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.

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.