It’s a new year, and with each January comes a quieter time for larger events and parties in the Stroud District, and further afield. However, new year’s resolutions always drive a boom in classes and activities, with January offering the perfect time to take up something new.
This week’s local highlights include special exhibitions from the Stroud Motherhood Collective and Parents Who Paint, an archaeology walk around the Heavens and an exploration of Syrian culture at the Trinity Rooms.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion in 2025 use this form.
Regular and one off events
Not-for-profit community organisation Forró Friends bring the north-east-Brazilian partner dance to Stroud Brewery. All are welcome to have a go in this session that promises the chance to become a part of the wider community of people who dance and celebrate the music and culture of Forró around the world.
Jess Lever brings together a selection of works from her Parents Who Paint art project for a special exhibition at Lansdown Hall and Gallery. The works, created as part of Lever’s Blank Canvas Creative Courses held at venues across the Stroud area provide a encourage participants to focus on being creative and express themselves through acrylic paint on canvas, with often-impressive results.
Join the team from Stroud Motherhood Collective for a special exhibition at the SVA’s John Street Gallery bringing together a selection of creative journaling work by participants of their Maternal Journal circles. The exhibition presents artworks created as part of the Collective’s regular circles for Stroud mothers, harnessing the positive impact journaling can have on mothers’ mental health and wellbeing and bringing them to a wider audience.
Join local archaeologist Neil Baker for one of his fascinating walks exploring the Heavens. Neil’s Heavens Archaeological Research Project has been running since 2011 and through it he has uncovered countless secrets of Stroud’s rich industrial heritage in this treasured local landscape.
Head down to the Hog in Horsley for a visit from Bristol’s popular Gurt Wings food truck, and live music from Dead Dog Cider.
Book into the Trinity Rooms for a special celebration of the rich culture and traditions of Syria. Expect Syrian music, film, food, and a chance to learn about the history of the country and its revolutionary present. Booking recommended, tickets £5.
Beginning this week
Sew Vintage’s regular Wednesday morning upholstery course returns for 2025 with a chance to learn how to traditionally upholster a piece of your own furniture at the Saint Mary’s Church Rooms in Painswick.
Further afield
The Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery draws to a close this week after a three month run, bridging together artistic talent from some of the region’s top artists. Expect a selection of paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and mixed media including works from celebrated sculptor Peter Randall-Page. 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.