photojournal: Wolfgang Flür @ Studio 18

Photography by Nikoletta Monyok

On Saturday 5th October Stroud was treated to another visit by a music legend (for a small place in the middle of Gloucestershire we are often lucky to catch a legend or five…) with Cheltenham based promoter Byrd Out bringing none other than Wolfgang Flür - known as the percussionist of the German electronic band Kraftwerk between 1973 and 1986 - to multi-arts space Studio 18 in Brimscombe.

You could be forgiven by thinking that the stroll along the canal path had somehow transported you to an uber-cool music venue in Berlin (Studio 18 has a knack of doing that to the mind) as Wolfgang performed his Musik Soldat show; highly addictive techno/krautrock/electro tunes to a backdrop of videos and rare images from his days in Kraftwerk alongside recent solo projects.

Local (and not so local) fans new and old could scarcely believe that they were witnessing a previous member of the pioneers of electronic music in their own backyard; “Can’t believe this. I remember buying Autobahn on vinyl when it came out in 1974, and now I get to see this just twenty minutes away from my house in Uley.” an audience member enthusiastically exclaimed whilst waiting for him to come on.

Support came from musician and producer and Wolfgang’s musical partner Peter Duggal and Stroud’s own DMX Krew and Neon Pumps with Byrd Out’s Stephen Vitkowitch also having a turn on the decks.

Our regular contributing photographer Nikoletta Monyok was also there to capture the event as part of our ongoing photojournal series.

What a night. More please…

GOP Guide: August Bank Holiday in Stroud 2024

Every year we put together a guide to events taking place in Stroud and across the District during the August Bank Holiday Weekend. So behold (and peruse) our 2024 Guide featuring Festivals, All Dayers, Weekenders, exhibitions, talks, gigs and more!

Fair play Stroud. Fair play mind.

FESTIVALS/WEEKENDERS

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The Prince Albert Beer, Cider and Music Festival
Thurs 22 - Mon 26
The Albert now hold two Beer, Cider and Music Festivals each year across Bank Holiday Weekends, and this is their big August one following their big May one. What can you expect? Well the pub is not just a pub but a legendary, expertly programmed live music venue so expect unique performances from local and further afield artists including Alan Burke from the legendary Afterhours on Thursday, Lo-Hi Lo and 3.0l Capri on Friday, Nature Is Noisy and Dusk Ark Rhythm Quartet On Saturday, Hazel Scott, Educatable and DAYOO on Sunday and more tba! And we mustn’t forget…BEER. A wide selection of cask beer will be available on a popup bar in the covered courtyard and all the usual suspects inside with non drinkers all very well catered for too. The beer festival where EVERYONE is welcome…
theprincealbertstroud.co.uk

Minchinhampton Festival Of Sacred Music
Fri 23 - Sun 25
Now in its fourth year, the Minchinhampton Festival of Sacred Music gives young singers the opportunity to experience some of the greatest choral music in the context for which it was written. Spread across the August BH weekend the evening events are in the form of special services in the Church whose glorious acoustics are renowned for choral music. Professional singers take part to coach their younger Colleagues. Free Entry (retiring collection). Click here for further info

The Ale House August Beer Festival
Fri 23 - Mon 26
The Ale House August beer festival is dedicated to Sheffield and its glorious beers. Running for four days, live music is also on the menu with performances by five piece blues band Route 61 (Friday), contemporary folk/blues from Rob Quo Duo (Saturday) and legendary locals Thee Ones returning to the Ale House following Glasto prolificacy (Sunday). Free entry
thealehousestroud.com

Hogfest
Fri 23 - Mon 26
The Hog at Horsley are super excited to announce the dates of the new Summer Edition of Hogfest, their (now) bi-annual beer and music festival! Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, this is sure to be even bigger and better than last time! With 50+ amazing beers and ciders, live music including Luke Philbrick and the Solid Gone Skiffle Invasion, The Excel Band, Splat The Rat, Shaggy Dog Raconteurs, Steve Ferbrache, Brian Wilcox and more plus incredible food trucks The Hog is the place to be this Summer Bank Holiday! Entry is, as always, completely free of charge and no tickets are required! No tokens, no buying glassware, just a good honest party in the sunshine!
hoghorsley.com

Frocester Festival
Sat 24
Fabulous family entertainment during the day, a game of cricket being played right in front of the pavilion for everyone to enjoy, alongside the usual excellent live music and wide choice of beer, cider, wine, spirits, food and other entertainment that the Frocester Festival is renowned for….
frocesterbeerfestival.com

ART

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Aleph Contemporary
Sat 6 July - Sun 25 Aug Summer Exhibition
A summer group exhibition to raise funds for The Long Table. Curated by Barnie Page, the exhibition features works from local artists as well as artists from the gallery's roster, showcasing a diverse range of talent and creativity. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm or by appointment. 
alephcontemporary.com

Terence Coventry: Walkies

Gallery Pangolin
Sat 29 June - Sat 7 Sept Terence Coventry : Farmer - Sculptor
An Insider’s View. Exploring both fields of the artist's world and how it defined him. Including sculpture in fabricated steel, sterling silver and bronze, shown alongside the artist’s drawings and prints. Mon- Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-1pm
gallery-pangolin.com

Fiona Haser Bizony

The Museum In The Park
Sat 20 July - Sun 1 Sept Cleo Mussi and Fiona Haser Bizony: Photosynthesis
Zero waste ceramic artist Cleo Mussi joins forces with ethical horticulturist and organic flower farmer Fiona Haser Bizony to create a botanical, floral and seasonal display. The collection of work  in the  medium of photography and mosaic aims to inspire viewers to consider how we perceive the natural world. Cleo showcases plants and flowers and portrays the four seasons, while Fiona deals with the natural human progression from the spring of youth to the wintering of our old age. A ‘must-see’ for anyone with a passion for gardens and gardening.
museuminthepark.org.uk

Detail from Black Lines by Vera Boele-Keimer

SVA John Street Gallery
Sat 24 Aug - Sat 7 Sept Vera Boele-Keimer and Eeva-Maria Mutka: Crossing the Line
Bristol-based artist Vera Boele-Keimer is presenting a new body of work, exploring the rich relationship between textiles and painting. Merging structural  ideas with intuition, materiality, imagination and movement, Vera produces work that draws attention to the processes and imperfections of making. Her grid-based compositions ask questions about the relationship between surface and ground, pattern and movement, drawing and painting. Movement artist Eeva-Maria Mutka and Vera will present a rhythmic response to the processes and works as part of the exhibition on the following days: Fri 23rd 6pm, Sat 24th 11:30am, Sat 31st 11:30, Thurs 5 Sept 6pm. Opening night with performance Fri 23 6-8pm. Exhibition open Thurs - Sat 10am-3pm
sva.org.uk

Poppy Kakoz

Three Storeys
Tues 30 July - Sun 1 Sept Works By; Echo Parker & Poppy Kakoz
Echo Parker: With a passion for the human form, you can expect to see individuals as the focal point of Echo’s work, spreading across many media, ranging from life drawing to installation pieces. While originally this interest was focussed around the physical form it has now spread to encompass psychological and social aspects of humanity.  It is such a passion that has led her through the local Art Foundation course and onto University to study Fine Art, with the aim of expanding her knowledge and maturing her skill sets to nourish her creativity.  Poppy Kakoz: With a focus on people and the effects of tourism, Poppy has spent the last two years following A-Levels, travelling widely around Europe, Asia and Africa, recording as she goes. Her passion for photography has lead her to further education; in September she will start a degree at University Arts London, studying Photojournalism and Documentary Photography.
Tues 13 - Sun 25 Michael Williams
Michael has a long career as an artist which includes teaching at St Martin’s and Goldsmiths’ College in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, as well as producing his own work in a variety of media over the years. Michael’s work shows his interest in space, light and the precarious human presence therein. Choosing to work with coloured pencils for the last three years, rather than his usual acrylic or watercolours which had been his main media for years.
threestoreys.co.uk

