Stroud News and Journal:

STROUD came alive with the noise of jingling bells, singing and the whacking of sticks for the return of the annual Wassail Festival.

More than 300 traditional Mummers and Morris Dancers from a dozen groups across the region performed throughout the town centre on Saturday afternoon.

The Subscription Rooms forecourt was a busy hub of activity throughout the day and played host to a dazzling display of drama, ceilidh dancing, singing and comedy.

Shoppers and visitors alike stopped to watch the marvellous medieval merry-making as they wound their way through the Farmer’s Market.

Meanwhile Stroud High Street was lined with spectators for the procession, which saw fabulous costumes, sculptures, props, face painting and folk dancing.

This year a new song celebrating the market, artists and beautiful landscapes of the Five Valleys was also sung as part of the festival.

The Five Valleys Wassail song was written by Johnny Coppin and performed for one of the first time at the Sub Rooms forecourt to a large crowd.

As the afternoon turned to evening Stroud Brewery’s specially created real ale was also flowing. The special brew called Wass-Ale proved a real hit with revellers.

As night fell the festival came to a high-energy finale with the Mid-Winter Revels at the Sub Rooms at 7pm.

This saw dozens of merrymakers take part in the folk and medieval variety show in amazing colourful costumes.

Pictures by Simon Pizzey.

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

All pictures by Simon Pizzey