THE DIVERSE Stroud Sacred Music Festival will return for a third year this summer running from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.

Over the weekend a variety of family friendly events and activities will take place with daytime workshops and two evening concerts.

The internationally renowned Praying For The Rain will headline the festival performing alongside a host of other acts including Gospel Choir, Tribal Rhythms Orchestra and sitar and tabla duo Samswara.

The event is the idea of Reverend Simon Howell and festival co-director Girish Patel who want to use the power of music to break down barriers and bring people together in a way that words alone cannot.

Girish said: “The community of volunteers that is growing each week are committed to creating this Sacred Music Festival to share the vision of the arts as the medium that can help us rise above the barriers that dialogue can create.”

Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek will open this year’s festival, promoting a message of unity and peace.

Early-Bird tickets are on sale at The Subscription Rooms in Stroud, online at Eventbrite and at Girish Patel’s Samosa stall in Stroud Farmers Market.  It is also possible to gift tickets to people in the community who are unable to pay.

For more info on how you can get involved in the Festival contact Kate Marney on 01453 547222 or 07800 717901.