The Yard Gallery
Mon 19 - Fri 30 Tilly Geoghegan
A collection of pen drawings from the imagination of naive artist Tilly Geoghegan.   From funny  to forlorn - fully dressed or scantily clad: these images of women run the gamut of emotions and sartorial states. Hopefully they will make you smile.
instagram.com/theyardgallerystroud

MUSIC

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Centre For Science And Art
Sat 24 Preditah Sounds presents: Lil Steppas - Family Rave
Get ready for a night of non-stop fun at the Centre for Science and Art! Join us for an epic event featuring Lil Steppas spinning the hottest tracks to keep you grooving all night long. It's a FAMILY RAVE so bring the whole crew for a night to remember. Let's dance, laugh, and make memories together. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! Click here for tickets and further info

The Crown and Sceptre
Fri 23 Sons of the Delta
The Jelly Roll Kings return to the Pub to entertain you…8pm Free
Sat 24 Les Bernadettes, the Loan Sharks
Yep, it's that time of year again, Those Stunning French Punk Rockers are back at the Pub with our Great Friends, The Lone Sharks - Miss it Miss out! 8pm Free
crownandsceptrestroud.com

Jolly Nice
Fri 23 Friday Night Lates
Every Friday Jolly Nice stay open a little later, dim the lights and turn up the music for their 'Friday Night Lates' with cocktails on the double (Two for one cocktails 6-7pm). Celebrating the start of every weekend with locally produced drinks, cocktails, mocktails and grass fed burgers. The bar celebrates the best of our local breweries, vineyards and distilleries, with organic cider and beer on tap - along with a fantastic selection of alcohol free drinks. The kitchen serves up Jolly Nice Burgers, highlighting locally and responsibly produced ingredients. 6pm-till late Free
jollynicefarmshop.com

The Long Table
Fri 23 DJ Marcus Walters
Feat. DJ Marcus (In House*) playing low fi beats, down tempo House & Balearic beats. Delicious pay-as-you-can food 6-8pm / summer menu drinks by the river / DJ Marcus set 7-10pm. All welcome, free entry.
thelongtablestroud.com

Studio 18
Sat 24  Loose Joints: Bill Brewster
Monobrow and Sefto return with the second Loose Joints of the year and what an event it is going to be as they welcome dance music legend Bill Brewster. Bill has a worldwide reputation in the balearic and house music scene. As well as curating the DJ History website he has also been US editor of Mixmag while his Lowlife parties are legendary. Bill will do a talk on his seminal book Last Night A DJ Saved My Life which covers the full history of DJing from 6.30-8pm followed by a full Loose Joints event from 9pm headlined by Bill himself. Tickets in advance for the talk are £5, £8 for the dance event or £12 for both. Tickets on the door for the dance event only are £10. Tickets available at: soundrecords.co.uk
realartsandmedia.com

St Mary’s Church Woodchester
Fri 23 Black Voices - A Cappella Concert.

Black Voices is the leading, all-female a cappella collective in Europe, and globally celebrated for their unique form of singing in the Black oral tradition. Their repertoire covers a mix of musical genres and styles from blues, jazz, spirituals, folk, reggae and pop.  7pm £15 from North Woodchester shop or email: carodenny@hotmail.com (Picnics in the church yard encouraged beforehand. Refreshments on sale in the church)
stmaryschurchwoodchester.org.uk

Stroud Brewery
Sun 25  Comrades of Soul Bank Holiday All-Dayer.

Join one of Stroud’s most loved DJ outfits, Comrades of Soul when they takeover the Stroud Brewery Balcony Bar for a special bank holiday all-dayer! Catch Graham Dowler, Willie Ward & Paul Garland as they take a deep dive into their record collections. Expect 80s and 90s R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, House and more. 7pm Free
stroudbrewery.co.uk

Town Owl Taphouse
Sun 25 

The WAX House Party Bank Holiday Special

This Summer Bank Holiday the Town Owl Taphouse brings back: the WAX House Party! Featuring: DJ Fade (WAX/Next Episode) plus special guests to be announced! (Soul | Funk | Boogie | Hip Hop & More… On Vinyl!)
7pm - 11pm Free Entry
townowltaphouse.co.uk

The Yard
Fri 23 Sonar Sessions: Sam Judd, Neon Pumps
An evening of live electronic music performed outdoors by Stroud’s finest emerging talent…
Sam Judd: multi-instrumentalist, producer & co-creator of SONAR Sessions, brings his live performance to The Yard, a catalogue of deep, sensuous dance beats, synesthetic ambience, and chopped up samples collected on travels around the world. Neon Pumps: an up-and-coming Stroud-based DJ and Producer who combines a strong affection for underground dancefloor sounds and ambient soundscapes, with an irresistible pull to pop, resulting in high energy, multifaceted genre-defying productions. 6-9pm £10/£7 Click here for tickets and further info!

TALKS

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The Museum In The Park
Fri 23 Jo Durrant In Conversation: Chain Reactions with Lucy Jane Santos
Lucy Jane is a writer, presenter, and historical consultant, and she specialises in health, beauty, and leisure and where they crossover. She is the author of ‘Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium’ and her new book is ‘Chain Reactions: A Hopeful History of Uranium’ which is out at the start of July this year. Tracing uranium's past, and how it intersects with our understanding of other radioactive elements, this book aims to disentangle our attitudes and to unpick the atomic mindset. Chain Reactions looks at the fascinating, often-forgotten, stories that can be found throughout the history of the element. 7:30pm £7.50/£5members
museuminthepark.org.uk

THEATRE

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Painswick Rococo Garden
Mon 26
IKP Presents: The Little Mermaid
Escape under the sea with IKP’s The Little Mermaid on an exciting new adventure!

From the team who brought you Hercules (4* The Stage), Beauty and the Beast and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (4* The Stage), come along for a huge European adventure to find freedom, truth and love! This brand new family show is great for all ages from tiny tots to big kids, so hop aboard and sail the sea with The Little Mermaid! 11am and 2:30pm £11 - £40
rococogarden.org.uk

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Horns On Horns Road
Mon 26
Horns on Horns Road is back! The Stroud Red Band will lead the traditional August Bank Holiday Monday parade from the town end of Horns Road from about 12 noon, ending up at the Crown & Sceptre for drinks and more music. Everyone is welcome: residents, visitors, children, dogs… do all come and join this quirky Stroud tradition! Wear horns if you can, and if you have an instrument or something to bang or shake in a noisy fashion, do join in with the band.
stroudredband.org.uk

Yard Trail
Mon 26
The hugely popular Yard Trail Stroud returns this Bank Holiday Monday, a great way to get to know your neighbourhood, hunt some bargains or make some cash whilst saving the planet by reusing and recycling and building stronger communities! The Crown and Sceptre and Stroud Brewery will also once again prove to be popular venues for shoppers to look around. 10am-2pm (don’t forget to register your own Yard! Deadline 16th August…)
yardtrailstroud.co.uk

photojournal: For Heaven's Sake @ Stroud Brewery

Photography By Dom Thompson

On Thursday 25th July the Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society organised a live music-filled night at the Stroud Brewery to raise vital funds for community ownership of the Heavens Valley.

Ticket holders were treated to the sounds of the Greater Good, Susan the Band  and the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning musician and songwriter Natalie Shay, fresh from supporting Shania Twain at Hyde Park’s BST concert series.

Dom Thompson went along to capture the event for our ongoing photojournal series…

Head to the Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society site here to find out how you can help save this valuable space so it can be used openly by everyone and ensure that it's unique biodiversity can be protected and supported…

photojournal: Wings Of Desire + Tom Smith @ The Long Table

Photography by Tom Percival

On Friday the 5th July local band Wings Of Desire organised a very special event for their Stroud debut, bringing along none other than fellow Stroud District dwellers Tom Smith from the Editors for a rare solo acoustic performance and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Tom Ravenscroft for a DJ set to the Long Table.

