STROUD’S Site Festival is back this month, with exhibitions, films and performances combined with a diverse series of talks.

This year's speakers include artists and writers from Tate Britain, London College of Fashion and film producers who have worked for Channel 4.

At the heart of the festival is the Site open studios, when over 80 artists open their studio doors across the Stroud Valleys over two weekends.

The open studios will take place this Saturday and Sunday (May 11 to 12) and on May 18 and19.

Visitors can pop in on artists in the former textile mills such as St Mary's Mill and Victoria Works, and stop off at Stroud Brewery to see a taster exhibition, which features one piece of work by each of the open studios artists.

There are six open studio routes starting with Route 1 in the town centre and then Routes 2-6 stretch out along the Five Valleys out to Bisley, Golden Valley, Valley and Vale, Nailsworth, Painswick and Slad.

In Stroud town centre, 26 open studios artists will be welcoming visitors at SVA on John Street.

There will be music and spontaneous events happening there over the weekend too.

Writer and stand-up word artist Jonny Fluffypunk, one of the performers at this year's festival, advises: "Go and check these wonderful people out.

"Wander down alleys and lanes and in through doors.

"Enjoy the riot of creation."

For details visit sitefestival.org.uk