Join festival birthday (From Stroud News and Journal)

Join festival birthday

THE Stroud and District Arts Festival is to return this May with a series of events celebrating the festival's 60th anniversary, which will be followed by a year of themed events.

"Many people have asked what the Stroud and District Arts Festival is doing in 2006," said chairman John Sadler.

"If you belong to a local group or organisation, have an interesting idea relating to the theme of anniversaries and would like to be a part of the festival, we want to hear from you."

In May, the festival will be running a short series of events to start the proceedings.

A locally produced film, Stroud Before Turnpike Trusts, opens proceedings at St Laurence's Church Hall on Saturday, May 6. A sequel to last year's extremely well-received Stroud Before Traffic Lights, the film delves into bygone Stroud, its transport and eccentric characters.

The film also shows on Saturday, May 13 and Thursday, May 18.

On Thursday, May 11 there will be a chamber concert by The Chilingirian Quartet at the Subscription Rooms, renowned for their thrilling interpretations of the great quartets and commanding performances of the contemporary repertoire.

The closing event, on Sunday, May 14, is a reading by award-winning poet and president of the Poetry Society Jo Shapcott, who will be performing at The Space in Stroud, supported by Stroud poet and SNJ arts editor Adam Horovitz.

Jo will also be running a poetry workshop at Star Anise caf in the afternoon.

Tickets for all these events are available from Stroud tourist information office, except for the workshop, which can be booked on 01453 884922 only. Leaflets with all the information can also be picked up at the tourist information office.