Wings of Desire played tracks from their forthcoming new EP Shut Up & Listen ,the proceeds of which will be going to the radical social enterprise and Pay What You Can food hub which serves over 40,000 meals to the community every year.

GOP photographer Tom Percival headed along the tow path to Brimscombe to capture the amazing night, in an amazing venue for our photojournal series…

Shut Up & Listen EP by Wings of Desire will be released on the 30th August, listen to a couple of the tracks on their bandcamp page here and read their interview with Tom Berry from Sound Records in July issue here For forthcoming events and to find out more about the Long Table click here

photojournal: Malty Story Festival @ Stroud Brewery

Photography By Dom Thompson

Last weekend (7th-9th June) Stroud Brewery celebrated a milestone of a birthday (18 years. Finally reached their legal drinking age) with a three day festival over three levels in their mighty canal side venue.

iIngeniously titled the Malty Story Festival the packed programme featured a hoard of local bands and DJ’s including Albino Tarantino, Thee Ones, The Achievers, Valley Steppas, Fidel Cutstro, Crooked Stylus, Threebagsfull, Neon Pumps, Robbie Duncan, Stroud Global Beats, Cosmic Meow to name just a few alongside headliners Nicky Blackmarket, Bristol Hi-Fi’s Queen Bee and Thrill Collins.

Thousands of people from across the Stroud District and beyond descended upon the brewery to join in the celebrations of a Stroud institution including our photographer Dom Thompson for a GOP (not the American one) photojournal.

Hopefully the Malty Story Festival will be back in 2025 and become a mainstay in Stroud’s continually impressive and evolving Festival calendar. Happy Birthday Stroud Brewery. Long May You Brew.

photojournal: Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone @ the Prince Albert

Photography by Dom Thompson

Last Sunday 2nd June multi-award winning eclectic Folk and Americana singer-songwriter Lady Nade returned to the Prince Albert, this time as part of a tour performing the iconic and timeless songs of Nina Simone.

The completely sold out crowd were treated to stunning renditions of songs such as Mr. Bojangles, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, My Baby Just Cares For Me, I Put A Spell On You, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free and more; “I grew up listening to my grandad’s mix tapes and discovered Nina Simone. She's gone on to have a song for every moment of my life. She’s held me in times of joy, despair, love, laughter and hope. As a black female Nina Simone paved the way for artists of my generation to not give up on their dreams and hopes. I am delighted to be celebrating her life and legacy with some of the UK's top musicians.”

Dom Thompson captured the gig for our ongoing photojournal series…

For forthcoming dates and further info visit: ladynade.co.uk

photojournal: Jazz Stroud

Photography by Dom Thompson

Last week plus weekend (23rd - 26th May) Jazz Stroud returned taking over various venues and outdoor spaces across the centre of town with a lineup packed with unique live performances, DJ sets, improvs, jams and carnival processions. One of the things the festival prides itself on, and in fact what they always do expertly well is to be at the forefront of booking the next cream of the crop of the UK’s burgeoning jazz scene, a programme filled with ‘one to watch’ solo artists and bands who might find themselves with a Mercury Award Nomination or Win of their own in the not too distant future. Their long standing relationship with d&b audiotechnik is also a big part of the festival and the ‘in the round’ concerts in the mighty Goods Shed with the world renowned audio company’s ground breaking soundscape system is a true feast for the ears.

The main evening concerts in the Goods Shed (which this year featured headline performances by Frontline Tomorrow’s Warriors, un.procedure , Ezra Collective’s Joe Armon-Jones and Stroud’s own Daniel Inzani) might be the main event but wondering into intimate sessions amongst a plethora of vinyl at Sound Records or Klang Tone Records, DJ sets inside (Rough Hands) and outside (the Yard Cafe) Coffee Shops, gigs in pubs (Ale House + Town Owl Taphouse), hotels (The Stroud), churches (St Laurence) and artist hubs (SVA John Street) creates an amazing festival experience and atmopshere whilst discovering new music (and yes not all of it is strictly Jazz but safe to say most if it is influenced by the genre in some way) at every turn.

Regular GOP Photographer Dom Thompson ventured into Stroud to capture just some of the performances from the 2024 edition of Jazz Stroud as part of our ongoing photojournal series…

photojournal: Subculture - NeoAncients

Photography by Carmel King and Tom Percival

Last weekend PopUp returned for it’s second Subculture Festival…
And for 2024? A celebration of Beltane under the banner of NeoAncients, first inviting zine creators and cultural phenomenon Weird Walk to curate and open the festival with an evening at Lansdown Hall featuring Cornish singer-songwriter Daisy Rickman, the mysterious folk duo Peter Talisman, the Goblin Band (who are no strangers to our fair town), a DJ set from writer/podcaster Zakia Sewell (who hosted a sold out Q&A with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller the next day) and Stroud’s own morris dancing leg-ends Boss Morris.

Elsewhere the PopUp team - made up of Ben Wardle, John Best and Julie Howe - carefully (and expertly) programmed a packed weekend of talks, live music, film screenings, DJ sets and Q&A’s with the likes of Gruff Rhys, Jarvis Cocker, Bridget Christie, Jeremy Deller, Cerys Hafana, Richard Norris (to name just a few) all congregating to Stroud - which many might agree has become the perfect place to celebrate Beltane (the most ancient of Celtic festivals) and also a resurgence of interest and love of English Folk history, arts and culture.

We sernt our contributing Good On Paper photographers Tom Percival and Carmel KIng along to capture just some of the events which took place across various venues in the centre of Stroud for our ongoing photojournal series…

Photos by Tom Percival

Photography by Carmel King

photojournal: Trading Post - A Celebration

Photography by Dom Thompson

Last Saturday 9th March Simon Vincent opened and closed the doors of the iconic and long standing Trading Post for the last time. It had been in Stroud for 47 years. 23 of those with Simon at the helm of Gloucestershire’s oldest record shop:

“It started in 1977 by a lady called Jo Walters who worked for Chrysalis Records in London. She hopped on the train one day, happened to get off at Stroud and thought…’ yeah this is a cool place, I could sit under a tree and read poetry,’ but wondered how to make a living. She had quite a large record collection from working in the industry so she took a little shop at the top of Nelson Street and started selling her record collection. She was one of the first people in Gloucestershire to start punk properly and that’s how the shop took off. I took it over in February 2001 and by that time Jo had built a very good customer base. One day I walked past the shop and noticed that she wasn’t there. I asked where Jo was and someone said ‘oh she’s a bit tired’ and jokingly I said I’ll buy the shop off her. We had a meeting that evening and Jo said…’Simon, I’ve been looking for a husband for my baby for some time now, and you’re the man.’ And that was it. I’d never worked in a shop before in my life and yet I had just taken on this record store, mainly because I was passionate about it and loved it and I think that’s why it’s survived in modern times. I’m very grateful to Stroud for having such a rich cultural appreciative community. I don’t just love music, I love the shop and I love Stroud.” Simon Vincent, Good On Paper, Issue 2, 2015

So the 9th March was a celebration of a Stroud instituion, a proper good send off with a hoard of local DJ’s playing sets in the shop and customers cooming in throughout the day to extend their thanks and well wishes plus pick up a few more records before those doors closed: "As this is our shop's closing day we are celebrating 47 years of Trading Post Records in Stroud. Come and say hello, share memories with friends and celebrate the good times we've had together. One love. "

But what about all the records you might ask? Well Simon’s taken those with him and Trading Post will continue to exist albeit in an online format, but more about that in next month’s issue…

Dom Thompson headed down to the centre of town to capture the momentus day for our ongoing photojournal series…

photojournal: Sam Brookes @ Sound Records

Photography by James Styler

Last Friday 8th March Sam Brookes; a rising figure in the alt-folk scene and now a Stroud local played an intimate, stripped back set as part of Sound Records regular instore sessions, performing tracks from the new album by his duo project SupaLung.

