ABOUT JAZZ STROUD
Jazz Stroud is more than a weekend of music. It is a platform for grassroots creativity and a celebration of the new wave of UK jazz. Rooted in Stroud, the festival brings artists, audiences and local culture together in a way that is intimate, curious and alive.
We believe the future of jazz is shaped not only by established names, but by artists who are innovating, experimenting and redefining the sound of the genre. Jazz Stroud is dedicated to creating space for emerging and regional talent alongside respected performers, offering audiences the chance to discover music in motion rather than in retrospect. In a festival landscape often driven by scale and headlines, we choose connection, discovery and creative depth.
We’re a non-profit charity. Every ticket sold and every donation made helps fund our emerging talent development work right here in Stroud. Our commitment is long-term. We are building a cultural platform that supports musicians, listeners and creative communities well beyond the festival weekend.
tickets and access to Jazz Stroud
The Festival Experience in Stroud
Jazz Stroud unfolds across Stroud’s cultural spaces, inviting audiences to move through the town as part of the festival itself. Performances, listening sessions and conversations take place in venues that each bring their own atmosphere and story.
Across the weekend you can expect:
Live music from emerging and established jazz artists
Deep listening sessions designed to slow time and open attention
Talks and conversations with artists and creative thinkers in cozy, intimate settings
Record store collaborations
Key festival venues include:
The Goods Shed
Stroud Valleys Artspace
St Laurence Church
Sound Records and Klang Tone Records
Talks and deep listening sessions at venues throughout town
Further pop-up spaces woven through the town
About Stroud
Jazz Stroud sits in a town that has always made room for makers. Stroud is known for its independent spirit, its landscape, and a thriving creative community that spans art, craft, music and experimental culture. It is the kind of place where you can spend the morning in a gallery, the afternoon on a hillside, and the evening in a pub with lively conversation and music.
Set in the Cotswold valleys, Stroud is framed by wide open commons and long, beautiful walks. Rodborough and Minchinhampton Commons offer big skies and sweeping views, with easy routes that feel a world away from the high street.
The town’s cultural life is active year-round. Stroud Valleys Artspace is a key hub for contemporary visual culture, and the Goods Shed is a historic venue at the centre of Stroud’s wider arts scene, hosting live events and exhibitions, both of which feature in our programme. Across the town and into the surrounding valleys, you will find galleries, studios and cultural spaces woven naturally into everyday life.
Stroud’s High Street and surrounding lanes are full of independent shops, cafés and creative spaces selling everything from vintage finds to handmade crafts and records. It remains a strong example of an independent market town thriving through community, creativity and character.
Food and market culture are central to the Stroud experience. Stroud Farmers’ Market brings together more than 50 local producers every Saturday, while Shambles Market offers an indoor mix of independent traders and unique finds. Nearby, the Five Valleys Food Hall provides a rich choice of cuisines and places to gather.
For the classic Cotswold version of a perfect pint, the Woolpack in Slad is a favourite, and a great excuse to explore the valley and its literary and artistic heritage.
Come for Jazz Stroud, and stay to experience Stroud.
Getting to Stroud
All our venues are a few minutes walk from Stroud Train Station and also from the three town centre car parks at London Rd, Church St and Merrywalks.
Train
Stroud is just 1.5hrs by direct train from London Paddington.
Birmingham (1hr 25mins), Bristol (1hr 20mins) & Cardiff (1hr 50mins) via Cheltenham (30 mins), Gloucester (17 mins) or Swindon (30 mins).
Driving
Bristol (45 mins), Cardiff (1 hr) Birmingham (1hr 20mins ), Oxford (1hr 15mins)
Buses
There are many local buses from nearby villages, towns and cities.
The Stroud Bus Station is located at the bottom of town by Vue Cinema and can be accessed via a lift in the Merrywalks centre.
Taxis
There are a range of local taxi services if you choose accommodation longer than a walk away.
Where To Stay & Eat
Accommodation
Jazz Stroud takes place in the heart of Stroud town centre. One of our key venues, the Goods Shed, is adjacent to Stroud Train Station (in a disused Brunel era train goods unit) making it easy to arrive by rail and explore the town on foot. Stroud and the surrounding Cotswolds offer a wide range of places to stay, from central hotels to countryside glamping.
Below is our curated selection of recommended local accommodation for festival visitors. Distances are approximate from Stroud Train Station.
Please also check out AirBnB and other guest sites which have an abundance of additional accommodation.
Hotels, Inns and Guesthouses
The Stroud Hotel
Distance: Less than 0.1 miles
Website: https://www.thestroudhotel.com
Right next to the station and festival site. Ideal if you want to step straight from your room into the music and town centre.
The Bell Inn, Selsley
Distance: About 1.2 miles
Website: http://www.thebellinnselsley.com
A much loved local inn with great food, characterful rooms and beautiful views over the valley.
