Wonder awaits us all in St Laurence Church, Stroud on Saturday 25th April as the Festival of Wonder’s new experience, ‘Moments of Wonder’, comes to town.

Brought to you by Ignition Gloucestershire, the team behind Stroud’s Festival of Wonder, the church will once again be transformed into a world of exploration as people are encouraged to ‘reawaken wonder in an age of exhaustion’.

For one day only catch a glimpse of a brand new bespoke art installation by local artists Pyrite Creative and circus performances by Stroud’s ‘School of Larks’, alongside creative and reflective spaces for all ages. 

Rev Simon Howell, Stroud Parish Churches Pioneer Minister, sets the scene: “When you arrive you will quickly spy the incredible art piece but as you look closer you discover that everything in enveloped by a shroud of strangely beautiful veils. And as you try to pass through to get close to main structure – almost as if you are being drawn in by magnets – keep your eyes peeled as young circus artists, the Scrubland Punks, appear as if from nowhere to distract you from your quest with their wizard-like circus skills.”

“While the main Festival of Wonder is having a fallow year in 2026 we are excited to bring together local artists and acts for smaller events throughout the year,” says Festival Chair, Phil Coysh. “April’s event is just the first such event in this year’s calendar.”

“The FREE event runs from 10.30am to 3pm although we invite everyone to experience the story behind the art at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm as we introduce Brendan McMoses and the Scrublands Punks with spoken word, circus and more,” says Simon Howell.

Alongside the hourly performances there will be a reflective space and plenty of interactive creative activities, face painting and circus skills for all ages and abilities – all FREE! Plus pay as you feel refreshments.

And on Sunday 26^th April at 9.30am, St Laurence Church will host ‘Punk Monks’, described as ‘not your usual Sunday morning service’. This special service will be based around the Pyrite Creative art installation, with members of School of Larks performing, as the theme of ‘Punk Monks – spiritual life lived in intensity’ is explored.

Find out more at festivalofwonder.org and on socials @FOWStroud.