Sam is also part of the much loved John Martyn Project who have previously played sold out shows in Stroud at the Prince Albert and the Sub Rooms and he also treated the eager audience crammed into the record shop with a beautiful rendition of John Martyn’s Go Down Easy.

Our photographer James Styler headed down to capture the set as part of our ongoing photojournal series…

SupaLung which also features producer and instrumentalist Pete Josef are embarking on a tour in April in conjunction with the release of their debut album I’m Alive which is out now. Head to supalung.com + sambrookes.com and pick up a copy of this month’s issue featuring an interview with Sam Brookes by Adam Jones for further info.

photojournal: Michele Stodart @ The Prince Albert

Photography by Dom Thompson

On Monday 29th January the Prince Albert hosted a rare visit to Stroud by none other than Michele Stodart; bassist, vocalist and co-songwriter of the Mercury-nominated, double-platinum selling group The Magic Numbers. Accompanied by her band made up of David Ford (bass/electric guitar), Emma Holbrook (drums) and Andy Bruce (keys) she played tracks from her most recent, highly acclaimed album Invitiation which won UK Album of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2024.

The gig sold out weeks ago and those who were lucky enough to grab a ticket were treated to not just one, but two sets in the intimate, legendary venue at the top of a steep hill…

Support came from Stroud dwelling alt-indie singer songwriter Philippe Nash (featured in our January issue), also with a new release under his belt ‘with his debut album Like A Holy Face due to be released on the 9th Feb following a string of EP’s and singles.

Dom Thompson captured the evening as part of our ongoing photojournal series - a review in pictures not words…

photojournal: Good On Paper Party @ The Sub Rooms

Photography by Jonny Barratt

Well the GOP Party came, brought fourth a Roller Disco, exhibitions, bands, DJ’s and a retro arcade - and went…

Huge thanks to College, AK/DK, the Umlauts, Joe Muggs, Monobrow, Mendoza, Dubbu, Disco D’oli, Mully Jowers, Mz Monique, Mark Levy, Stroud Skate Crew, sound engineerin’ wizards Jam and Jerry, lightin’ guru Craig Lewis (Moving Light Design), the whole team at the Sub Rooms, Ghost Retro Arcade and Jonny Barratt for these snaps. Plus all of you who came along!

Also thanks to Lansdown Gallery and Penny de Lotz for our Insert Art Here + GOP Covers 2023-2024 exhibition and SGS Stroud School of Art students and teachers for invigilating! The exhibition continues this week (Tues 4th - Fri 9th 11am-2pm / Sat 10am - 4pm) with all Insert Art Here and Covers available for sale with proceeds going to Sunflowers Suicide Support charity.

See.You.Next.Year.?
Long Live the Printed Word (and art, music, roller scatin’ and retro arcade games)

photojournal: Fran & Flora @ Sound Records

Photography by Dom Thompson

The award winning experimental/contemporary folk string duo Fran & Flora returned to Stroud on Sat 20th January (following their still talked about set at last year’s Hidden Notes Festival) performing to a packed out crowd at Sound Records amidst a plethora of records, neon signs, music books and magazines….

The record shop gig was their first of 2024 prior to heading up to Hawkwood for a week as part of their Artist Residency Programme and the release of their second album ‘Precious Collection’ out on the 12th April via Hidden Notes Records.

Our regular Good On Paper photographer Dom Thompson captured the evening as part of our ongoing photojournal series…

Visit Sound Records website here for news of forthcoming instore gigs including Radiolarians (featured in the December 2023 issue of Good On Paper)  the solo project by local multi-instrumentalist Dave Cudlip.

photojournal: Jaz Delorian @ The Prince Albert

Photography by Dom Thompson

Jaz Delorian, frontman of the mighty Tankus the Henge headed to the Prince Albert, situated on a steep hill in Stroud for a rare, stripped back matinee performance last Sunday 14th January.

Usually found jumping around on main stages with his band at festivals across the UK and Europe, Delorian is equally at home in front of smaller audiences in intimate spaces, performing the songs of Tankus the Henge as well as tracks from his own solo albums.

Dom Thompson stepped through the welcoming front door of the legendary local music venue for another of our ongoing photojournal series….

photojournal: Onipa + Joi Collective @ SVA

Photography By Dom Thompson

The live music programme at SVA’s Good Shed has been really packed recently with the likes of jazz musician, composer, producer and founder of the independent label Gondwana Records Matthew Halsall, legendary Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia, the American jazz quartet the Bad Plus, alternative rock band Flamingods (to name just a few!) all having performed at Stroud’s iconic multi arts venue in the last few months of 2023. And last night it continued with the Afro-futurist band Onipa returning to the venue after their mind blowing performance at the Jazz Stroud festival in 2022.

The task of warming up the crowd for the band was deftly handled by the Joi DJ Collective - a new SVA led project which provides DJ skills, training and peer to peer support for women and transgender people in Stroud and Gloucester.

Dom Thompson was there to capture it all for another Good On Paper photojournal…

photojournal: A Grime Supreme @ SVA Goods Shed

Photography By Dom Thompson

Last Saturday 25th November Jazz music education and artist development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors in association with Gloucester’s The Music Works and Jazz Stroud brought together a hoard of fresh, young talented Gloucestershire musicians to perform new original works in Stroud’s iconic venue the Goods Shed alongside none other than the renownded jazz drummer, composer, record producer, bandleader and radio host Moses Boyd and pioneering Jazz Drill and Post-Trap saxophonist Xvngo.

“A Grime Supreme develops new musical collaborations between jazz musicians and grime artists, building cross-genre understanding and opening new opportunities to participants. Tomorrow’s Warriors partnered with The Music Works and Jazz Stroud to recruit local musicians for the project. This year’s sessions have featured Moses Boyd, XVNGO and Rider Shafique for guidance through this creative process, which culminated with a perfomance at The Goods Shed in Stroud.”

Good On Paper photographer Dom Thompson headed down to capture the inspiring event for our ongoing photojournal series: “It was so impressive to see such a young collective of aspiring musicians and vocalists assembled together. The excitement and energy bursting from each one of the musicians on stage made for an electric atmosphere at a packed out Goods Shed. Performing original compositions, they delivered soulful rn’b style duets through to frenetic MC collaborations all supported by the house band which was followed by an amazing headline set by Moses Boyd and XVNGO. Hats off to Tomorrow’s Warriors, the Music Works and Jazz Stroud. The musics in good hands.”

GOP Guide To A Halloween Weekend In Stroud

Ishmael Ensemble. SVA Goods Shed, Fri 27th

Looking to celebrate Halloween this weekend in Stroud? GOP’s got you covered…Some halloween themed. Some not. Plenty of ace music, art, theatre, poetry and parties going on this weekend in this great little district of ours…

THE ALE HOUSE
SAT 28TH Jim Reynolds
Jim Reynolds is a guitarist and singer who writes and plays an eclectic mix of music. The individual pieces tap into blues, ragtime, rhythm and blues, music hall and folk traditions. Some are extremely sensitive songs about life, people and relationships, while others are tongue in cheek. His albums are also sprinkled with classics from the likes of J.J. Cale, Nick Drake, John Martyn, Roy Orbison, the Inkspots, Jelly Roll Morton and Jimmy Rogers. 8:30pm Free
thealehousestroud.com

THE BAPTIST HALL
SAT 28TH Folk and Tradition: Art and Craft In A Contemporary World 
To run alongside Lily Cheetham’s exhibition at Weven there will be a panel discussion looking at the difference between art, craft, feminism and domesticity in textile and patchwork. Speakers include Lily Cheetham, Nell Leyshon (novelist and playwright), Bridget Christie (Comedian) and Laura Moseley (Craft researcher and editor Common Threads Press). There will also be singing from Broadside ballad singer Jennifer Reid and some live contemporary Morris dancing from Boss Morris. 7:30-9pm £21 from Weven
weven.co.uk

