Following unprecedented local and international interest in the landmark Earth Fire Iron exhibition, The Museum in the Park in Stroud has announced an exciting and wide-ranging programme of events.

Most of the events are free of charge - running alongside the exhibition until November 2.

Celebrating the life and legacy of locally born, renowned artist-blacksmith Alan Evans, the exhibition is accompanied by an imaginative array of activities for all ages and interests. Visitors can meet blacksmiths, watch live forging, see exhibitions by local blacksmiths, join panel discussions, take part in creative workshops, and family-friendly half-term events.

Events will take place not only at the museum but also at partner venues across the district, including Gallery Pangolin, Stroud Valleys Artspace and Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking. This collaborative approach offers audiences the chance to discover new venues and experience the district's vibrant cultural scene.

Calendar of Events

Until Sunday, November 2: Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980-2025 Free exhibition Museum in the Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF

Until November 9: Craft at the Colony: Collections Display - Explore the creativity of Alan Evans' unconventional upbringing at the Whiteway Colony, with textiles, leatherwork, photos and artefacts from the Evans family collection. Museum in the Park, Stroud.

Thursday, October, 16, 4.30pm for 5pm: Forging Futures - The Art School Nurturing Creativity, Heritage and Innovation in Contemporary Metal Arts Education. Talk by Del Done. Free but booking required. Museum in the Park.

More information

Friday, October 10 - Thursday, October 30: A Collaboration in Forged Metal Exhibition of work by Forged Metal Arts postgraduate students led by Ren Garside and Bradley Wills from Hereford College of Arts and students from Ruskin Mill College. Open daily but some weekends closed. Free admission. Ruskin Mill Gallery, Nailsworth, GL6 0LA

Monday, October 20 - Sunday, October 26: Hawkwood College hosts two young blacksmiths, Mark Rogers and Ren Garside, as artists in residence. Meet the artists, watch live forging demonstrations, and explore an exhibition showcasing works by MA Forged Metal Arts students. You will be able to drop in to the Hay Barn at Hawkwood on the following dates:

Monday, October 20, 2pm-6pm

Tuesday October 21 - Saturday, October 25, 10am-1pm and 2-6pm

Sunday, October 26, 10am-1pm

Free admission.

Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm Earth Fire Iron: Contemplating Carbon Panel debate chaired by Charlotte Abrahams, with Daniel Carpenter, Val Michael, and Lisa Wisdom. Free but booking required.

Hawkwood College, The Centre for Future Thinking, Stroud, GL6 7QW. More details Hawkwood College.

Monday, October 27 - Tuesday, October 28 (drop in between 10am - 4pm). Live forging demonstrations with Simon Bushell, Cameron Pearson and Mark Rogers, reproducing the Alfred Bucknell latch in the church. Free admission. St Laurence Church, Stroud, GL5 1JL. More details: St Laurence Church

Half term holiday activities:

Wednesday, October 29 - Friday, October 31 (drop in between 10.30am-3.30pm) Chasing Nature and Simon Bushell's Nowhere Forge Creative family drop-in workshops with Hereford College of Arts students and live forging with Simon Bushell's travelling Nowhere Forge. Free admission. Museum in the Park

A new book, Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, is available from the museum shop, offering insights into the evolution of contemporary blacksmithing.

Cllr Martin Brown, chair of Stroud District Council's community services and licensing committee, said: "The unprecedented local and international interest in the Earth Fire Iron exhibition is a testament to the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and creativity in our district.

"This exciting programme of events not only celebrates Alan Evans' remarkable legacy but also furthers our council plan objective to support strong cultural opportunities that showcase the district as a welcoming, distinctive, and attractive place.

"We look forward to welcoming even more people to experience the creativity and community spirit that make Stroud so special."

For full details, booking information and updates, visit the Museum in the Park website.

The exhibition is the Museum in the Park's major autumn show and is funded by Arts Council England, the Summerfield Trust and the Jinny Quinnell Memorial Trust alongside crucial support from many other contributors. It is curated by George Breeze, Lesley Greene and Mary Greensted in partnership with the Museum in the Park team.

The Museum in the Park is managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust. It is home to a rich local history collection, a magical walled garden, and a dedicated contemporary exhibition space.