are a 10-piece reincarnation of Bagelfish Orchestra, offering a blend of central and eastern European music with brass, wind, strings, and percussion. Think Klezmer, Balkan tunes, waltzes, tangos, and swing with new twists to old tunes. Learn to dance the tango Por una cabeza, celebrated in the film, Scent of a Woman, brought to you by the Bagelites.

David retired as Head of Nature Conservation, National Trust, in 2019. Chair of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and a Trustee of the Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Species, he has an addiction to natural history and has researched the ecology of bats, goats, lizards and rare palm trees. He has the honour of having a species named after him: Isospora bullocki , a unicellular parasite of a beautiful lizard (which he calls "Bullock’s Lowlife"!). David plays the guitar and other stringed instruments supporting “proper” musicians in bands and sessions.

Max Caffell’s main artistic expression is through sculpture, using the camera to document - translate the photographed environment into a ‘window’, to both limit and expand the experience. By incorporating the use of platinum printing, an image is created that allows a tactile timeless quality to convey the work. This technique of platinum printing has been a wonderful vehicle for meeting and working with world renowned photographers and artists keen to see their own images printed in this historical process.

Peter started his own film-making company, Blue Badger Media, after retiring as head of English and built upon his considerable experience of teaching Media Studies and directing theatre. He now divides his time between filming what interest him, such as campaigns to stop inappropriate development, and more commercial filmmaking as in promotional videos for businesses and educational institutions. 

Rob has been a professional painter and teacher all his life. Brought up on a council estate in Cam, a countryman and craftsman painter, for 34 years. Rob sold his paintings through the Francis Kyle gallery in London’s West End, travelling extensively to paint landscape, portraits, interiors and still lives. In 2009 Rob painted from the ‘fourth plinth’ in Trafalgar Square as part of Anthony Gormley’s, One and Other installation. Rob teaches painting and art history and is excited by visual creativity whatever form it takes. Rob was involved in the creation of ‘Under the Edge’ Arts Centre in Wooton.

Sarah has recently moved to Nailsworth from London where she founded and ran the North London Traditional Storytelling circle for seven years. She has created stories for the Yorkshire festival of story, and many other story circles, clubs, and festivals. She teaches an annual storytelling course at Cortijo Romero retreat centre in Andalusia Spain.

worked as an art teacher, after what she describes as ‘a fascinating if difficult conceptual art course. Patricia is interested in how materials, processes, and space inform us and how we see and react to them. She enjoys printmaking for its element of gift when the print, untouched, is revealed.

Fiona is passionate about language and bringing the spoken word to life. She regularly tells traditional stories at Ruskin Mill and at Stroud Museum in the Park as well as leading story walks through the landscape and devising stories of place. Last summer Fiona and her daughter, Hannah Moore, toured their storytelling performance, 'Fate, Faith and Fortune' to venues including the Llangollen Fringe Festival and Sidmouth Folk Festival.

A traditional storyteller and facilitator with a background in community dance, theatre, and events. She is also a Restorative Justice Practitioner and Community Mediator. Hannah, who grew up in Horsley, focuses on traditional stories for community building and personal and professional development.

The Elastic Band the Five Valleys Session plays Celtic and other music in pubs and other venues across the Stroud Valleys. A slimmed down version performs for public events such as the Nailsworth Festival and Horsley Fete. Formerly known as The Fruitbowlers, The Elastic Band has percussion, strings (banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle and guitar), wind (flute, whistles, Uilleann pipes) and squeeze boxes (concertina, accordion).

Edwin grew up in Horsley before heading to a Paris based theatre and clown school and now works for Giffords Circus. Edwin has been inspired by Yann Tiersen [‘Amelie’] and will play some of his songs whilst demonstrating his skills in juggling, diabolos, spinning plates and juggling scarves.

was inspired by our capacity for endurance and resilience in the face of adversity, leading to a series of recent paintings. Jo’s focus has been to communicate events through image, with subjects that resonate, especially humanitarian issues. Jo is a member of @9artistscollective. Her exhibitions have included Bath Roper and 44AD galleries, Cheltenham Gardens gallery and Stroud Autumn Trail. Jo previously worked in film, television and as an illustrator.

is a maker of papier mâché vessels. Her inspiration comes from the natural world including lichens, mosses, seed heads and rock textures. She creates decorative, useful and sculptural pieces using a traditional process. Each unique piece is surprisingly robust diverse in size, shape, colour and texture and are often mistaken for ceramic, stone and even metal vessels, depending on the choice of finish. Papier Mâché has historically been used as an alternative to plaster for highly decorated ceilings both to reduce weight and often to increase the depth of relief. It has also been used to make jewellery, wood effect wall panelling, furniture and even a canoe, proving it to be a remarkably resourceful material.

is a local artist inspired by light and colour to create atmospheric landscapes and seascapes. Her subjects are often based on local scenes.

