Programme
As with any Festival of this size timings are approximate and there may be some last minute changes so stay tuned for updates and don’t forget to follow us on social media too @FOWStroud
Friday 21st November
Relaxed Performances of 'The Briar And The Bramble"
Show 1 – 4:30pm for a 5pm start
Show 2 – 6:15pm for a 6:45pm start
This version of our main show will be staged specifically for adults and children who might require a more relaxed environment in order to feel safe and engage in the performance.
Circus Showcase 'Whispers and Wings'
8:15pm for a 8:30pm start
School of Larks presents “Whispers and Wings” – Bring your friends and catch your first glimpses of wonder in a relaxed cabaret setting. Take your seats and enjoy a cocktail or two as you feast your eyes on this stunning Show Case starring local and regional aerialists, (including Claudia Weston and Aimee Rose Bennett), dancers and spoken word artists.
Saturday 22nd November
Free Community Day 10am - 6pm
Fantastic Festival events continue with 2 FREE performances of our Circus Show punctuated by other performances from local and visiting artists. The Festival site will be filled with fun activities, opportunities to explore this year’s theme and of course plenty to make you say WOW!
9:45am Welcome to Wonder
Hear the bells at St Laurence as they welcome us to day two before Doors open at 10am
10am Circus and Coffee
Pick up a coffee from the café and start your day in the company of world class clowns, circus entertainers and special guests
11am Thomas Trilby
Our fantastic family friendly fun continues as a local circus super star takes to the stage
12pm ‘The Briar and The Bramble’
Prepare to be amazed by our specially commissioned circus show, ‘The Briar And The Bramble’, written and directed by Andy Bewley. Featuring performances from acrobat and aerialist duo Klodi & Yann (straight from the West End’s ‘Come Alive’ spectacular), champion juggler Gordon Marquez (returning by popular demand – last seen at the 2023 Festival), sensational stage magician Marco Cardoso and, for the first time, a live band, the show takes us on a journey to discover wonder in the most unlikely places.
1pm Ambitions Dance
Festival favourites return with routines from street to ballet and everything in between
1:45pm Magnificent Mr Kai’s Talent Show
Featuring local young people, showcasing their skills.
3pm ‘The Briar and The Bramble’
Your final chance to see our circus spectacular for free (Final performance during Gala this evening)
4pm Painswick Community Choir
Sit back and enjoy as Painswick Community Choir perform a collection of acapella compositions that reflect and celebrate the wonder and beauty of the natural world
4:40pm Thomas Trilby
Is back for more family fun
5:15pm Asha McCarthy
Enjoy the incredible Stroud-based singer-songwriter with her amazing guitar and music loops, performing unique songs which plend her background in Northern Indian classical music with Irish folk
6pm Doors Close As We Get Ready For This Evening’s Gala
Gala Performance
Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
Begin your Saturday in the company of incredible Stroud-based singer-songwriter Asha McCarthy with her amazing guitar and music loops, performing her unique songs which blends her background in North Indian classical music with Irish folk.
Then prepare to be amazed by our specially commissioned circus show, ‘The Briar And The Bramble’, written and directed by Andy Bewley. Featuring performances from acrobat and aerialist duo Klodi & Yann (straight from the West End’s ‘Come Alive’ spectacular), champion juggler Gordon Marquez (returning by popular demand – last seen at the 2023 Festival), sensational stage magician Marco Cardoso and, for the first time, a live band, the show takes us on a journey to discover wonder in the most unlikely places.
Finally, finish the evening in the company of one of Gloucestershire’s Favourites as Tweedy the Clown takes to the stage.
Tickets start at £15 for standing and £20 seated. All tickets include a complimentary glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative.
Sunday 23rd November
In the Church
10am Doors open
Refreshments will be served in the Café
10.30am Wonder of Worship
Not your usual Sunday Morning – lively Worship, spoken word, story telling and some special circus guests.
11:45am Deep Dive
Continue exploring this morning themes with guided reflections and discussion.
12:30pm Registration opens
for School of Larks circus skills workshop
1pm Circus Skills with School of Larks
For ages 7 – 17 years – £10
2pm Knit and Knatter – Free
Join local expert Christina for an afternoon of knitting and chat.
4pm – Workshop Showcase
All are welcome to a (free) short performance by those attending today’s workshop.
4:30pm Doors Close
In The Shambles Hall
10am Doors Open
Refreshments will be available.
10:30am Morning Session
Join our friends from illuminate and Sportily for Bible Journaling, chilled out Worship and even prayerful pilates.
12pm – 1:15pm Free Famprov Workshop
(Doors open 11:30am)
A 75 minute workshop, led by Circus Show Director Andy Bewley, focussing on having fun and being freer through improvisation. Everyone welcome, but particularly families – even weird uncles (I’m looking at you Keith). Bring anyone you like – very relaxed & lots of fun.
(No Booking Needed)
1:30pm and 2:20pm
Zoom In To Nature with Stroud Valleys Project
Ages 6-11, £3 (Arrive 10 minutes before)
Explore the tiny but mighty, using your eyes, lenses and microscopes. 40 Minutes
(Booking Required)
3:15pm-4:30pm Creative Writing Workshop
14 years and over, £3, doors open at 3pm
Put pen to paper while exploring this year’s festival theme. (Booking Required)
4:30pm Reflective Time
5:30pm Doors Close
In the Church
10am Doors open
Refreshments will be served in the Café
10.30am Wonder of Worship
Not your usual Sunday Morning – lively Worship, spoken word, story telling and some special circus guests.
11:45am Deep Dive
Continue exploring this morning themes with guided reflections and discussion.
12:30pm Registration opens
for School of Larks circus skills workshop
1pm Circus Skills with School of Larks
For ages 7 – 17 years – £10
2pm Knit and Knatter – Free
Join local expert Christina for an afternoon of knitting and chat.
4pm – Workshop Showcase
All are welcome to a (free) short performance by those attending today’s workshop.
4:30pm Doors Close
In The Shambles Hall
10am Doors Open
Refreshments will be available.
10:30am Morning Session
Join our friends from illuminate and Sportily for Bible Journaling, chilled out Worship and even prayerful pilates.
12pm – 1:15pm Free Famprov Workshop
(Doors open 11:30am)
A 75 minute workshop, led by Circus Show Director Andy Bewley, focussing on having fun and being freer through improvisation. Everyone welcome, but particularly families – even weird uncles (I’m looking at you Keith). Bring anyone you like – very relaxed & lots of fun.
(No Booking Needed)
1:30pm and 2:20pm
Zoom In To Nature with Stroud Valleys Project
Ages 6-11, £3 (Arrive 10 minutes before)
Explore the tiny but mighty, using your eyes, lenses and microscopes. 40 Minutes
(Booking Required)
3:15pm-4:30pm Creative Writing Workshop
14 years and over, £3, doors open at 3pm
Put pen to paper while exploring this year’s festival theme. (Booking Required)
4:30pm Reflective Time
5:30pm Doors Close
Finale: Circus Of The Soul
5:30pm for 6pm start
Don’t miss the final event of this year’s Festival – bringing the weekend to a close in style will be the roof-raising anthems and uplifting harmonies of Bristol’s Renewal Gospel Choir, with circus performances from Aimee Rose Bennett and some special guests.