsworth’s Ringfield Farm, Christmas farmers markets at the Cornhill and a Christmas tractor run in Cheltenham. It’s a bit like being in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, but without the seasonal drama.
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
- Carol across the valley in Whiteshill – Mon 15 Dec, 6pm
Whiteshill’s outdoor carol concert is a highlight of the season for villagers, attracting around a hundred singers with musical accompaniment this year provided by the Stroud Area Wind Orchestra. In case of bad weather, singing will move to the Guide Hut, but that would be a shame as it would mean attendees missing the traditional moment when they turn to Ruscombe Valley to sing ‘Silent Night’.
- Sing carols in Woodchester with the Nailsworth Silver Band – Thu 18 Dec, 6:30pm
Nailsworth Silver Band returns to Woodchester for their annual multi-destination carol singing opportunity. Singers and band will meet together at Frogmarsh at 6.30pm before walking the path to North Woodchester, and arriving at the Royal Oak about 7pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served at St Mary’s Church around 7.15pm, and more singing will take place inside.
- Sing carols at the Woolpack – Thu 18 Dec, 8pm
This year, the staff at the Woolpack in Slad have teamed up with the church across the road, Holy Trinity, for an evening of carol singing, mulled cider and mince pies. Arrive early and expect the pub to be backed for seasonal singing around the piano.
- Visit Hogfest Winter Wonderland – Fri 19 – Sun 21 Dec
The landlord of the Hog in Horsley, Luke Honeychurch, lays on a special seasonal edition of his Hogfest special events, with a Santa’s grotto, Christmas market, live music, seasonal lights, crafts, songs around the piano and more. Plus burgers, sausages, mulled wine, family games, fake snow and a Christmas tree.
- Meet the alpacas at Ringfield Farm – Sat 20 Dec, 12 noon – 4pm
The gates at Ringfield Farm above Nailsworth are being thrown open for a special free family open day on Saturday, offering the chance to meet their alpacas, donkeys and goats. Hot and cold drinks are available, and the bar will be serving mulled wine and mince pies.
- Sing carols at the Museum in the Park – Sat 20 Dec, 3pm
To mark the festive season, ubiquitous Stroud choir leader Eleanor Holliday leads a special carol session in the Garden Pavilion at the Museum in the Park, accompanied by Robert Kempner on keyboard. All are welcome, with song sheets available and warming drinks on offer.
Beginning this week
- Browse at Stroud Christmas Markets – Thu 18 – Tue 23 Dec, 9am – 4pm
There are few more pleasant places to do your Christmas shopping than the Stroud pre-Christmas markets, which take place each December at the Cornhill Market. Expect a wide range of Christmas goodies from local producers and artisans, in events organised by Stroud Farmers Market’s Fresh n Local.
Further afield
- Watch the Festive Farmers tractor run – Fri 20 Dec, from 5pm
Cheltenham’s Festive Farmers Charity Tour brings together farmers and supporters for a one-night convoy of illuminated tractors, winding their way through the town centre and villages east of Cheltenham. The procession seeks to raise money for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
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.
