It’s the last week of February and there’s plenty to see and do in Stroud if you want to make the best of what has been quite a damp and short month.
Stroud Film Festival kicks off properly this week, sustainability extravaganza Just Sust Fest comes to Brimscombe Mill on Saturday, and food and drink explorations take place in Withey’s Yard and at the Salutation near Berkley. Plus there are some great community events in Oakridge, at Stroud Brewery and at the Hog in Horsley
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
- Learn the history of Oakridge – Wed 25 Feb, 7.30pm
Oakridge History Group explores the story of Percy Dearmer, a London vicar who lived in the village for many years and commissioned Oakridge’s war memorial after losing his son in the First World War. Open to non-members with tea and coffee from 7pm.
- Attend Green Drinks at Stroud Brewery – Thu 26 Feb, 7.30pm
A free, informal networking event for anyone working, volunteering, or dabbling in Stroud sustainability offers the chance to meet like-minded people over a pint in the balcony bar at Stroud Brewery. Thanks to the event’s sponsors, the first ten people on the sign-up list get a free drink.
- Eat cheese at the Salutation – Thu 26 Feb, 7.30pm
Host “Jerry the Cheese” leads the Salutation’s monthly guided tasting of five great cheeses, each paired with a beer or cider. Expect an array of fromage facts, good company and a night to remember.
- Explore Spanish wines in Withey’s Yard – Fri 27 Feb, 7pm
Stroud Wine Company and the Yard team up for an exploration of five wines from across Spain, considering how geography shapes flavour. Expect to taste everything from the classic reds of Rioja to the Mediterranean influence of Valencia, the Atlantic freshness of Galicia, the heat and structure of Jumilla, and the coastal character of Cádiz.
- Buy sustainable fashion at Brimscombe Mill – Sat 28 Feb,
To coincide with Sustainable Fashion Week, Brimscombe Mill hosts a festival of sustainable clothing and creativity for one day only. The first Just SUST Festival promises workshops, making, mending, inspiration and community creativity centred around the possibilities of what is dubbed “circular clothing”.
- Play chess at the Hog – Sun 1 Mar, 3pm
Horsley’s monthly chess meetup takes place at the Hog, with boards provided and a family-friendly atmosphere, open to all ages and abilities. The kitchen closes at 3pm so arrive early if you want to eat first.
Beginning this week
- Enjoy the Stroud Film Festival – Fri 27 Feb – Sat 14 Mar
Stroud Film Festival returns in its 14th year, bringing together nearly fifty events at twelve independent venues across the Stroud district over two weeks. Typically-Stroud film subjects this year include swimming, blacksmithing, nature and protest.
Further afield
- See the Bristol Light Festival – Continues until Sat 28 Feb
Established in 2020, Bristol Light Festival lights up the city over ten nights this year, ending this Saturday. 2026 highlights include works by public light installation artist and sculpture creator Liz West, a large-scale projection based on Bristol’s electrical history by brothers Matt and Rob Vale (aka Illuminos), and the return of Swing Song, a light up sonic swing first created for the 2022 festival.
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.
