Stroud Sacred Music Festival – Stroud, England 2026
Overview
Stroud Sacred Music Festival is an inspiring annual gathering rooted in the historic St Laurence Church, celebrating the unifying power of sacred music from diverse global traditions to foster peace and cultural harmony. Born in 2014 from a simple idea among friends, it has blossomed into a two-day summer event blending soulful chants, world fusions, and contemplative performances in a welcoming, inclusive space. As a community-led initiative in partnership with the Stroud Centre for Peace & the Arts, it emphasizes accessibility, with proceeds supporting local arts and outreach, drawing attendees seeking spiritual depth through melody. Visit sacredmusicfestival.org.uk for full details.
The festival’s intimate scale allows for profound connections, with morning family sessions flowing into evening headliners under the church’s soaring arches, all infused with themes like “Sacred Sound 360” that explore immersive, multi-dimensional experiences. Amid Stroud’s creative Cotswold vibe, it offers not just concerts but moments of reflection, workshops, and shared silence, making it a beacon for those yearning to transcend boundaries through sound. Whether drawn by Sufi rhythms or Gospel harmonies, it’s a heartfelt reminder of music’s role in healing and unity.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Eclectic sacred music concerts featuring global traditions like Indian classical fusions, choral ensembles, and world chants, with immersive 360-degree sound setups for enveloping experiences.
- Special traditions or features: Annual thematic explorations such as cultural dialogues and peace-building through song, including community sing-alongs and artist collaborations across faiths.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Free morning workshops for children and families on singing and mindfulness; pop-up reflections in the church gardens for contemplative breaks.
Why Attend
Stroud Sacred Music Festival invites you into a sacred sonic sanctuary where ancient melodies meet modern fusions, creating ripples of peace in the heart of Gloucestershire’s artistic haven. In the resonant embrace of St Laurence Church, you’ll witness performers from diverse heritages weaving traditions into tapestries of unity, perfect for quiet souls or curious explorers alike. It’s a gentle antidote to the everyday rush, blending inspiration with Stroud’s indie charm for a weekend that nourishes the spirit. Visit sacredmusicfestival.org.uk for more.
This event’s true magic lies in its communal pulse—volunteer energy, inclusive pricing, and a focus on breaking barriers ensure everyone feels part of something greater. You’ll leave uplifted by new insights, lingering harmonies, and bonds forged in shared reverence, proving sacred music’s timeless call to harmony. For anyone touched by the divine in sound, it’s an essential pilgrimage of the soul.
Date and Duration
- Dates: July 4 – July 5, 2026
- Duration: 2 days
Venue and Location
- Main venue: St Laurence Church, The Shambles, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1AP, United Kingdom; a medieval parish church serving as the festival’s spiritual and acoustic heart, with events in the nave, gardens, and adjacent spaces.
- Additional venues: None primary; occasional pop-ups at Stroud Centre for Peace & the Arts (adjacent) for workshops; all centralized for effortless flow.
- Google Maps address: St Laurence Church, The Shambles, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1AP, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via sacredmusicfestival.org.uk or TicketSource with card payment; limited in-person at church office or local outlets like Good on Paper bookshop (cash/card); email for group/postal bookings.
- Admission type: Paid event with pay-what-you-can options; free entry for select workshops, but main concerts require tickets; bursaries available for financial hardship.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Single-day passes from $20 to $35; full weekend from $35 to $50; child/under-18 free with adult; approximate GBP conversion at current rates.
- Special seating or VIP options: Reserved front pews for $10 extra; no formal VIP, but donor packages include artist receptions and priority access for $60+.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $20 (pay-what-you-can single concert); maximum: $60 (donor weekend package).
- Additional ticket info: Groups of 4+ at 15% discount; all prices include no booking fee; early bird from March 2026, with free youth accompaniment.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: sacredmusicfestival@gmail.com (for inquiries, tickets, and programming).
- Phone: +44 1453 350387 (festival line for bookings and info).
- Website: https://sacredmusicfestival.org.uk (lineup, tickets, and updates).
- Social Media: @stroud_sacred_music (Instagram and Facebook for announcements and community shares).
