Medieval merry-making at Stroud Subscription Rooms with popular Wassail event

The festive Mid-Winter Revels returns as the finale of the community Stroud Wassail Festival for their second year on Saturday, January 14.

Inspired by revels put on by the London Guilds, the Stroud version will bring together a range of sights, sounds and spectacles from times gone by.

Organisers are hoping to make this year’s event bigger and better than before and firmly cement it in the Stroud event calendar.

“It’s a kind of folk and medieval variety show,” said Steve Rowley, the event director.

“There will be drama, ceilidh dancing, singing and comedy, but anything can happen – after all it is the world turned upside-down.”

The whole show is presided over by the King and Queen, who by tradition are selected on the night.

Their bidding is carried out by the Chancellor and his side-kick the Lord of Misrule. Together they bring forth the acts, allocate prizes and deal out the forfeits.

One of the features of the evening is a new song written by Johnny Coppin written for the occasion.

In addition, Alison Merry, specialist in medieval style art, had drawn her impression of the revels.

Guests are encouraged to wear costume, disguises or masks, and there will be prizes for the best outfits.

There will also be a real ale bar featuring Stroud Brewery’s special brew: Wass-Ale.

The Revels start at 7pm and are part of the community project Stroud Wassail, which runs over January 13 and 14.

“Our aim is to liven up this time of year and instil a spirit of good neighbourliness,” added Mr Rowley.

“The early part of January is known for being the most depressing time of the year. We aim to banish those mid-winter blues and help everyone feel good about being part of the Stroud Community.

“This is the second year that we have done it and we want to make it a regular date on the Stroud calendar.”

•  Tickets cost £10 in advance and £12 on the door from the Subscription Rooms Box Office 01453 760900.