WITH the general election nearly upon us, a Stroud landlord is putting politics at the top of the agenda.

This weekend, Rodda Thomas of the Crown and Sceptre is hosting a pre election jamboree at his Horns Road pub.

“I really wanted to do something that would bring politics to life and get more people interested,” he explained.

“A lot of people don’t think that much about politics and are more likely to go to a gig or the pub than visit a normal hustings event. So we thought why not bring politics, art, music and good food and drink together. So that’s what we’ve done!”

The MyStroud Weekender is a non-partisan event, taking place over the weekend, and in true Stroud style it will be taking place in a giant yurt.

Friday is International Night, and features comedy and politics; Saturday is National Day, with music and politics; Sunday is Local Day, with folk, arts, poetry and politics.

All the general election candidates will be speaking at 6.30pm on Saturday.

Joe Reeve and John Dougherty will compere Friday evening, and the weekend’s entertainment will include a one man play from Anthony Smee; poetry, music, and dance with Sam Bloomfield, and music from Ruth’s Curtain, Aranka’s Cackle, the Ragged Edge Soul Band and Jerksauceproject Reggae DJ.

To take part contact Lizzie Fletcher (lizirich@hotmail.com).

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are available from Trading Post or The Crown and Sceptre at £5 each.