Due to its popularity Stroud Fringe will be continuing to meet shop keepers and businesses based in the town centre on a monthly basis.
The meetings are an opportunity for businesses to work with the newly formed committee to shape the the festival weekend and have their say in ongoing plans. As an outcome of this the team expect to see this year’s festival as the first in a long-term plan to bring additional recognition to the area, nurse capsule increase tourism and provide an ongoing boost to the local economy.
The Stroud Fringe CIC committee members have been overwhelmed with the positive reception that they have had so far, each of the last two meetings have had an exceptional turn out and they expect more shop-owners and businesses to attend as they hear of the benefits of doing so. Previous meetings have allowed the Fringe committee to share their plans with businesses and those present have responded with additional ideas, or concerns, that they may have.
Sarah Watson, one of the members of Stroud Fringe committee said: “We weren’t prepared for the great response that we’ve received. The first meeting was well attended, but numbers doubled for the following as people heard just how well it had gone. In return we’ve felt able to work with the business owners to get their feedback and ensure a really successful Fringe weekend. Stroud is a special community and these businesses are an integral part of that, we’re so glad that so many of them are stepping forward to work with us.
Each business has brought with them new perspectives, experiences and ideas, all of which are contributing to shaping the festival weekend and, during each meeting we are able to explain exactly how. For instance, the businesses unanimously called for the festival to encompass the whole of the town centre and we’re delighted to have fed back with details as to exactly how we intend to make that happen.”
The next meeting will be held at Mr Twitchett’s Coffee House and Bar on Tuesday 17th March from 5.30pm – 6.30 pm, businesses who have not previously attended are encouraged to do so, to ensure that they are also aware of plans, or have the opportunity to have their say.
Stroud businesses can feedback at any time by filling in an online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRMZ6ST). They can also contact the team at hello@stroudfringe.co.uk or through their Facebook and Twitter accounts