The Bear of Rodborough
Distance: About 0.8 miles
Website: https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-bear-of-rodborough
A classic Cotswold inn on Rodborough Common, perfect for those who want scenery, atmosphere and comfort.
Burleigh Court
Distance: About 1.7 miles
Website: https://www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk
Boutique country hotel with spa facilities and excellent reviews.
Premier Inn Stroud
Distance: About 1.6 miles
Website: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/gloucestershire/stroud/stroud.html
A reliable and affordable option within easy walking or taxi distance.
Balcarres Guest House
Distance: About 1.3 miles
Friendly local guesthouse offering a simple, relaxed stay close to town.
Cotswold Aparthotel
Distance: About 1.4 miles
Website: https://cotswoldaparthotel.co.uk
Stylish self catering apartments, ideal for small groups or longer stays.
The Amberley Inn
Distance: About 1.1 miles
Website: http://www.theamberleyinn.uk
Cosy hilltop inn with excellent food and comfortable rooms.
Egypt Mill Hotel, Nailsworth
Distance: About 1.9 miles
Website: http://www.egyptmill.com
Historic mill building with highly rated restaurant and riverside setting.
The Painswick Hotel
Distance: About 4.5 miles
Website: https://www.thepainswick.co.uk
Boutique hotel in the beautiful village of Painswick, ideal for a scenic countryside stay.
Star Inn, Whiteshill
Distance: About 4.5 miles
Website: https://www.thestarinn-whiteshill.com
Traditional country inn with character and peaceful surroundings.
Ragged Cot, Minchinhampton
Distance: About 3.5 miles
Website: https://theraggedcot-minchinhampton.com/
Stylish country inn with B&B housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century coaching house.
Hawkwood College, Stroud
Distance: About 1 mile
Website: https://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/
Delightful B&B accommodation within enchanting 19th-century Grade II listed buildings.
Stonehouse Court hotel, Stonehouse
Distance: About 3.5 miles
Website: https://www.stonehousecourt.co.uk/
A charming country house offering sweeping views of the Stroud Valley’s rolling hills.
clothiers Arms, Stroud
Distance: About 0.5 miles
Website: https://www.clothiersarms.co.uk/
A down-to-earth family friendly pub with excellent food and drink, and cosy accommodation upstairs
Camping and Glamping
Tobacconist Farm Campsite
Distance: About 4 miles
Peaceful and well loved campsite near Minchinhampton, great for tents and campervans.
Painswick Glamping
Distance: About 5 miles
Website: http://www.painswickglamping.co.uk
Luxury glamping pods offering comfort, views and tranquillity.
Cherry Tree Glamping
Distance: About 4 to 5 miles
Website: https://www.cherrytreeglamping.co.uk
Beautiful countryside setting with stylish glamping accommodation.
Oak and Ash and Thorn
Distance: About 4 miles
Website: https://www.oakandashandthorn.com
Small boutique woodland glamping site with outstanding reviews.
Burnt Ash Farm
Distance: About 3.5 miles
Website: https://www.burntashfarm.co.uk/
Small family run stables with a shepherd’s hut for luxury camping & a five caravan camp site.
Food
Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th April
Lots of cafes, restaurants and hotels in Stroud Town centre will be open for food
Saturday 11th April
In addition to the local cafes, restaurants and hotels, there will also be food vendors at the Farmers Market and the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud
Local cafes and restaurants
• The Stroud Hotel (Sat 12-10pm/Sun 12-8pm)
• The Retreat (Sat lunch 9am-3pm)
• Curio Lounge (open all day Sat-Sun)
• Five Valleys Food Court (Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 11am-4pm)
• Falafael Mama (Sat 11am-4pm)
• Woodruffs (Sat 8am-5pm/sun 9:30am-3pm)
• Star Anise (Sat 8:30am-3:30pm)
• The Yard Cafe (Sat 9am-4pm)
• Rajdoot (Sat-Sun 5-10:30pm)
• The Corner House (Sat 9am-12am/Sun 12-6pm)
• Sorrento (Sat 12-3pm + 5-11:30pm/ Sun 12-3pm + 5-10pm)
• Karibu (Sat 12:30-3pm + 5:30-10pm)
• Spice Lounge (Sat -Sun 5-10pm)
• Bengal Balti (Sat -Sun 5-11pm)
• Fat Toni’s pizza (Sat 12-9:30pm/sun 3:30-9pm)
• Simpsons fish and chips (Sat 12-2pm + 4:30-8:30pm)
• Greggs (Sat 7am-6pm/Sun 8am-5pm)
• The Ale House (Sat 11am-12am/Sun 12-11pm)
• Cafe Max (Sat 8am-6pm/Sun 9am-4pm),
• Bamboo Tiger (Sat 12-3pm/5-9pm - closed sundays),
• Daikoku Ramen (Sat 12-3pm/5-9:30pm),
• Juliet (Sat 12-3pm-5-9:30pm/ Sun 12-4pm)