HUNDREDS of party-goers filled the Subscription Rooms in Stroud on Friday to mark a new era for the historic venue.

Although intended to be an annual event, the first Stroud Shindig was in recognition of the people who came together to save the building, which is now owned by Stroud Town Council, and run by the Subscription Rooms Trust.

General Manager Joe Dymond said that the event had been a true reflection of the bright new future that the team believe the building now has.

“It was an incredible event which saw hundreds of people come together to enjoy what the Sub Rooms has to offer,” Joe said.

“Many people hadn’t been into the building for a long time, so it was our chance to show them the hard work we have put into updating some of the rooms, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent we have in the Five Valleys.”

On the evening the trustees hosted a private party in the newly decorated Bedford Room, which was beautifully decorated with flowers provided by Lily Pad Florist.

The hour-long reception was to thank those who had donated money to the charity and let them know how their money had been invested in the building. Over a hundred guests enjoyed canapés provided by Vale House Catering and sparkling wine provided by Woodchester Valley Vineyard.

With the building transformed by Stroud-based lighting artist Jack Wimperis, whose work can usually be found in private collections or adorning festival stages such as Glastonbury Festival, nearly 500 people were treated to an evening of DJs, circus performers, magicians and bands.

“We put a shout out to some of the most popular bands and entertainers from the district and were over-whelmed by the response,” Joe explained.

“Jonny FluffyPunk opened the event, then Thee Ones played an incredible set with Lachlan McLellan and Marianne Parrish who many people will remember from Low Chimes.

“Following that the Mighty John Street Ska Orchestra appeared with MCs JDPL and Grove before our headline act Eva Lazarus, who used to live in Stroud, took to the stage.

The evening closed with a flourish as Bristol-based DJs Booty Bass took to the stage.”

Adding to the evening’s party atmosphere were the Wild Boar Gin Lounge who hosted some of the town’s top DJs whilst serving a special cocktail menu specifically designed for the event.

Gin lounge co-owner Becky Thomas said that the team were keen to help as soon as they heard the event was happening.

“The venue is incredibly important to the town and we wanted to lend our support, of course it was enormous fun too, and we had an absolutely brilliant time,” Becky said.

“Big thanks to all the DJs who took part and made sure our customers had a great time, Ben Vacara, Will Cookson, Tom Berry, Jag Patel, Neil Wilson, Will Stephens and Darius Akashic.

‘We'll definitely be hosting some events of our own in the coming months now we know what a wonderful space it is for events.”

Also taking part in the event to celebrate the vibrant venue were Lucie Sheridan, with her ‘Rubbish Portrait’ booth, Boss Morris who performed ‘Boss Bangers’ throughout the evening, magician Marco Long and Stroud acrobats Eilidh Sela and Chris Clayton who wowed the audience with their stilt walking and gravity-defying acrobatic routines.

For more information about the upcoming events being hosted at the Sub Rooms visit thesubrooms.co.uk

Pictures by Tammy Lynn.