Dog Of Man, The Crown and Sceptre, Fri 27th

THE CROWN AND SCEPTRE
FRI 27TH Dog Of Man, Cotswold Trash
Dog of Man are a psych punk explosion originating from Brighton UK. Formed in 2016 they quickly made a name for themselves in the Brighton alternative scene with their fresh and distinctive take on heavy party music. Heavy grooves and infectious rhythms are turbo charged with the powerful sunshine pleasures of a distorted electric accordion. Shredding and playful licks of lightning guitar play around the tight bass parts and the band jump from punk and grunge pop to jungle and salsa rhythms and beyond. No stranger to whipping up parties & festival crowds into a frenzy. Dog of Man have performed in festivals all over Europe including Balter, Supernormal, ADM fest, Goulash Disko etc. Always morphing the crowd into a sweaty mass of people grinning from ear to ear..With support from Cotswold Trash. 8:30pm
crownandsceptrestroud.com

GALGOS LATINO
SAT 28TH Galgos Latino’s Day of the Dead Celebration
Brace yourself for a night full of culture, dancing, meals, music and so much more as they celebrate and remember loved ones with the Day of the Dead…Ft a four hour DJ set by Monobrow (Sound Records) . 8pm
galgos.co.uk

THE GOLDEN FLEECE
SAT 28TH DJ Mendoza Halloween Sessions
DJ Mendoza returns to the Golden Fleece for his annual Halloween Sessions…Dress up or down. Evil sounds from all around. 9pm - 12am Free
goldenfleecepub.co.uk

THE HOG AT HORSLEY
SAT 28TH Halloween Party @ The Hog
Fancy dress strongly encouraged! Prizes for best dressed! 7pm £5 (includes disco and buffet) hoghorsley.com

Nick Cave by Romi Mori, Klang Tone Records

KLANG TONE RECORDS
FRI 27TH OCT - SAT 18TH NOV Romi Mori: Photography Exhibition
Romi, played bass for The Gun Club,  psychobilly  punk legends! She’s also an exceptional photographer and we’ll be showing a selection of her live documentation work and portraits of musicians in her circle including Jeffery Lee Pierce, Nick Cave, Kid Congo Power amongst others. Opening night Fri 27th with DJ Simon Spedding the decks playing a selection of psychobilly and punk records Weds-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm
instagram.com/klang_tone_records

Love Circus, Lansdown Hall

LANSDOWN HALL
WEDS 25TH - SUN 29TH Stroud Artists Cooperative: Winter Exhibition 
This is one of SAC’s Open Exhibitions, so all their members get the opportunity to have work on display - this tends to make these exhibitions vibrant; dynamic and fun! Come along and browse some excellent art from local artists - the range of styles and talent is astonishing and promises to be an entertaining visit! 10am-4pm, Fri 27th late viewing 6-9pm 
SUN 29TH Stroud Arts Festival Presents: Silent Film - Diary Of A Lost Girl
Silent film with live music – why is it such a good night out?  Ask last year’s Stroud audience – it’s the sheer, extraordinary talent of Elizabeth-Jane Baldry! This year Stroud Arts Festival welcome her back to the Lansdown Hall with another iconic black and white silent film, powerfully enhanced by her specially composed score which she plays live throughout the screening. A late masterpiece of the silent era, and a tragic story of corruption and middle class hypocrisy in pre-Nazi Germany, this film and its star, Louise Brooks, has gained cult status with film-lovers through the ages. 6:30pm £10
MON 30TH The Cotswold Jugglers Present: Love Circus
A cabaret night dripping with homegrown circus performers, edible treats and licenced bar. Produced, directed and performed in Stroud. Featuring treats from incredible local chef (pre order only) and special Halloween cocktail. Halloween costumes encouraged - plus an award for best dressed. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. VIP Tickets (front row tables, includes VIP Snack Box and complementary drink) £25 each/Standard Seated Ticket £15 each
lansdownhall.org

MINCHINHAMPTON MARKET HOUSE
SAT 28TH Shakespeare’s Fool
Will Kempe was one of the finest performers of the Elizabethan age. Gentleman player, juggling jester, headmaster of Morris dancers and London’s finest clown. Until, that is, he fell out with Will ‘git-face’ Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty stricken, not far from the original Globe Theatre, of which he was an original shareholder and faded into obscurity, a world away from his former life of superstardom. Join him on the streets of London as he gives his final performance to an audience of a mouse and a marotte and tells the tale of his life, his rise to stardom and what really happened between him and William Shakespeare. A bittersweet tale, told by an idiot. £15 7:30pm
minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk

THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK
THURS 28TH Poetry Night: David Clarke, Alicia Stubbersfield, Jo Casling, James Dick, Eley Furrell and Sean Roe
The Field in Winter, the third collection of poetry by David Clarke, winner of the Michael Marks Award, elegantly reflects on memory, time, and the very particular landscape of loss, in a calendar of poems, a ‘charm of words’ that track and loop through seasons of nature and living; it is published by Nine Arches Press. Alicia Stubbersfield will read a second selection from her recent book, Enigma Machine, which deals with personal and family history in finely managed poems.  In the second half, there will be a collaborative performance of nothing springs to mind, a spoken work performance for three voices and incidental music, by Jo Casling, James Dick, Eley Furrell and Sean Roe. 7:30-9:45pm  Free entry. Refreshments. Books for sale. All welcome. No need to pre-book.
museuminthepark.org.uk

Ren Harvieu, the Prince Albert, Sun 29th

THE PRINCE ALBERT
SAT 28TH  Halloween Karaoke 
The Albert are inviting all to dress up and come and perform on their stage for the Karaoke Night that you know you really want to come to. All welcome. Prize for the best dressed performer on the night. 7:30pm Free
SUN 29TH Ren Harvieu, Felix Holt, the Crooked Penny
A very special night hosted by Milligan Beaumont, Lorna Bamsey and Nina Margaretha with Salford chanteuse Ren Harvieu headlinging. Ren Harvieu is a darkly enigmatic singer/songwriter from Salford, Manchester. Ren has enjoyed considerable success with her two album releases: 'Through The Night' showcased her supple yearning voice, leaning towards 60's pop, country and soul, while her follow-up, 'Revel In The Drama' ( Bella Union ) painted a uniquely evocative lyrical world both heartbreakingly honest and fantastical. Her sound finding many new colours. She has performed with an eclectic array of artists including the legendary Tom Jones, US rapper Nas and with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. She's currently putting the finishing touches to her new album with songwriting partner Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers. It promises to be something truly special judging by the recent live shows with her exciting band of multi instrumentalists.The evening also features special ghosts Felix Holt, haunting melodies from the Crooked Penny and much much more…7pm £14/£9concs
theprincealbertstroud.co.uk

THE STAR INN
FRI 27TH - SAT 28TH Star Inn Spooktacular
Spooky Season is back yet again! This year the Star Inn will be hosting yet another Halloween Party Weekend. On Friday the King of Halloween himself, Bert Harris will be hosting a Killer Karaoke night - with a trick or treat twist! On Saturday 28th KAOS, the legendary Stroud rockers return doing rock covers of all variety - they went down a storm last time so don’t miss out! Halloween fancy dress is encouraged all weekend. Prizes for best fancy dress available. Deals on drinks, spooky cocktails, free bar treats and more!
No tickets - just come in and enjoy yourselves…
starinnwotton.co.uk