David has published three collections of poetry, the most recent, ‘Dancing Under a Bloodless Moon, with Black Spring Press. He is a teacher and student of yoga and has lived in the village for nearly 30 years

A cello, percussive guitar and vocal duet, Amy Cox and Pat Baldwin bring you original songs with a folky twist and funky undertones.

Imogen is a self-taught freelance illustrator living in Stroud but with Horsley connections. She is passionate about the emotive power of visual communication. Imogen has a BA in Art History and a BTEC in Conservation and Restoration. Clients have included the Royal Opera House, John Lewis Partnership, Battersea Arts Centre, the NHS and Stroud Brewery. She is the author of three books and had taught at the Big Draw at the British Museum. Imogen is currently working on her portfolio of House Tattoos of indoor bespoke murals whilst also exploring digital art and animation.

has written poetry for over 60 years and taught Creative Writing at Stroud College. Once crowned The Bard of Hawkwood (College) he has written four novels, and one work of non-fiction, all unpublished. He recently submitted a play about Joseph Pilates to the National and the Royal Court Theatres.

Pip is a husband, father, and grandfather. He is also a filmmaker, poet and writer. After a life editing television documentary, he now makes non-verbal landscape films, and writes about family, belonging and the environment.

Being an artist, is a way of life. I have early memories of making books with careful drawings of birds. In the last 10 years I have gone back to my love of making books, collecting and recording the world around me. Boxes became a practical solution in placing things together. My first box was Lundy island in a pirate chest. My work explores place through a range of media: boxes, books, frames. The inner and outer sense of space and place as experienced over time, during lockdown or while journeying through landscape.

and family moved to Horsley nearly forty years ago and he was soon afterwards to be found lurking behind the scenes of many a dramatic event in Horsley. As well as an impressive acting career, his props and special effects have left a lasting impression on the Horsley psyche - cast members crushed by a larger-than-life elephant’s foot, Robin Hood’s delayed final arrow hitting the target only as the audience were leaving, wineglasses shattering to Pip’s falsetto, the near asphyxiation of an audience by an over enthusiasm for dry ice. Do we really want to do this all over again?

Rosie has always been drawn to take a closer look - from the necklace around her mother’s neck to her grandparents’ silver ornaments. Through an enriched childhood spent in Horsley; building dens, collecting shells, leaf skeletons, and seed-cases; a love for all things small, beautiful, and intricate grew. Rosie studied Jewellery Design and Silversmithing at Birmingham School of Jewellery and her work has been recognized for multiple awards and achievements.

Still-life photographer Sam Hofman creates exceptionally eye-catching imagery, though he admits that a lot of his work is based on instinct. Luckily for him, and his many clients, Sam’s instincts are spot-on and his photographs have a graphic physicality that cuts through the visual noise. Raised in Horsley, Sam has a distinctive creative vision and a considered way of thinking about his craft. He enjoys collaborating on set and bringing everyone’s ideas into the final reckoning.

is a longstanding collective, some who have played together for more than 30 years, originating from our beautiful village of Horsley. The music is mainly their own and with violin, viola, cello and guitar, our sound is string quartet with tabla drums, a true fusion, foot tapping, mesmeric and lyrical with a nod to our country routes. Booking required or tickets on the door.

Polly has journaled her life since aged 11 and written poetry for the last 30 years. Her inspiration comes from the natural world, day-to-day life and anything that stops her in her tracks.

was, and still is, the first British university Professor of Children’s Literature at Cardiff University and an author of children’s books. He has lived in Horsley for nearly 40 years.

Elaine has lived in Horsley for 28 years and her deep cultural connections to the village is evidenced by her historic/hysteric involvement in its pantomimes and cabarets.

