Roaring success on way (From Stroud News and Journal)

Roaring success on way

THE Nailsworth Festival starts on Saturday and the line-up looks even bigger and more spectacular than last year.

Following the explosive success of the last two years, the medieval-themed Nailstock begins with a dramatic interpretation of the legend of George and the Dragon.

A parade will travel from Market Square to King George V Playing Fields, where the maidens of the town will be fed to a dragon.

In the legend, a dragon arrives and demands that all the maidens of the town are fed to him.

With only the King's daughter left, George intervenes, slays the dragon and lives happily ever after with the princess.

Nailstock organiser Hamish Guerrini said: "He could have got his act together sooner."

Revellers are encouraged to dress up as a maiden or knight on Saturday and when the procession arrives at King George V Playing Fields, there will be food and a well-stocked bar.

"The highlight for me will be the 9.30pm climax of the story, involving lights and music, celebrating the battle with the smoke-breathing dragon.

An orchestra will play music from Phantom of the Opera. Book the baby-sitter or bring the kids along," said Hamish.

The festival will continue for nine days until May 2. Most events are free, though visitors are asked to make donations.

On Saturday, 23 April the town will be teeming with stilt-walkers.

There will be charity stalls and town crier Tony Evans will make regular announcements about the various activities, including a basket making workshop at Jacaranda Flowers and pianola demonstrations at Copper Kettle Antiques.

Sunday's highlights will include a breadmaking demonstration at Hobb's House Bakery and a talk from the head gardener at Highgrove House.

On Wednesday, the specially commissioned local interest film No Time To Stand and Stare will be showing at Christ Church Hall at 7.30pm.

It features interviews with incomers into the area, who will be present at the screening, alongside images of the beautiful countryside.

Students from the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music will be playing at 7.30pm at Christ Church on Friday, and on Saturday, 30 April there will be a celebration of natural healing and therapy between 10.00am and 4.00pm at Acorn School on Church Street.

There will also be craft workshops for children and adults at Ruskin Mill, which must be booked in advance.

On Monday, May 2 there will be Morris dancing at various locations including the Town Square at 2.00pm, and the festival will end with an informal concert with local rock-folk band Sweet Fresh Air.