There’s a host of things to see and do in Stroud in 2025 from the return of some much-loved events, to the launch of some brand-new festivals and exciting new business developments — with SoGlos compiling our pick of 25 things to look forward to across the Stroud valleys…
Support Grassroots Gigs at The Sub Rooms
The Sub Rooms is on a mission to boost grassroots music in 2025 — platforming underrated talent, offering affordable tickets and filling its venue with the sounds of tomorrow's stars.
As part of the Grassroots Gigs programme, see the award-winning UK band Flint Moore on Friday 7 March 2025. A unique voice in the rock genre for those who have faced darkness, yet choose to seek out the light, the band draws inspiration from 90s and 2000s icons like Tool, Radiohead and Pearl Jam. Tickets cost £9 per person if bought in advance; and £13 on the door.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/flint-moore.
Celebrate snowdrops at Museum in the Park
To celebrate this year's glorious snowdrops, Museum in the Park is hosting a special weekend offering visitors the chance to see the spring flowers in full bloom, taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2025.
Along with the opportunity to meet the gardeners, learn about the walled garden snowdrop collection and the story of the Giant Snowdrop Company of Hyde, the weekend allows visitors of all ages to discover a collection of snowdrop varieties, take part in a 'Snowdrop Fairy I Spy' trail for children, purchase bulbs and spot the first signs of spring and hope.
See the Bewick's swans at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Wintery fun for the whole family, Slimbridge Wetland Centre visitors can catch sight of the majestic Bewick's swans in January 2025, before they make their journey back to Arctic Russia — the perfect opportunity to get outdoors.
Those visiting throughout January and February 2025 will also have the chance to listen to the reserve warden's commentary and watch as they feed the huge numbers of wintering wild birds on the Rushy Lake, from the comfort of the heated Peng Observatory as part of its wild bird feed events; or visit after hours for a special Evening with the Swans on various dates throughout January and February, alongside a two-course dinner.
Indulge in new flicks at Stroud Film Festival 2025
Running from Friday 7 until Sunday 23 March 2025, Stroud Film Festival is set to make its anticipated annual return with a selection of brilliant movies to watch on the big screen.
From Fantastic Mr Fox to The Quiet Girl, stories from all over the world will be brought to venues that are just as diverse as the programme, including: Stroud Brewery, The Sub Rooms, Minchinhampton Market Hall and even a mill, as they're transformed into temporary cinemas.
Investigate conspiracies with Dom Joly at The Sub Rooms
Is the earth flat? Does Finland exist? Did JFK commit suicide? Are UFO’s piloted by lizards?
Dom Joly has been off travelling the globe again — set to arrive at The Sub Rooms for one night only on Saturday 15 March 2025, audiences will hear as he explores some the strangest and weirdest conspiracy theories in existence. Tickets for Dom Joly: The Conspiracy Tour cost £27 per person.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/dom-joly.
Take in spring colour at a Stroud beauty spot
Now that spring is on its way, Stroud has an abundance of scenic Cotswold locations to visit and take advantage of in 2025, with areas ideal for stretching your legs and spotting rare plants and wildlife.
Take a trip to Box Wood where the grounds will be carpeted by gorgeous anemones, bluebells, herb-Paris and wild garlic. What’s more, you may even spot early purple orchids in the glades, too.
Get creative at Miserden
If one of your goals is to be more creative this year — or you already have a passion for art — why not try painting spring with natural paints at the beautiful grounds of Miserden this year?
This unique workshop will introduce keen participants to natural, plant-based paints, promising a fun-filled and inspiring day, whilst lending the chance to experiment with new techniques and colour, putting newfound knowledge into practice.
Be immersed in the new Giffords Circus show, Laguna Bay
Back with a bang, Giffords Circus's new UK tour Laguna Bay is set to showcase a performance packed with skill, humour, turmoil and excitement in 2025.
Set in the buoyant and sunny era of 1950s America, the show is a blend of fun, excitement and charm, with the show offering a mix of thrills, skills, adventure, romance, theatrics and hilarity — and guests will be able to catch the brilliant family experience at Giffords Circus HQ on Fennells Farm from Thursday 17 April to Sunday 27 April 2025.
Soak up bluebells at Frith Wood Nature Reserve
An idyllic location for a spring walk, take one of a number of routes at Frith Wood Nature Reserve near Stroud to enjoy the sights of bluebells carpeting the surroundings.
The ancient woodland overlooks Painswick Valley and Slad Valley, forming part of the five-mile Laurie Lee Wildlife Way route.
Go cow spotting at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
What better time than spring to catch a glimpse of the famous bovine stars roaming through the fields of Stroud? Thanks to Marking Day, those in the county can once again see cows grazing and moo-ing across the commons — and you might even have the chance to get a selfie!
Marking Day — which takes place on 13 May annually — has been revived in recent years, with the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee helping to make sure that the tradition of the Cotswold cows being brought across from the overwintering fields and sheds and released back on to the commons to roam and graze isn't forgotten.
Celebrate Stroud Arts Festival’s 79-year anniversary
Celebrating its 79-year anniversary, Stroud Arts Festival’s world-class season of events is set to return in 2025.
Whilst the lineup is yet to be announced, highlights from the last year's celebrations included a hauntingly beautiful performance of Dave Ayre’s 'Baroque Night’ and an extraordinary and rare opportunity to have seen a devotional concert of John Tavener’s ‘The Protecting Veil’.
Meet Newton Faulkner at The Sub Rooms
Whether you know him from his debut album, Hand Built by Robots — which reached number one when it was released in 2007 — or have followed him throughout his career, the talented singer song-writer, Newton Faulkner, will appear on stage at The Sub Rooms on Thursday 8 May 2025.
