Entertainment on the fringe (From Stroud News and Journal)

Entertainment on the fringe

FOR one glorious weekend each year Stroud's nightlife can compete with that of Bristol and cultural hotspots across the country.

The fFestival brings in acts and crowds which make Stroud feel veritably lively and this year's event was no exception.

The town was full of a friendly carnival atmosphere and the eclectic programme meant there was genuinely something for everyone.

From the skiffle rhythms of Lonnie Donnegan, supported by Stroud's own clog dancers Roughshod, to the entertaining tales of Tony Benn the festival provided superb entertainment across the board.

Babeto brought the roof down at the Subscription Rooms.

County band Decameron got the ball rolling on Wednesday night and dedicated fFestival goers had no trouble finding plenty of entertainment on tap right through to Sunday night.

Among the highlights was music from Dr Feelgood, Dougie Maclean and Baka Beyond while the Saturday afternoon parade filled the High Street with a noisy and colourful spectacle.

Impossible to ignore was the ever-impressive Stroud School of Samba while the eye-catching and hilarious Fabulous Fezheads would have raised a smile from even the most cynical audience.

The world's first children's football poetry workshop at a festival was also held by the Stroud Football Poets.

The children's festival in Bank Gardens made the fFestival a true family affair while art exhibitions and the late night comedy club, an inspired new addition this year, proved there was more to the festival than an impressive line-up of song and dance.

Around 20,000 turned up for what has become the UK's biggest little festival which, now in its sixth year, continues to go from strength to strength.

With seven sell-out concerts and just 311 unsold tickets for the whole festival organisers are celebrating a huge success.

"We'd like to give a huge thank you very much to everyone who helped," said organiser Sue Torres.

"I think we got the right mix of acts and the atmosphere was fantastic." Anyone who would like to help out at next year's fFestival or who has any constructive criticism to pass on can contact Sue on 01452 741522.