ST LAURENCE CHURCH
FRI 27TH Acapellies Community Choir: Sanctuary
Acapellies Choir is a community choir from Stroud directed by Eleanor Holliday (Natural Voice Network), and they have been singing together for over 7 years. They specialise in traditional unaccompanied polyphonic songs from around the world; creating a truly unique, immersive choral experience for their audience. Their previous work 'The Gratitude Project', was created during the pandemic, rehearsed outdoors, and received great acclaim in 2021. This was followed by their most recent project, 'Songs of Fortitude', which was focused on a communal feeling of resilience, hope and support during these complex times we live in. They are now performing their new choral work - ‘Sanctuary’' in the epic surroundings of St Laurence Church...7:30pm Cash donations (towards the church roof) 
stlaurencefuture.org.uk

STONEHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
SAT 28TH Hallowqueens
A spooktacular evening at HallowQueens, a thrilling event filled with frights and delights! Get ready to embrace the Halloween spirit like never before. Prepare to be amazed by spine-chilling performances, wickedly creative costumes, and hauntingly good music. This event promises a night of wicked fun and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a witch, vampire, or ghost, come dressed in your most bewitching attire and compete in our costume contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes! Don't miss out on this thrilling extravaganza! Grab your friends and get ready for a night of hair-raising excitement at HallowQueens. 7:30pm Pay-What-You-Can
stonehousecommunitycentre.co.uk

STROUD BREWERY
FRI 27TH Halloween Zombie Party With Dub Catalyst and DJ Tommy P
Vibes that’ll wake the dead!  Get ready to embark on a genre-defying sonic voyage with Dub Catalyst, a reggae hip hop band that's redefining the boundaries of musical expression. Infusing the soulful rhythms of reggae with the urban pulse of hip hop, Dub Catalyst brings an electrifying energy to every stage they grace. DJ Tommy P has been bringing vibes to dancefloors all over our nation for a while now. From running nights with 'Dub from Above' to his own brand Champion Roots. Expect heavy Dub with a mix of digital reggae, roots and dancehall. Zombie theme encouraged! 7pm £10
stroudbrewery.co.uk

THE SUB ROOMS
FRI 27TH Stroud Arts Festival Presents: The London Tango Quintet
The London Tango Quintet, drawn together by a love of the tango, first formed in 2007 and has gained international acclaim for its performances of music by legendary Argentinian composer Astor Piazzola, interspersed with music from the baroque to the contemporary.  Founder and director David Juritz, describing the first time he heard Piazolla’s music,  says “It was mind-blowing. A kaleidoscope of conflicting emotions and a raw energy I’ve never heard surpassed in any other kind of music.” Chart topping guitar virtuoso, Craig Ogden, is joined by accordionist, Miloš Milivojević, described by the Times as ‘a hurricane of musical invention’. Pianist/composer David Gordon tours as a jazz musician,harpsichordist and director of internationally renowned ensembles while bassist, Richard Pryce, works with artists from Jamie Cullum to Shirley Bassey. Come and share the passion of the tango with these 5 superbly talented musicians – and we promise to give you at least one opportunity to get up on your feet! 6:30pm £20
SAT 28TH Stroud Arts Festival Presents: Will Todd’s Mass In Blue & Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert
A wonderful evening to celebrate two composers whose skill of weaving choral and jazz together brings us an exciting and inspiring night of sacred music. Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899 – 1974) was a true giant of the Jazz Age and beyond whose influence has continued through generations of jazz musicians. Always a religious man, Ellington wrote Three Sacred Concerts in the 1960s claiming that they were “personal, not career” and that they are ‘the most important thing I have ever done. Conducted by Paul McLaughlin. Originally from Dundee, now living in Stroud, Paul is a choral singer, jazz musician, teacher and conductor. He feels he has found his home in the sacred music of Duke Ellington and Will Todd and is delighted to be performing at the Stroud Arts Festival this year. Joined by the fantastic soprano, Nina Bennet and dancer Luc Bailey, the uplifting music of Duke Ellington perfectly complements Will Todd’s beautiful and exciting setting of the mass. The evening starts at 7pm with Will Todd in conversation with Paul McLaughlin.  An opportunity to hear a composer discussing his work and inspiration before the performance.  The conversation will run from 7pm to approximately 7.20pm when there will be a short break before the performance of Ellington’s Sacred Concert at 7.30pm. The specially formed Community Choir joins the stage in the second half of the evening for Will Todd’s Mass in Blue. 6:30pm £20
SUN 29TH I Believe In Unicorns
Award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller brings best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life. This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. Also features a book swap in which children can bring a book to make up part of the set, then swap this book with another when they leave. 2pm and 4pm £11.50
thesubrooms.co.uk

Hailu Mergia, SVA Goods Shed, SAT 28TH

SVA GOODS SHED
FRI 27TH  Dubkasm meets Ishmael Ensemble and Rider Shafique
Ishmael Ensemble return with another mighty south-west link up this time handing the controls to dub & roots music legends Dubkasm to celebrate the release of their collaborative EP "In A Dub Style" with Rider Shafique. As soon as Ishmael Ensemble finished their collaborative ‘New Era’ EP with Rider Shafique, bandleader Pete Cunningham knew he wanted to have it remixed in the classic dub-style; and who better to enlist than Bristol’s finest, DJ Stryda & Digistep aka Dubkasm. Following in the well worn footsteps of dub legends such as King Tubby, Mad Professor & Scientist - Dubkasm rework and authentically dub the original recordings and warp them into a sound-system ready collection of heavy hitting, deep sonic explorations complimented perfectly by Rider’s iconic voice and potent, thought provoking lyricism. Expect DJ Sets, live instrumentation and dubbing, poetry, exclusive merch and a pop-up Record Store. 8:30pm £6early bird (sold out)£8/£10
SAT 28TH  Hailu Mergia
Acclaimed keyboardist Hailu Mergia, from Ethiopia’s ‘golden age’ group the Walias Band returns to Stroud.The story of Hailu Mergia is one of survival and a late justice for years spent in exile: The maestro, once the leader of 1970es Addis Ababa's favourite dance band Walias, emigrated to the US after the Mengistu regime came into political power at home in Ethiopia. After running several businesses he ended up driving a cab at Washington's Dulles Airport, while still practising his keyboard chops on the back seat of his vehicle while downtimes. In 2013 Hailu returned to the live music circuit after the blogger-turned-label-owner Brian Shimkovitz of Awesome Tapes From Africa had found him to reissue his 1986 unusual, multi-tracked solo effort His Classical Instrument. "If Cluster had been from Ethiopia instead of Germany, this is probably about what they would have sounded like", wrote Pitchfork, celebrating the album. Helming a trio with a badass rhythm section, he played numberless sold-out clubs shows and appeared at prominent festivals. It is safe to say that the revitalized interest in Mergia's laid-back Ethio grooves culminated after he released his comeback album "Lala Belu" early in 2018: The composer was featured in leading newspapers like the New York Times and The Guardian and played more than 70 shows all across Europe in a timespan of no more than 14 months. In March Lala Belu's successor Yene Mircha hit the streets and easily proved that, at 73, this seasoned musician has still a few amazing tricks up his sleeve. 7:30pm £12-£15adv/£18otd (Goods Shed)
sva.org.uk

Zoe Benbow, SVA John Street Gallery

SVA JOHN STREET GALLERY
 FRI 20TH - SAT 28TH Zoe Benbow: Doorstep Wilderness
Zoe Benbow presents a solo exhibition of paintings that take the subject of trees as their starting point. Trees represent an accessible wilderness on our doorstep and these paintings also reference distant landscapes remembered in an urban context, employing a poetic more than representational interpretation of the subject. Thurs 26th - Sat 28th 10am-3pm. Meet the Artist Gallery Talk Thurs 26th 6pm.
sva.org.uk

THREE STOREYS
TUES 24TH - SUN 29TH  Four Friends, Four Styles: Joint Exhibition
A joint exhibition of paintings by four friends who each express themselves through a different style of painting.
threestoreys.co.uk

