Support has been given to four of Stroud’s key festivals after councillors heard that all the events enjoyed increasing success in 2009.

Lizzi Walton, director of the Stroud International Textile Festival won strong praise for all the work done to create an event of national importance. In presenting her ambitious plans for 2010 to a recent meeting of the Town Council, Lizzi revealed that groups from around the world had already booked their places. The council provides £3000 annual funding for the event.

A sum of £5000 is made available to the annual Stroud Fringe event. A new company was formed to organise the Festival this summer after the 2008 Fringe had to be cancelled at short notice. Director Jeremy Collingwood told councillors there had been much positive feedback from traders and residents, and many lessons had been learnt to ensure the next event in September 2010 would be even better. Councillors agreed in principal to continue to provide funding.

There was also praise for the Stroud Food and Drink and Stroud Walking Festivals which recorded a record number of events and participants this year. In receiving a detailed report, councillors agreed to provide further funding for the two-week event which is scheduled for September 3-19 in 2010.

Details of funding for all events will be confirmed when we set our budget for 2010/11 in January.

Article placed online: 11th November 2009.

Photo shows staff at JRool cafe/restaurant in Swan Lane getting ready for last year's Food & Drink Festival (copyright Andy Read).

Report on the Stroud Festival Fortnight 2009    stroud_festival_fortnight_2009 39.50 Kb