More than 300 people attended a 'pop up pub' in Nympsfield, near Stroud, to show their support and raise vital funds to save the Rose & Crown Inn.

The event on Saturday (May 18) was organised by a group of over 20 volunteers who are aiming to save the village pub and reopen it as a community-owned pub.

The empty pub car park was transformed into a lively hub of activity, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of the community to preserving this much-loved village pub.

Matthew Burke, chair of the Nympsfield Community Pub Interim Management Committee, said: "It's been fantastic to see the incredible amount of support shown for our plans to reopen the Rose & Crown Inn as a community-owned pub.

"The pop-up pub event was made possible by a group of volunteers from within the village, supported by local institutions and businesses, and it was a success because of the enthusiasm and spirit of the people who joined in to support it; from those who live in or near the village, to those who were walking or cycling past.

"It clearly demonstrated what we're trying to do; to create a space that brings the whole community together, as well as appealing to visitors."

The funds raised from the pop up pub event will go towards funding activities required for the group to secure the purchase of the pub; ensuring its place as a central part of village life for generations to come.

The Rose & Crown Inn, a Grade II listed building and registered asset of community value in Nympsfield, has been popular with villagers and visitors since the mid-1800s.

The pub sadly closed in March 2023 following a sustained period of chronic under-investment in the overall infrastructure and fabric of the building, and is currently for sale.

The Nympsfield Community Pub Group (registered as a Community Benefit Society, 'Nympsfield Community Pub Limited'), was established by Nympsfield residents in April 2024 with the aim of acquiring the Rose & Crown Inn and operating it as a community-owned pub for the benefit of both the immediate and wider community.

The group will be launching their community share offer in the coming months, giving people the opportunity to purchase shares in the pub to raise the funds needed to purchase and restore the Rose & Crown Inn.