A SPECIAL weekend of arts, music, food and talks focused on sustainability and community is rolling into Stroud.
Travelling eco-festival The Smugglers Trail is coming to Minchinhampton Common on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 of July.
The Arts Council supported festival showcases local food, music and green energy in a fun and family-friendly environment, bringing together artists, musicians and the community at locations across the country.
The Stroud-leg of the festival’s tour takes place on Culver Hill, near Minchinhampton Common.
It’s set to be a weekend of beautifully planned activities and music, based on the company’s winning formula of folk bands, local beer and craft work.
Stroud favourite Hot Feet, who have played at the original festival in Kent for the past three years, are one of the headlining bands.
They will be joined by the likes of Cocos Lovers, the Langan Band, Sheelanagig and Fitty Gomash.
Jack Powis Page from Hot Feet, said: “We are excited to see the Smugglers take a version of their festival on the road this summer.
“Every year we’re blown away by the music, always up-and-coming artists and world musicians.
“At the core, Smugglers are musicians, brilliant acts doing great things, in part, we’re sure, thanks to the festival and community that they’ve built in Kent.
“It’s the first of the festivals Hot Feet are performing at this summer and we’re really looking forward to playing new songs from our upcoming album."
Thousands of festival-goers are expected over the weekend in Stroud, with opening times of 12pm-11pm each day.
Along with a mixture of local and national music for the soul, with folk, African and roots themes, the festival will be brimming with activities for the whole family.
Silver, copper and leather tutorials from Nailsworth Community Workshop will keep hands occupied, allowing people to take home their creations for free.
Gavin Pond, who runs the workshops jumped at the chance to get involved with the festival.
“It’s so exciting. What the Smugglers Trail is doing for local communities around England is just fantastic,” he said.
“Bringing music and arts to communities around the country, and demonstrating that it’s possible to work in a sustainable way in areas of such natural beauty is a truly positive message.”
Discussion groups to busy the mind will encourage talks on energy, waste, food, land ownership and sustainability, and takes place on both days.
Finally, your spirit will be fed and watered with local beers from Stroud Brewery, cocktails and kids drinks from Fred’s Bar and food from Food Cycle and Feed Bristol.
The entire tour, including Stroud, is being held on common land.
The National Trust owns the land around Stroud and, although this is something which has never been requested from them, welcomed the Smugglers Trail to use the land in Amberley.
Day tickets cost £12 in advance (£15 on the gate) - a weekend tickets is £20 (under 12s free!)
To purchase tickets and for the full line-up visit smugglerstrail.org/stroud
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