Stroud Revels 2024 write up

The marquees have been packed away and the sheep are back grazing in their field, as the sun sets on another Stroud Revels. And what a successful year it was. Mother nature played nice and the rain stayed away putting everyone in the festival vibe, with Aperol Spritz in hand and an awesome 7 hours of entertainment for all.

With the youngsters kept busy with facepainting, crafts, bubble stations, gladiator joust and bouncy castles, the grown ups got to enjoy local Flowerpots ale whilst being talked into joining a Tug of War team!

After competitions were over, everyone got to kick back with Pizza provided by Sizzling Kitchen or Matt’s Hog Roast and enjoy the live music, kicked off by local talent ‘Hollie Hunt’ and her band. Cups were kept full by the lovely ladies at MochaTado, and of course, Charlie’s Baa, run by Stroud resident and SVHARA trustee, Charlie Rogers.

The music continued with Liss based band, The Bluestone Bills, who got the crowd singing along to their classic country songs, followed by the stunningly soulful tones of Bryony Heart and her guitar. As the sun set on a perfect afternoon, The Fabulous Fug took to the stage and got everyone dancing like no one was watching. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air as the band delivered all the crowd pleasing covers with seamless transitions and some amazing remixes. Don’t worry folks, they are already booked for next year and will be returning.

Profits from this years festival will be donated to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, who kindly bought along their ‘van sim’ so that adults and children alike could experience flying a helicopter first hand.

Thank you to everyone that came and supported Stroud Revels 2024 – we absolutely love putting this on every year and love to see so many new and returning faces!

On a personal note, a massive thank you to the team that were involved in organising Revels – this event can only happen because of you amazing volunteers that give up so many hours to get stuck in and I couldn’t have done it without you all. From building marquees, sourcing and booking vendors, running stands on the day, to the inevitable tiresome tear down the following day. You all show up with a smile on your face.

Thank you to Fiona and Mark Rowden for hosting the event at New Buildings Farm and all your help and support. And thank you to the amazing team….Anna Howard, Katy Lacey, Sarah Gent, Catherine Prior, Lynda Hooper, Sarah Dominey, Heather Coulsen, Andy Snow, Oliver Howe and Charlie Rogers.

Mark the date in your diary for next year folks! Saturday, July 26th 2025! See you then!

Tor Wallace