WITH the festive period rapidly upon us, there will be plenty to be getting on with in the Stroud area with the shape of Christmas markets, fairs and goodwill evenings over the coming weeks.

Friday, November 26

Painswick have their Goodwill evening which will be between 5pm and 8pm.

The event is taking place at St Mary’s and will feature a lantern procession through the village, Father Christmas in the grotto, choirs and mince pies and more.

Food donations will be given to Stroud based charity Marah Trust to distribute to those who need them.

Friday, December 3

The Stroud Goodwill evening will start at 5pm and finish at 9pm.

It will be an evening of bonhomie, markets, late open shops and family entertainment across the town centre.

Saturday, December 4

The Five Valleys Christmas Social will be taking place on King Street between 9am and 4pm.

It will include a cookery theatre, entertainment, mulled wine and large independent vendors.

The Goodwill Fest in Stonehouse will also take place between 2pm and 5pm, where the Christmas light switch on will take place at the Town Green.

Friday, December 10

The Nailsworth Chamber of Trade Community Market will be open from 1:30pm to 9pm.

In this market, there will be over 50 market stalls at Nailsworth Bus Station and Mortimer Gardens and there will be a variety of gifts on offer, including jewellery, toys, sweets, Christmas cards ad decorations.

This year’s Nailsworth Noel has been cancelled due to a rise in Covid cases.

Sunday, December 12

The Christmas Craft Fair at Stroud Brewery will take place between 10am and 4pm where you can buy organic beer, mulled wine or gifts for your friends and family.

Sunday, December 19 to Thursday, December 24

From December, 19 to Thursday, December 24 between 9am and 4pm there will be Christmas crafts, gifts and food located at Cornhill market place.

On Thursday, December 23 the Stroud farmer’s market extra will take place which is also located at Cornhill.