Pippa Jones is the Founder and current Director of Create Gloucestershire, an umbrella organisation for the arts, cultural and heritage sectors in Gloucestershire with a shared vision of arts, culture, and creativity every day for everyone. She lives near Nailsworth with her partner, 3 children and 1 dog!

, known as 3rdEye, Lee has been painting in the art world since the late eighties. He draws his inspiration from the explosive culture of graffiti art and artists like Vaughn Bode. Lee trained in photography in Leicester creating artworks by painting walls, boards, warehouses, and leading workshops with young people. In Bristol, Lee collaborated with street artists and illustrators. His work has evolved to include geometric shapes, organic and symmetrical forms, and his trademark characters.

Liz is a graphic artist who has drawn and written two graphic novels, Bagwit (Or How to Live) and Midsummer Picnic [2023]. She has lived and worked in Horsley for 25 years and rediscovered drawing as a means of telling stories and investigating the meaning of memory.

is a stained-glass artist working from her own studio with original ideas and designs, often taken from the natural world. Producing small panels and larger architectural commissions in traditional lead work

keeps a small flock of rare-breed Cotswold and Border Leicester sheep. She taught herself knitting and crochet during lockdown, producing soft toy animals and Fair Isle hats, shawls and gloves using merino and other special and rare-breed yarn. Joy also makes peg-loom rugs using fleece from her sheep and reclaimed fabric from the Gloucester Scrapstore.

grew up in Horsley and now practices architecture at the Millar Howard Workshop, a RIBA, Southwest Winner, amongst its awards.

Chris Miller thought he had retired from work, if academia can be described as such, when he arrived in Horsley, nearly four years ago. Once the festival is over, he says he wants to have another go, having singularly failed first time! After not seeing the 'slippery slope', as one friend described it, there is no one to blame but himself for coming up with the idea of a festival and taking it forward. Struck by the wealth of creative talents in the village, but sorely lacking in them himself, efforts had to be made to shine a light on them and, in doing so, meet so many wonderful people! He could, however, draw upon things learnt in a long ago previous life as a community development worker, before wandering around various seminar rooms in distant ivory towers, to help bring the festival into existence.

formerly ‘Honeymoon Swing’, a new formation playing jazz and swing music from the 1920s to the 1950s, specialising in happy music and songs to swing dance.

started painting semi-abstract landscape and seascapes during lockdown with each painting teaching something new.

Rod Nelson ARE, Rod Nelson, who lives locally, is fascinated by the ancient graphical medium of woodblock print. He has made prints much of his adult life and had the good fortune to have had his work exhibited in London, New York and Shanghai amongst other places. He is co-author of two books on the subject and is very happy to return to Horsley, where he lived for many years.

is a Stroud based folk band, with representatives from Horsley, playing a mixture of American Bluegrass, Irish and contemporary folk. The band includes Alison [whistles/cello], Tom [fiddle], Alex [guitar] and Ronnie [drums].

has lived in Horsley for twenty years, teaches piano and is a carpenter and joiner. Stephen will enthral us with Songs from the Shows.

Helen Price has lived in Horsley for 21 years and is the Editor of the Horse’s Mouth, the village magazine, and organiser of the annual Horsley Fete, as well as having been involved in many other village activities.

play traditional Irish music with fiddle, accordion, and guitar.

Maxine works across diverse art forms including print, painting, photography, bookmaking, poetry and 3D work. An elected Academician at the Royal West of England Academy and Senior Visiting Tutor at West Dean College, her work is held in private collections around the world, including the Royal Collection. Maxine turns to poetry when words reach her before images, when moments speak to her most urgently and deeply. ‘Embarking on a poem often creates a shift that leads me to a wholly different place. I feel grateful for such discoveries and surprises.

is a local pianist and environmentalist who plays upbeat and downbeat jazz/ambient, atmospheric and emotional, cloudy with sunny intervals.

