Where: The Sub Rooms, George Street, Stroud

When: Friday, October 18

Five months since ownership of Stroud's iconic Subscription Rooms was passed from the District Council to Stroud Town Council and a trust was set-up to oversee the running of the building, trustees are optimistic about the historic venue's future.

To celebrate, the team have put together a new annual event for the town, Stroud Shindig, in recognition of the hard work of the hundreds of people who came together to save the building at the heart of the town's staggeringly creative community.

The date for the Stroud Shindig party has been set for Friday, October 18, and features bands, performers, artists and DJs who are nationally acclaimed, but all have some association with the town.

"We knew that we needed to thank the town for all of their hard work and support, and this seemed like the most appropriate way to do it - a huge party, Stroud-style," explained Hugh Phillimore, co-chair of The Sub Rooms Trust, who has organised Oxfordshire's Cornbury Festival for the last 16 years.

Acts announced for the huge event include Stroud favourites Boss Morris, Jonny Fluffypunk and Thee Ones - with some very special guests - as well as Eva Lazarus and the Mighty John Street Orchestra who will be appearing with MCs Grove and JPDL following their extraordinary collaboration at Womad Festival this year.

Also taking over the building will be some of Stroud's best-loved DJs who will appear in the Wild Boar Gin Lounge, which will be especially installed for the evening in the George Room.

Hugh added: "When we approached performers to be involved we were overwhelmed by their response - every single person said that they wanted to be there on the night - to support The Subs and celebrate our town.

"It's going to be a brilliant party which will show just what people can expect from the rejuvenated Sub Rooms."

Members of Stroud's Subscription Rooms Trust spent over a year seeking advice prior to the building being saved, pouring over accounts and projections, and perhaps most importantly, listening to what people from around the district want to see happen to The Subs.

"It's been an incredibly challenging, time for us all," said Hugh. "We spent a huge amount of time going through the legal and practical implications and complications of the transfer while trying to realistically project into the future for the Subs."

Over the first five months the team have already made positive changes - such as refurbishing the old tourist information office into a more welcoming space, introducing a new website and ticketing system, and ensuring that thirsty audience members can pay using cards at the building's bars.

"But that's just been the start of the really hard work - what we're focussing on now is making sure that The Sub Rooms evolves into a vibrant venue," he explained.

"We're really aware of just what an pivotal role The Subs could play in the future of Stroud as a place for people to visit, shop and eat, and that's what we're working towards."

Next the team will focus on revamping the Kendrick Room bar on the first floor, as well as overhauling Mr Twitchetts, the venue's cafe.

Tickets from £12 are available from the box office - call 01453 796880 or visit https://thesubrooms.co.uk/event/stroud-shindig/