The Nailsworth Festival 2026
The Nailsworth Festival aims, for one week of the year, to bring something a little different to the cultural life of our community, providing something for everyone. The 2026 festival will run from Saturday 16th May until Saturday 23rd May. Here’s a taste of what’s to come.
Interested in cricket and the recent Ashes test series in Australia? You won’t want to miss Jonathan Agnew – Aggers – talking about this and other stories from his long career as an England player and commentator. Another entertaining speaker this year is Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles III.
There will be theatre from the Pantaloons, Cotswolds folklore stories, local history from the dark ages to the Black Death, and a wide range of music to enjoy including classical from the Kleio Quartet, jazz from the Philip Clouts’ Quartet, and ragtime, jazz, blues, and gospel from the Jake Leg Jug Band. With folk music at Ruskin Mill, a poetry slam, a sports afternoon and much, much more – there is plenty to look forward to.
And it all kicks off on Saturday 16th May, with a day of markets and entertainment for all the family in and around Mortimer Gardens.
Watch out for details as the detailed programme is finalised. If you would like to become involved with the Festival or explore sponsorship options, please contact the Committee using the following email: festival@nailsworthfestival.org.uk
Some photos from Festival Saturday 2025 are in our Gallery page. (Photos from earlier festivals are also still available there.)
You can support us by becoming a Friend of the Nailsworth Festival. Membership offers the perks of the opportunity to reserve seats and and an invitation to our pre-festival reception
Our general email address is festival@nailsworthfestival.org.uk. We always welcome suggestions for future festival events and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to be involved with helping to run the festival.
Sponsors
The Executors of Robert Stiling
NESS Nailsworth Export Service Support
Supporters
Our thanks go to the following for their financial and practical support in the organisation of the Festival:
Nailsworth Town Council Ruskin Mill Town Information Centre Nailsworth News Stroud News & Journal Stroud Times