- Key Staff: Revd Simon Howell (Church Liaison, contact via email); festival coordinator via phone.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via sacredmusicfestival@gmail.com; volunteer roles for setup and welcoming through website form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; accessibility and bursary requests welcomed in advance.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Bristol Airport (30 miles, 45-minute drive) or Birmingham Airport (50 miles, 1-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London Paddington to Stroud Station (1.5 hours); short uphill walk (10 minutes) or local bus to town center.
- Parking: Limited free church car park at The Shambles; paid options at Brunel Mall (GL5 1AZ, $5/day) or on-street nearby; disabled bays available.
- Other access: M5 exit 13 (3 miles); cycle paths along the Frome River; fully pedestrian-friendly historic core.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; church-based day event with no overnight facilities.
- Hotels: Hotel du Vin Stroud (High Street, $150-220/night) or Old Lodge Hotel (Paganhill, $100-160/night), both 10-minute walk with festival deals.
- Caravan parks: Ocean Pitch Camping (5 miles, $40-60/night) in Miserden; shuttles or bikes to town.
- Other stays: Cozy B&Bs like The Old Chapel (The Shambles, $90-140/night); Airbnbs in Stroud from $80/night; glamping at nearby Woodchester $110-170/night.
Reviews
- What a soul-stirring weekend—the church acoustics made every chant feel eternal; left feeling profoundly connected and at peace.
- Beautiful fusion of traditions in such a welcoming space; the family sing-alongs were pure joy, can’t wait for more.
- Intimate and inspiring—performers poured their hearts out, blending cultures seamlessly; Stroud’s magic amplified it all.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What makes Stroud Sacred Music Festival stand out among music events?
Since 2014, this festival uniquely harnesses sacred music's transcendent power in a historic Cotswold church, curating global traditions like Sufi, Gospel, and Indian ragas to promote peace and unity without dogma. Its immersive themes, such as "Sacred Sound 360," use advanced audio for enveloping experiences, while free workshops ensure broad access. Volunteers and community ties create a family-like warmth, distinct from commercial gigs. Attendees rave about the spiritual recharge amid Stroud's bohemian backdrop. It's a concise, heartfelt celebration proving music's boundary-dissolving force.
How family-friendly is the festival for children and beginners?
Incredibly so—dedicated morning sessions with leaders like Jo McAndrews introduce gentle singing and mindfulness for all ages, free for under-18s with adults. The church's safe, open layout and short, engaging sets keep little ones captivated without overwhelm, while themes foster curiosity about world cultures. Parents appreciate quiet garden spots for breaks and inclusive vibes that welcome newcomers to sacred sounds. Volunteers assist families, and affordable food nearby adds ease. It's an enchanting entry to music's deeper layers, sparking lifelong wonder.
What does a typical festival day entail?
Days unfold soulfully: mornings (9-10 AM) offer free family workshops in the church hall, easing into afternoon contemplative talks or acoustic sets around noon. Evenings peak with 7 PM headliners in the nave, blending fusions till 9 PM, followed by optional reflections or teas. Breaks invite strolls through The Shambles' quaint lanes for local treats. The two-day arc builds from gentle awakening to climactic harmony, with apps for schedules. It's a balanced rhythm of sound, silence, and Stroud serenity.
Are there accommodations for accessibility and diverse needs?
Yes, the festival prioritizes inclusivity with ramped church entry, reserved accessible pews, and BSL interpreters for main events (request via email). Hearing loops, large-print programs, and quiet zones in the gardens support sensory needs, while companion tickets are free. Bursaries cover costs for low-income attendees, and diverse programming spotlights multicultural voices. Volunteers guide from arrival, ensuring a barrier-free flow. Held in a ground-level historic space, it's thoughtfully adapted for all to immerse in the sacred sounds comfortably.
How can I get involved as a volunteer or supporter?
Volunteering is central—sign up via sacredmusicfestival.org.uk for welcoming, setup, or workshop aid, earning free entry and community bonds with brief training. Supporters donate or sponsor acts to fund bursaries, receiving credits and receptions. Email sacredmusicfestival@gmail.com for roles; many return annually, sustaining the 10-year legacy of peace through music. Your energy directly amplifies the festival's reach, from youth outreach to global artist invites. It's rewarding collaboration in Stroud's creative heartbeat.