Alongside the concert, there are an allocated number of meet and greet tickets available prior to the performance, with early booking advised. Plus, a unique guitar workshop experience will be available on the same day at a very limited number. Ticket prices start from £32.50, up to £152.50 per person.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/newton-faulkner.
Channel your inner artist at Woodruffs
Budding creatives can look forward to visiting Woodruffs throughout 2025 to take part in a variety of 'Paint and Sip' sessions, hosted by The Paint Club.
With zero experience required, attendees will create a work of art with a glass in hand. During each session, participants will be provided with everything they need to create a beautiful work of art, as well as a canvas to take home at the end.
See Peggy Seeger embark on her last concert tour at The Sub Rooms
Coined the grande dame of American and British Folk music, don't miss the chance to see Peggy Seeger embark on her last ever tour at The Sub Rooms alongside her sons, Neill and Calum MacColl — celebrating her 90th birthday — in June 2025.
Performing for over seventy-five years, Peggy will showcase some of her best loved songs from across her extraordinary career for one night only on Sunday 1 June 2025, as well as new songs from her final album. Ticket prices start from £22.50 per person.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/peggy-seeger.
Cotswold Soaring Championships 2025
Taking place from Saturday 16 until Sunday 24 August 2025, Stroud's Cotswold Gliding Club will be hosting the Cotswold Soaring Championships, at Aston Down airfield.
Whether it's your first competition or you're an experienced competitor, any cross-country pilot with a silver badge can enter, taking part in a brilliant week of fun and flying.
Say hello to summer at The Stroud Hotel
Experience an unforgettable garden party at The Stroud Hotel this summer 2025.
Taking place on Saturday 5 July and promising soulful live music by Vicki Watson along with a delicious classic British barbecue, families and friends can get together for a celebration of good vibes and great food — a lovely way to spend a summer evening.
Grab a pint at Stroud Beer Festival
Nothing says summer like enjoying a beer with your friends, while soaking up great tunes and — hopefully — some sunshine on The Sub Rooms forecourt during the venue's annual Beer Fest.
Taking place from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August 2025, the event is free to attend, offering live music; delicious food; and plenty of local beer, of course. This Beer Fest is a fundraiser for The Sub Rooms charity fund — if you’d like to sponsor a beer barrel, contact the Subs directly.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/stroud-beer-festival.
Discover Stroud Book Festival
While dates are yet to be confirmed for Stroud Book Festival 2025, literature lovers can look forward seeing to big names from the book world, with previous guests including critically acclaimed authors like Mary Portas, Michael Morpurgo, Kate Mosse and Madeleine Bunting.
Eat, drink and savor Paella Night at The Sub Rooms
Every Tuesday is Paella Night at The Sub Rooms in its Central Bar and Kitchen. The team serve a variety of homemade paella which is all cooked in-house using fresh ingredients — whether you fancy some fish or are a keen vegan, there's a paella for you.
What's more, if you want to make a real night of it, Paella Night regularly coincides with film screenings at The Subs.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/paella-night.
Champion local at Stroud Festival of Food and Drink
Back for its second year, the FREE food festival is set to return to Stroud this May 2025, featuring a brilliant lineup showcasing the best local food and drinks venues, alongside live music, culinary games, breakfast yoga and more.
While a lineup is yet to be announced, previous years have seen talks and masterclasses taking place throughout the town, from the likes of Jay Rayner, Oz Clarke, Loyd Grossman and Jack Stein. Stroud’s foodies won’t want to miss it!
Hear chart topping anthems from Artful Dodger at The Sub Rooms
Re-rewind, when the crowd say Bo Selecta! One of the biggest names in dance music due to the chart topping success and collaborations with Craig David, don't miss the chance to see Artful Dodger at The Sub Rooms.
One of the most entertaining, hyped and energetic groups in the scene, crowds can expect timeless anthems like 'Re-Rewind', 'Moving Too Fast' and 'Please Don’t Turn Me On' from 7.30pm on Saturday 13 September 2025. Tickets cost £23 per person when bought in advance; and £28 on the door, subject to availability.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/artful-dodger.
Brave a ghost hunt at Woodchester Mansion
Test your nerves at the famously unfinished gothic masterpiece — Woodchester Mansion — by going on a ghost hunt in 2025.
Not for the faint hearted, the building has a history of supposed paranormal activity, leaving some people too afraid to return. With the resident spirits that are said to haunt this mansion all around, guests are invited to try and make it through the night — if they dare.
Take on Stroud half marathon
If you fancy a challenge this year, grab your running shoes and take on Stroud's 42nd annual half marathon on Sunday 26 October 2025, guaranteeing just over 13 miles of fun and frolics.
The course is suitable for racers, recreational runners and novices alike.
Learn to bake with The Artisan Baker
Become a baking pro with help from The Artisan Baker in 2025, with a selection of sourdough, French bread and general bread baking masterclasses, all taking place in its beautiful, open-plan bakery.
As well as learning how to stretch, fold and shape the dough, participants will have the opportunity to make a selection of other baked goods including sourdough chocolate chip cookies and crackers, Fougasse and Pain au Levain.
Round the year off with The Sub Rooms annual panto
After yet another successful year bringing you the wickedly funny Robin Hood: Legend of Sherwood in 2024, the PJD Productions team are back in December 2025 with their newest show, Sleeping Beauty.
While dates and pricing is yet to be announced, the show is sure to bring some festive magic to Gloucestershire, raising boos, hisses, and heaps of laughs from the Stroud audience.
For more information or to book visit thesubrooms.co.uk/sleeping-beauty.
