Planning Your Visit
We are expecting large crowds at this year’s Festival, especially on Saturday so please be patient with the team and take a look at these helpful hints to make the event enjoyable for all involved.
Travelling to and arriving at the Festival of Wonder
The Festival of Wonder takes place in St. Laurence Church: Stroud Centre for Peace & the Arts in the centre of Stroud, GL5 1JL.
Please note the venue cannot be accessed by car and there is no specific event parking at the venue.
Instead please park in one of the adjacent car parks and walk. The shortest route is from Church Street Car Park. If you are mobile and able to walk a little further please consider one of the other car parks in Stroud to ensure those with limited mobility can park as close to the venue as possible.
London Road Car Park and Parliament Street Car Park, are both within walking distance of the venue.
We also encourage you to consider if you could walk or cycle to the festival. There will be bike storage available by the church on Saturday only, subject to space.
We are also easily accessible by public transport including rail and bus services.
Food and Drink
The Warm and Wonderful Café will be open throughout Saturday and Sunday (excluding during The Snow Globe Performances) offering free hot and cold drinks with home made cake.
We warmly welcome donations if you are able.
Please also consider bringing your own water, ideally in a reusable bottle.
During Saturday we will also have Community Chef Sam Angelo, “From Sam To You” on site during the afternoon and early evening, serving affordable hot food. If you would like hot food please buy a voucher on entry or later from the information desk (Suggested Minimum Donation £7 per person).
You may wish to visit one of Stroud’s many local food vendors before or after visiting the festival.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening our affordable Festival Bar will be open, serving local brews, wine, 0% alternatives and soft drinks.
Standing Room Only
In order to maximize attendance for the free performances during the weekend! it will be standing room only throughout the church, except for those most in need. Please arrive in good time to find your space and be mindful of others when deciding if you need to use a chair. The Snow Globe performance is approximately 35 minutes long.
Can I bring a cushion?
If you are coming along to a ticketed event (Relaxed or Gala) you are welcome to bring a small cushion to sit on to make your seat more comfortable.
For other performances where floor seating is available you may also bring a small cushion but please be prepared to give up your space for standing guests at busy times.
Buggy / Bike Parking
In order to keep everyone safe in the church and keep walkways clear and accessible to all, buggies and bikes will not be allowed inside the venue on the Saturday. The buggy/ bike marquee is provided just outside the main entrance which will be supervised throughout the day. If you do intend to bring a bike or buggy to the festival site please allow time to park it ahead of entering the festival.
Arrive Early! No Guaranteed Entry (For unticketed events)
We are expecting sell out crowds for all of the free circus performances of The Snow Globe on Saturday. Space in the church is allocated on a first come first served basis, so please arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance of your choice and be prepared to queue to increase your chance of being able to see the show. Please also consider which performance is best for you and your day, the show is the same at all three times. Once you have seen a performance of The Snow Globe please consider others that have not seen the show when planning the rest of your day. Thank you.
Re-entry to the building
Due to the volume of visitors expected, especially on Saturday, you may not be able to gain immediate re-entry to the site once you leave. If you wish to visit the toilet, or pop to the car while the rest of your party remain on site please collect a return ticket from the door stewards. Without one you will need to queue with everyone else in order to get back into the church building.
Activities Closed during some performances
Please note: All activities including the Café, Craft Area and Under 5’s play area will be closed during the circus performances of The Snow Globe but will re-open shortly after each performance