8 events at The Sub Rooms you won't want to miss in 2024

From summer beer festivals and Oktoberfest parties to a packed programme of music gigs, exhibitions and films, discover what's on at The Sub Rooms in Stroud this year. We promise, you won't want to miss out!

By Zoe Gater  |  Published
After last year's sold out event at Stroud Book Festival, Jarvis Cocker will be returning as part of the 2024 SubCulture Festival with a DJ Set. Image © Tom Jamieson
In partnership with The Sub Rooms  |  thesubrooms.co.uk
The Sub Rooms

Located in the heart of Stroud, the Sub Rooms was originally built in 1833 and been home to a wide variety of performances including drama, live music, ballet, stand-up comedy and celebrity speakers ever since. Plus, there’s an art-deco themed bar for guests to enjoy, too.

Stroud’s historic central building The Subscription Rooms has become an iconic venue in recent years for its diverse schedule of arts, music and cultural events, with the chance to see big names headlining concerts, stand-up comedy and theatre productions. And this year's no different! 

While there's no shortage of big names on the bill — with the likes of Trevor Nelson, Paul Young, Ruby Wax and Turin Breaks all gracing the stage this year — SoGlos has selected eight of The Sub Rooms' most unmissable events to get in your diary for 2024.

National Theatre Live at The Sub Rooms 

Bringing some of the best of British theatre to audiences in Stroud, The Sub Rooms is screening National Theatre Live performances on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons.

The programme kicked off with Vanya, starring Fleabag star Andrew Scott, on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 March 2024; and will be followed by The Motive and The Cue on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 March; and Nye starring Michael Sheen on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 May 2024. 

Pop Up Presents SubCulture — NeoAncients at The Sub Rooms 

Back at The Sub Rooms for the second year running. Pop Up Presents SubCulture is a series of music, film and cultural events taking place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 May 2024.

This year's theme, NeoAncients, focuses on folk culture and the way traditions and customs of the past continue to influence our present and shape our future. Hear from Welsh musician, Gruff Rhys, and Gloucestershire comedian, Bridget Christie; experience Jarvis Cocker’s sonic explorations of paganism; plus Druids, folklore films, immersive experiences, Morris sides and Weird Walks.  

Beer Fest at The Sub Rooms

Nothing says summer like enjoying a beer with your friends, while soaking up great tunes and — hopefully — some sunshine on The Sub Rooms forecourt during the venue's annual Beer Fest.

Taking place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August 2024, the event is free to attend, offering live music from Germein, Champion Love Reggae Soundsystem, Truck, Savannah Gardner and many more; delicious food; and plenty of local beer, of course. This Beer Fest is a fundraiser for The Sub Rooms charity fund — if you’d like to sponsor a beer barrel, contact the Subs directly.

Oktoberfest at The Sub Rooms

From one beer-fuelled event to another...

The Subs is set to host its first Oktoberfest party on Friday 4 October 2024, promising a traditional German knees-up with fun, games and lots of beer. There's also live entertainment from the Oomparty Band to keep you partying all evening. 

Symphonica: The History of Drum and Bass at The Sub Rooms

Following sell-out solo shows and headline sets at festivals such as Glastonbury, Shambala, London Remixed and Boomtown, the critically acclaimed super-orchestra, Symphonica, presents its brand-new show at The Sub Rooms on Friday 25 October 2024. 

Combining a whole orchestra with a world champion DJ, audiences can expect an epic performance that tears through the history of drum and bass. 

Shindig at The Sub Rooms

Don't miss Stroud's biggest party on Saturday 16 November 2024, when The Sub Rooms hosts its Shindig event — showcasing the very best of the town, from delicious street food to live entertainment.

Expect a blend of Balkan melodies, ska, Latin and brass music from The Baghdaddies; a set from Stroud's favourite DJ Robbie Duncan; Filthy Dirty Disco; and much, much more... 

Little Art Exhibition at The Sub Rooms

Running from Sunday 1 to Monday 9 December 2024, The Subs’ second annual Little Art Exhibition is an exhibition with a twist. With artworks kindly donated by creatives from Stroud and beyond, the event aims to raise funds for The Sub Rooms, while supporting local artists and boosting art ownership for all.

The Sub Rooms welcome submissions in any style from any artist, just as long as the piece can be physically hung on the wall. For more information or to apply, email anna@thesubrooms.co.uk.

Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood at The Sub Rooms

After the outstanding success of last year’s pantomime Snow White, PJD Productions returns to The Sub Rooms this winter with its funny, enthusiastic and uplifting performance of Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood.

Following the famous outlaw and his band of merry men, this year's panto promises lots of laughs for children and adults alike. Look out for adults-only evening showings for extra naughtiness, too! Tickets are on sale from Friday 22 March 2024. 

More on The Sub Rooms

More from Culture