SPIRITS RAISED!

Thank you so much to everyone who came to – or helped organise or performed or spoke at - the emotional and inspirational Raising the Spirit fundraising event, whether at a packed Crown & Sceptre for pre-drinks or lining Horns Road for the procession of The Stroud Red Band, or to the sold-out event at the Trinity Rooms Community Hub with a huge line-up of fabulous performers and speakers. 

Photograph - Simon Pizzey

We announced at the event that we had hit our first fundraising target of £300,000!
After a ‘calling in’ ceremony at the start to bring the spirit into the effigy, designed by artist Alison Cockcroft, the effigy led the Stroud Red Band on a procession along Horns Road, watched by dozens of residents, to the Trinity Rooms.

The event at the Trinity Rooms included poetry about the Heavens from local poets Adam Horovitz, Jonny Fluffypunk and Alun Hughes. There was also dancing from Boss Morris; music from the band Ordinary Folk; history talks from local radical historian Stuart Butler and archaeologist Neil Baker, followed by a disco by the Donnelly Sisters and communal singing to the effigy.

If you were there and have pics, vids and memories, do tag us; we’d love to see them!