With the arrival of spring and the valley’s reawakening in vibrant hues, our focus at the Inn shifts towards embracing the outdoors. While the longer days invite gentle strolls through the blossoming landscape, we also anticipate enriching excursions to nearby Stroud. In May, we intend to immerse ourselves in the renowned cultural offerings of the town’s distinguished Arts Festival.
The esteemed Stroud Arts Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running celebrations of the arts, proudly returns for its 79th season in 2025. Rooted in the generous 1946 bequest of local philanthropists Margaret and Netlam Bigg, the festival continues to enrich our community with a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression.
The Stroud Arts Festival once again presents a distinguished programme this year, highlighting the beauty and tradition of classical music, vocal performance, theatre, and visual arts. What truly distinguishes this esteemed event is its deep-seated commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. A significant number of events are offered without charge.
You can see the 2025 Stroud Arts Festival varied programme here or pick up a brochure at any number of cafes and shops in and around Stroud. Here’s a taster of some of the highlights:
Out of the Deep Blue – Autin Dance Theatre
St Laurence Church 52 High St, Stroud, United Kingdom
10 May
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Autin Dance Theatre visit Stroud with Eko, the 13ft Sea Giant, who will come and explore the town centre and lead you to St Laurence Church for exciting performances combining physical theatre and puppetry. Join Eko for a walk about the town at 11am & 1.30pm. Performances in St. Laurence Church at 11.30am & 2pm.
Earthsongs – Orchestra of the Swan with David Le Page & Jackie Oates
St Laurence Church 52 High St, Stroud, United Kingdom
10 May
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Earthsongs is a powerful musical experience that explores our relationship with the natural world. Performed and curated by violinist David Le Page, with velvet-voiced vocals from Jackie Oates, the programme takes audiences on a journey through diverse musical landscapes, from the baroque brilliance of Vivaldi to the haunting intensity of Joy Division, the rhythmic fire.
Bird Nerd and the Red List featuring Marie-Louise Flexen
Museum in the Park Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
11 May
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
An exciting, new dance theatre performance piece, focusing on popular UK birds on the endangered species ‘red list’. Take a journey with the birdwatcher as they embody four different birds; Lark, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Swift and Nightingale. A fascinating exploration through dance, music, sound and spoken word. Performed and created by Marie-Louise Flexen.
Create with Brandywine – Art Workshop
Museum in the Park Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
11 May
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join the team from Create with Brandywine for an art workshop inspired by Birds & Nature. Create your own Bird Puppet, Shadow Lantern or Bird Mobile. A fun workshop to learn new skills and create a celebration of the birds around you at the beautiful Museum in the Park. This workshop is for all ages
All Night Under the Moon – Dave Ayre’s Nanoscopic Ensemble
Museum in the Park Stratford Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
11 May
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Look at the moon, what a beautiful, powerful thing it is! All night under the moon, by Gloucestershire’s Ivor Gurney, is the centre piece for a nature-inspired concert by Dave Ayre and his unique ensemble of flute, clarinet, marimba, double bass and voice Pieces by Purcell and Couperin take us back 400 years.
If you’re in and around Stroud for the festival, make the most of the day whilst you celebrate the arts to visit us here at Edgemoor Inn, Visit us at our Inn for a homely meal or at least a drink!
Stop by Edgemoor Inn!
Visiting the Stroud Music Festival? The Edgemoor Inn, nestled in the charming village of Painswick near Stroud, is the perfect place to stop by. Our pub restaurant is located in a beautiful 19th-century Cotswold stone building, where we offer delicious home-cooked style pub food prepared with locally sourced produce and a selection of local Cotswold ales.
Check out our website here! You’ll find all the details of our menu and what makes The Edgemoor Inn special. If you have any questions about our menus or the pub, we’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you might have. Come on down and experience The Edgemoor Inn for yourself – we can’t wait to see you there! Book a table, reach out through our contact page, email us at edgemoorinn@gmail.com, or for immediate arrangements, give us a ring on 01452 813576