TWO BEDFORD STREET
FRI 13TH OCT - SAT 4TH NOV Sue Brisco: Plants In Ink 
Researching and experimenting with botanical ink-making Sue Brisco’s work delves into the world of alchemy, archival recipes and new ways of engaging with nature. Chemistry evolves through an art/science-eco investigation into plants and their colour. The selected work in the exhibition is part of an Art-Science Arts Council funded project.
cococaravan.co.uk/cacao-circle

Lily Cheetham: Piecework, Weven

WEVEN
FRI 27TH OCT - SUN 5TH NOV Lily Cheetham: Piecework
An exhibition of original and rich work which is a meeting of traditional folk craft and contemporary visual art. Lily's family and heritage is steeped in sewing and crafts, and she is exploring and subverting the two worlds she inhabits. The work is mixed media and includes textile work, sewn paper, patchwork and stained glass. Open evening Fri 27th 6-8pm
weven.co.uk

UNDER THE EDGE ARTS WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE
SAT 28TH Blind Justice Page
Blind Justice Page are all about celebrating the roots of Americana music, performing songs from and inspired by the golden age of old-time music and country-blues. 8pm £9/£7concs
utea.org.uk

photojournal: Ramfete pt.2

Photography By Nikoletta Monyok

Following our previous photojournal on the first ever Ramfete by Harry Peg (click here) regular Good On Paper contributing photographer Nikoletta Monyok created another series of photographs from the new all day festival as part of our ongoing photojournal series.

The event which took place on Saturday 19th August acted as a fundraiser for the mighty Studio 18 - a multi arts venue situated by the canal in Brimscombe - which plays a vital part in the community. Supporting artists, creating opportunities, providing a safe inclusive space for creatives and attendes from all backgrounds and agegroups. Long live Studio 18. And Ramfete.

photojournal: Ramfete

Photography By Harry Peg

Last Saturday 19th August saw the launch of the first ever Ramfete - a new all day festival of music, culture and arts held on a field in Brimscombe, Stroud.

The event acted as a fundraiser for the much loved multi-arts venue Studio 18 featuring numerous DJ’s pulled from Stroud’s burgeoning dance music scene including Kincaid, Loose Joints, Marcel Lune, Memory Play, Global Beats and Valley Steppas as well as live music from the likes of Albino Tarantino, Careful Spider, Earl Temple Foundation, Wooolheads and Cotswold Trash across three different stages.

The festival also included talks from local community groups Stroud Against Racism, The RYSE, This Ends Now and others.

Local young photographer Harry Peg went along to document the event - which will hopefully be a regular new addition to Stroud’s annual festival calendar(!) - resulting in a unique set of images shot on 35mm film.

GOP Guide To The August Bank Holiday Weekend In Stroud 2023

Looking for things to do and see across the Stroud District this August Bank Holiday weekend? From thirst quenching beer festivals, left-wing marching bands, all-female a cappella collectives and legendary sound systems to silent art films, town-wide yard sales, DJ sessions in canalside venues and amazing animal sculptures GOP’s got you covered…

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FESTIVALS, FAIRS, ALL DAYERS, TRAILS AND WEEKENDERS

The Mudd Club, the Prince Albert, Thurs 24th

THE PRINCE ALBERT BEER, CIDER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
24TH - 28TH
Following their beer festival back in April  the Prince Albert have decided to bring forth another five days of music and entertainment over the August bank holiday. You lucky Stroud dwellers you…It also happens to be the birthday of the pub’s namesake (and co-landlord Miles Connolly!) on the 26th! Live music comes in the shape of the Mudd Club and the Clay Bottom Jug Band (Thurs), Magic Betty (Fri), The Sisters and the Brothers plus DJ’s Dubbu, Fidel Cutstro, Frank Situation and Mr Mulatto (Sat), the Soul Strutters and Bianca Davis (Sun) and much more!

theprincealbertstroud.co.uk

The Stroud Red Band, Horns on Horns Road, the Outer Fringe, Mon 28th

THE OUTER FRINGE
24TH - 28TH
The Outer Fringe returns to the Crown and Sceptre on Horns Road for five full days of live music, a beer festival and great food. The music line-up Starts on Thursday 24th with a special get together of Rodda’s Hairy Craic, the Irish acoustic session.  Friday sees the return of Soul Destroyers with Tibetan Momo’s on the menu! Saturday The Lost Submarines headline with Paella in the Afternoon.  The Famous Chilli Cook Off also comes with local chefs competing for the coveted Cup alongside Americana bands; Texas Tick Fever, Earl, the Goodbye Man and Luke Philbrick and the Solid Gone Skiffle Invasion. Bank Holiday Monday will see the return of Erin Baker’s fabulous Veggie/Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Bar after the slow march down Horns Road with the Stroud Red Band from Noon. And Rubys Massive Pub Quiz in the BIG tent in the evening!
crownandsceptrestroud.com

Afriquoi, Stroud Master Sounds, the Sub Rooms, Sat 26th

STROUD MASTER SOUNDS
25TH-27TH
Thinking a cool little funky weekender might be fun the Subs have come up with a diverse and danceable line up for the first outing of Stroud Master Sounds. With three big acts over the weekend: Deptford Northern Soul Club (Fri), Afriquoi (Sat) and Young Pilgrims (Sun) plus an amazing selection of support artists including Bro, Andy Edwards, Champion Love Soundsystem and a special Sound Records forecourt takeover the festival spirit is coming to Stroud.  Tickets are £16.50 per show (£20.50 otd) or £39 for all three big nights of music! Just add tickets to each show and the discount will be added at checkout…
thesubrooms.co.uk

VALLEY STEPPAS PRESENTS: SUMMIT
26TH
Valley Steppas are proud to present the Summit All Dayer at Ruggers Green Barn, Nailsworth. This day session will be packing plenty of bass weight, with vibes guaranteed from a stellar line up, including Jah Tubbys World System (a three hour set!), Cheshire Cat, Origin One, Lewis Bennett, Majestic Vision and more…All powered by the mighty Ram Goat Hi-Fi!
facebook.com/valleysteppas

Stroud Artists Cooperative

STROUD ARTISTS COOPERATIVE ART FAIR
26TH
Stroud Artists Cooperative second outdoor Art Fair this year, held on the 26th Aug in the Bank Gardens and Lansdown Hall in the centre of Stroud. SAC members’ work will be available from a number of venues across Stroud too – so you can relax with coffee surrounded by art, visit the cool ambience of a gallery or stroll in the sunshine round the fair’s stalls – they may even have some cool jazz to help things along!
stroudartcoop.uk

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FROCESTER FESTIVAL
26TH
Previously known as the Frocester Beer Festival it has now been ‘re-imagined’ to make it a bit more focused and varied. The organisers are also now packing everything into one day with the addition of some fabulous family entertainment during the day, with a game of cricket being played right in front of the pavilion for everyone to enjoy, alongside the usual excellent live music and wide choice of beer, cider, wine, spirits, food and other entertainment that they are renowned for.
frocesterbeerfestival.com

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YARD TRAIL
28TH
The hugely popular Yard Trail Stroud returns this Bank Holiday Monday, a great way to get to know your neighbourhood, hunt some bargains or make some cash whilst saving the planet by reusing and recycling and building stronger communities! Trainspotters Super Yard on Libby’s Drive, Stroud Rugby Club, Crown and Sceptre and Stroud Brewery will also prove to be popular venues for shoppers to look around. 10am-2pm
yardtrailstroud.co.uk

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GIGS

Thee Ones, The Ale House, Fri 25th

THE ALE HOUSE
FRI 25TH  Thee Ones
Stroud's own very fine and refined, delightful and discerning, ever-evolving, crowd moving, funky-strutting mish-mash of world class, kick-ass-ness. 8:30pm Free   
SAT 26TH  Popgang
Twin brothers Rob and Pete Evans, and long time friends Josh and David Fowler -  all sharing a love of dance music, everything alternative, leftfield and gloriously pop. 8:30pm Free
SUN 27TH  The Velvet Dukes
Aron Attwood and Robbie Holmes - world class as always, juke-boxing songs you love, deep-cuts, classics and whatever the night demands. 8:30pm Free
thealehousestroud.com

