STROUD was transformed into a bustling hive of music, arts and entertainment over the weekend as the Fringe Festival marked its 20th anniversary with an almighty bang.

More than 130 performers took to seven unique stages across the town centre over three days and nights to prove once again that Stroud can compete with the best in the business.

Despite the typically British weather, thousands flocked to the free festival to explore the jam-packed line-up of music, food, theatre, poetry, comedy and live performance.

With such an eclectic and unique mix on show, there was something for everyone this year.

Highlights from a sun-bathed main stage in Bank Gardens on Friday included entrancing sets from Rozelle, Elea Calvet and local band Ardyn.

Meanwhile Rev Chunky & the Jam Funkers and Bristol-based band Mr Tea & the Minions brought the energetic beats of funk and ska to the Ecotricity Canal Stage, which pumped out an eclectic musical mix, from jazz to world music throughout the weekend.

On Saturday daytime even the darkening skies couldn’t dampen the festival spirit as hundreds lined the High Street to watch the annual parade.

Down by the packed canal stage Maybelleen provided a more melodic accompaniment throughout the afternoon, only to be followed by the half folky, half rocky tunes of Huw Eddy and the Carnival.

Meanwhile Dreuw and The Greyhounds brought Bank Gardens to life with intimate performances, before Mirror Furies gave an emotive and raw set.

The specially crafted Golden Fringe beer was flowing and the lights began twinkling as youngster Zak Abel then took to the stage to wow crowds with his incredible vocals.

Another highlight on Saturday evening came from festival’s Cornhill stage, the site of Stroud's award-winning Farmers' Market.

Amongst an array of music, comedy and cabaret, Chris Head, who recently directed a five star show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, curated a popular Comedy Cabaret.

On Sunday afternoon the sun came back out to welcome stand-out performances from Lady Nade, Brothers and The Whitaker Brothers.

Outstanding alternative sets also came from Japanese folk dance band Yama Warashi and Deshi Quartet, who drew large crowds towers the beacon of the big red bus down by the canal.

Music lovers in search of a more alternative show packed into St Laurence's Church throughout the day on Sunday to enjoy a cutting edge line-up fashioned by Stroud’s popular independent arts magazine Good on Paper.

This saw hundreds file into the church to watch a highly-anticipated exhibition of eight local artists from various disciplines, as well as stand out musical sets from Shield Patterns and Body Clocks.

Giant crosses and sculptures looked down across the darkened dancefloor as film, sculpture and visual art installations provided a transcendental atmosphere to accompany the incredible visuals of headline act Rival Consoles.

Back down at Bank Gardens Hattie Briggs proved once again why she is one of Stroud best-loved local artists with a spine-tingling set.

As the heavens opened, Z Star then took to the stage to give one of the most memorable performances of the festival.

Despite torrential rain the rock goddesses produced an awe-inspiring show which left the drenched and soggy crowd calling for more.

She was followed by Fringe favourite Chinese Burn, who put smiles on faces with their frantic punk rock.

This proved to be the perfect warmup for festival headliner Rhoda Dakar, the frontwoman of The Bodysnatchers who has enjoyed a glittering career and performed with The Specials and Madness.

Calls for an encore echoed out over Stroud as she brought the festival to a sparkling and energetic finale.

As always another Fringe favourite proved to be the Block Party stage, which transformed Merrywalks loading bay into the concrete jungle of New York’s five boroughs.

The rooftops and balconies were lined with people as some of the UK’s finest purveyors of hip hop, funk, disco and reggae took to the stage over three nights to create a unique party unlike anything else seen in Stroud.

Highlights on the Friday included a stellar sets from Stroud Calling, who was followed emphatically by hip-hop don Boca 45.

It was however DJ Andy Smith who really got the crowd grooving with uplifting hits from Dawn Penn, Bob Marely and funk and soul legend James Brown.

On Saturday evening the job of party-starter was passed to Dubba, who got the crowd pumping before passing over to king of the reggae mash-up - DJ Shepdog.

This set the stage energetically for an undisputed hip hop legend Rodney P AKA Riddimkilla to close the night with a bang.

On Sunday evening DJ Fade and Darren “Tunes” Norris, while Bristol legend and Massive Attack tour DJ Queen Bee closed the festival with a storming performance, which send eager revellers off to after-parties in high spirits.

Outside the bubble of the town centre meanwhile, art and light installation Colourscape drew large crowds to Stratford Park.

This immersive art project proved another favourite among families and youngsters, who visited the park in steady streams throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile Lansdown – temporarily renamed Food Street – returned to show off delicious flavours from across the globe, including wood fired pizza’s, pie and mash, Italian gelato ice cream, vegan Indian snacks, and Sri-lankan street food – to name just a few.

Praise for volunteer organisers Lotte Lyster, Julie Howe and their team has poured in since the end of the festival, with many taking to social media to thank them for their passion and dedication.

One posted: “Amazing festival felt so chuffed to live in Stroud what an atmosphere. Many thankyous.”

Another said: “It's been a great weekend, it was so great to see so many people having fun and just incredible. Well done! Can't wait till next year!

Another Stroud resident wrote: “Amazing! What a huge amount of work and planning that must go into making all this happen. Thank you.”

One tweeted: “Massive congrats to Stroud Fringe. Infinite ambition and steely nerve to deliver huge festival. Changes Stroud for good forever.”

For more information visit stroudfringe.co.uk/

Click here for more photos of the Fringe.