The Space has just celebrated its 130th birthday. The building started life as a temperance hall in 1879. For the past seven years it has been developing as a Community Arts Centre and Gallery.
With a wide programme of performance events, films and workshops it has a capacity of 200 people (standing). A small bar at the rear of the main hall ensures of good range of liquid refreshments including a selection of local real ales.
The venue is set right in the town centre meaning a wide range of shops are within easy reach. On Saturday mornings the town is buzzing with one of Britain’s leading Farmers Markets.
One of Stroud's numerous public gardens lies next door, as does the parish church. There is plenty of public car parking nearby (free on the Sunday and after 6pm).
When you’re feeling peckish, choose from any of the seven pubs, nine cafes and ten restaurants within a minute’s walk.
The world’s first lawn mower is on display in the town museum - created by a local inventor. Stroud was the home of two famous writers; Laurie Lee (Cider with Rose) and The Rev Wilbert Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.
In ProgRock terms, Stroud was the birthplace of Pendragon. The band played its first gig just up the road from The Space in 1978.