Through an eclectic practice that incorporates kinetic sculpture, assemblage and readymade, my work focuses on the relationship between bodies - both as living organisms and as entities - exploring the connection between space, materials and form, and its inherent narrative potential.
While being predominantly abstract, my sculptures investigate aspects relating to the human being, and translate my interest in organic dynamics, such as attraction, assimilation, friction, exclusion and the play of forces, in a game of fluctuating weights that is a constant redefinition of balance.

originally from British Columbia, Shelley has made Gloucestershire her home and now resides near Horsley. She is a Emeritus Professor at Gloucestershire University and has continued her interests in botany and gardening by making botanical paper-cuts. In method, these are inspired the 18th-century artist Mary Delany, whose intricate floral ‘paper mosaiks’ were almost exclusively presented on black backgrounds. Shelley designed the Festival poster.

is a sound born of love, life, and poetry, influenced by folk, roots and the urban music scene from her hometown Bristol. Inspired by her background in sonic art, Solskin resonates with the rhythms of nature, layered with soft vocals and melody.

A Celtic jazz set of bass, guitar, flute and accordion brings you a night of traditional music from around the world.

is Co-Artistic Director at Stand + Stare, which she co-founded with her brother Barney, in 2009. Lucy is a daughter of Horsley.

after spending two years at art college, Melanie opted for a life in social work starting at an alternative educational project based on Steiner methods. She continued to draw and paint attending classes with local artist Rob Collins and the Essex artist Simon Carter.

has lived in Horsley since 1986 and has written, directed and acted in the Horsley Panto, played percussion in the Horsley Band and contributed a regular column to Over the Wall magazine, recently published as The Wisdom of Wormwood. At present David spends a good part of his time creating digital pictures, prints and animations.

Jo Hofman has danced her way through nearly 40 years in Horsley. A member of Yama for six years, she’s keen for Horsley to have a taste of Yama magic. Yama was set up in 2015 for those over 60 who had danced, or were new to dance, to come together to devise original work, create new social connections, and share work with wider dance communities through performances and workshops. Yama has performed across the south west and further afield, including Sadler’s Wells, Circomedia, Arnolfini and Womad.

Hazel has taught World Circle and Greek Dance for over 30 years gaining an international reputation as a dance leader and choreographer. Hazel has run a popular regular group in Horsley since moving to the village in 2007.

has released 6 solo albums with her latest, Spirals, out last year. Diana has performed at some of the world’s most auspicious venues, including Latitude Festival, Wilderness Festival, the Royal Albert Hall and to a sold-out Hollywood Bowl. Diana has worked with several artists including Nitin Sawhney, Jeff Beck, Craig Armstrong, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

worked in adult and higher education both in the UK and Australia, as well as social and community development. The connecting threads have been education, empowerment, development, and change. Since moving to Horsley, she is delighted to discover a community rich in artistic and creativity. She continues to be active on the climate crisis and fixing footpaths.

is a regular yoga teacher uses her background in dance and choreography to create fluid and creative flows that are both challenging and accessible.

is a long-time resident and former Parish Councillor who along with his colleague, David Bullock, is an unashamed galanthophile: collecting and growing snowdrops. Both have been growing varieties and species of ‘drops for years which, to most people, are indistinguishable (and sometimes undistinguished). They are nerdy, but most of us feel joy of snowdrops flowering at the darkest time, eschewing jack frost and bringing in the new year - the first harbingers of the light and warmth of spring.”

works as a potter from his workshop in Horsley. He was a member of the team at Winchcombe Pottery for eight years, until 2020, and still works there occasionally. The work is informed by the long tradition of English slipware, and especially the work of Michael Cardew. Functionality is a priority in the design and durability of the pots.

is a photographer with an interest in nature. He is the founder, Director, and technical consultant of EGG Lenses.

Jo Leahy is the Artistic Director at Stroud Valley Artspace, which she co-founded with Neil Walker over 25 years ago. Jo acts as a coach and mentor to artists and artistic organisations. She is a former Horsley resident.

Maise Meredith Maisie is a textiles artist and maker specialising in traditional wool craft and natural dyes. She has been undertaking research exploring how creating beautiful, holistic menstrual products with the use of natural fibres and medicinal dyes can help people with endometriosis. Her work aims to be educational, empowering and reframe the menstrual narrative from one of shame into one of positivity; to create ritual spaces that allow for intuitive and personal relationships with the products and garments and the natural world around them.

Rockness long-term resident, Richard Pirie has worked in the valley as a therapeutic educationalist using the activities of green woodworking, coppicing and camping.