Black Voices, Hawkwood, Sun 27th

HAWKWOOD
THURS 24TH Seida Ensemble
Seida Ensemble is a twelve-piece string orchestra formed of the most compelling, progressive and cultivated musicians in Britain and Europe. Each of our musicians shares a common drive to push the boundaries of their artistic potential and has a passion for communicating with a variety of audiences and communities. They curate performances that challenge the norms of the classical concert experience. 7:30pm £5-£20
FRI 25TH Classical Guitar Concert With Craig Ogden
This Friday night recital will include music by Aguado, Rodrigo, Albeniz, Villa-Lobos and Bach. It will be a varied programme of key works from the guitar repertoire.8pm £10-£12
SUN 27TH Black Voices - A Cappella Concert
Black Voices is the leading, all-female a cappella collective in Europe, and globally celebrated for our unique form of singing in the Black oral tradition. Their repertoire covers a mix of musical genres and styles from blues, jazz, spirituals, folk, reggae and pop.7:30pm £12-£15
hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

Pavinyl, the Long Table, Sat 26th

THE LONG TABLE
SAT 26TH The Long Table Summer Sessions: Latin Extravaganza
Special guest DJ Pavinyl (Mockers) ‘the purveyor of fine vinyl’ will be joining resident DJ Will Mendoza for a session focussed on Latin sounds from Cumbia to Salsa to Mambo to Boogaloo to Bossa Nova and so on... You'll be in good hands with these seasoned DJ's and their expansive stash of records. Delicious Pay-As-You-Can South American food from 6pm. Everyone welcome! 6-11pm Free

thelongtableonline.com

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SOUND RECORDS
SAT 26TH DJ Fag Packet
DJ Fag Packet plays a lovely set of melodic house for your delectation. 3pm Free
soundrecords.co.uk

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STROUD BREWERY
FRI 25TH Fiyah Man
Join Stroud Brewery for a night of UK Garage bangers with DJ Fiyah Man…7-11pm Free
SAT 26TH  Le Swing
Gypsy jazz and the great divas of 20th century song are the dominant influences that shape the sound of Le Swing. In a line-up comprising one chanteuse, two guitars, one double bass and occasionally trumpet, the band creates their own blend of jazz, latin and chanson that owes as much to Django Reinhardt and Barney Kessel as it does to Ella Fitzgerald and Edith Piaf. 8pm Free
MON 28TH  Horsley Band
Come along and listen to the Horsley band as they serenade you with your delicious organic drink. A talented bunch that love to share their enthusiasm for music. 2pm Free
stroudbrewery.co.uk

Vinyl Night, Under the Edge Arts, Fri 25th

UNDER THE EDGE ARTS WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE
FRI 25TH Vinyl Night/UTEA Social
Music based on a loose theme. This month? Sartorial Elegance…Bring your own tracks (CDs also welcome) or just enjoy the music and have a drink, boogie and get to know other UTEA friends and volunteers. 8pm Free
utea.org.uk

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ART

Michael Cooper: Out Of The Block, Gallery Pangolin

GALLERY PANGOLIN
MON 31ST JULY - SAT 4TH NOV Michael Cooper: Out Of The Block
A solo exhibition of animal studies by Michael Cooper, including both bronze casting and stone carving, each showing masterful craftsmanship and an innate understanding of the material..Mon-Fri 10am-6pm/Sat 10am-1pm
gallery-pangolin.com

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LANSDOWN GALLERY
WEDS 23RD - MON 28TH  Jo Sutherst: Equine Landscapes
In Equine Landscapes, photographer Jo Sutherst isolates fragments of the equine body, elevating and
accentuating the trivial to make us aware of the sculptural landscape potential and texture of
the body. The body becomes an object stripped of its animal identity and is transformed into
sensual and dramatic landscapes..10am-4pm Daily
SAT 26TH  Stroud Artists CoOperative: Art Fair 
See Festivals, Fairs, All Dayers, Trails and Weekenders!

lansdownhall.org

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Stitch In Time: A Story Of Patchwork, the Museum In The Park

THE MUSEUM IN THE PARK
SAT 22ND JULY - SUN 3RD SEPT Stitch In Time: A Story Of Patchwork
Stitch in Time’ explores key moments in the fascinating history of British and American patchwork from the expensive use of imported Chintz in the late 1700s to the Victorian passion for Crazy Patchwork on both sides of the Atlantic. The exhibition follows the story through ‘make do and mend’ necessity in the Great Depression and the Second World War and on to the great craft revival of the 1970s. The patchwork in this exhibition is from the outstanding historical collection restored and researched by Jane and Peterson Cobbett.
TUES 22ND - SAT 26TH
Periscope Present: The Landscapes of the Lark
Periscope invites you to enter the landscape of the lark to co-create an eco-system of drawings, words, stories, and memories inspired by Stroud’s special landscape of grassland commons. Draw and print, make cyanotypes, model with clay, share, listen, and look. Part of the ‘Landscapes of the Lark’ project led by Stroud Valleys Project. A free drop-in event for children and adults. 11am-3pm 

museuminthepark.org.uk

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RUSKIN MILL

SAT 8TH JULY - SUN 10TH SEPT Ruskin Mill College End of Year Exhibition

The summer exhibition represents and celebrates every student who has attended Ruskin Mill College in the previous academic year. During their time at college, each student follows a personalised curriculum based on Ruskin Mill Trust’s unique method, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. Their student journey offers a wealth of opportunities, reflected in the rich displays of craft, art and culture offered here.
rmt.org

Nikoletta Monyok: mujō, Studio 18

STUDIO 18
FRI 25TH - SAT 26TH mujō by Nikoletta Monyok
無常 (mujō): A silent film, made out of black and white photography, mainly self portraits.
Meaning: Impermanence, transience, mutability.
This film is an invitation for self discovery. The piece is a dance between the physical self, the emotional self, the concious self and the spiritual self. How it's all one being. You can see yin-yang. The feminine - masculine elements. It's just my perception of life. It attempts to question what it means to be human, it draws on the studies of Taoism, Buddhism, Shamanism and writers like John Lily, Robert Anton Wilson, Timothy Leary and many more. It's the kind of art (to quote Cesar A Cruz) : "that will comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable". Film showing times: Friday 25th 19:30/Saturday 26th 15:00, 17:00, 19:00
Welcoming music Fri 18:00 - 19:30: Paul Southcott - violin, Daisy Burt - kora, Simon Patrick McCorry - cello Solo improvised cello concert Fri 20:00 Simon McCorry
realartsandmedia.com/studio-18

Discover the Artists, the Sub Rooms

THE SUB ROOMS
FRI 25TH - SAT 26TH Discover the Artists
Nailsworth Rotary invites you to come and buy mystery artworks! Talented artists have generously donated anonymous original artwork to be sold in aid of charity. Artwork will be available to buy (for the bargain price of £45) from 12.30pm on Saturday when you will discover whose work you’ve bought….10am-3:30pm
thesubrooms.co.uk

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THEATRE

PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDENS
MON 28TH IK Productions Presents: Hercules
Head to Rococo Gardens this Bank Holiday and escape into the open air with IK Productions summer show – Hercules. Travel back in time to the land of heroes, monsters and myths and join Hercules as he labours for beauty, truth and love! Come along on a legendary adventure as Athena guides our hapless hero to success. But with time running out to prove himself a hero, will Hercules ever be able to scale Olympus and get own happy ending? This is an outdoor performance, so bring a picnic and something to sit on and dress for all weathers. 11am + 2:30pm
rococogarden.org.uk