STROUD’S rich history and culture was brought vividly to life at the town’s second annual tourism day.

Historian Ian Mackintosh led visitors on two walks around the town while the Styx of Stroud Border Morris Dancers delighted the crowds outside the Sub Rooms during the event on Saturday.

Stroud Tourism Office staged the spring festivities to coincide with English Tourism Week and laid out stands on the Sub Rooms forecourt promoting the area’s other attractions, including Painswick’s Rococo Gardens and Woodchester Mansion.

There was also facepainting, a raffle and performances from guitar duo The Watson Brothers in Mr Twitchett’s Cafe in the Sub Rooms.

Among the historical highlights pointed out by Ian Mackintosh during his walks was the Brunel Goods Shed – the last remaining structure of its kind in the country – and the Stroud Bookshop building, which was once the site of a riot sparked by angry weavers.

“It was really lovely to see Stroud so busy,” said Ian.

“We had a mix of people who had lived here their whole lives and others who were visiting for the first time, so it was a good initiative by the tourism office.”