STROUD is set for a fun-packed Goodwill festival this weekend - and this year it has a new twist.

In a break from tradition, the Stroud Goodwill Evening is becoming the Stroud Goodwill Festival and takes place not only on Friday in the evening but daytime on Saturday too.

Over 45 businesses will be open in the evening, with many taking part in a town trail and window display competition.

Brunel Mall Car Park will open until 10.15pm to cope with the extra parking demand and the official website includes details of scheduled return buses and trains to help those who may wish to travel by public transport.

Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce have taken over responsibility for co-ordination this year.

A spokesperson said: “There is an excellent line-up of fun and entertainment for everyone this weekend.

“We have jugglers, stilt walkers, choirs and bands - something across all quarters of the town.

“The Christmas Tree Festival is on throughout, plus Santa Cruises on the canal on Saturday, an Alpaca Experience on Saturday too - we hope people will feel spoilt for choice.”

Over 4,500 official guides have already been distributed with more available on the night.

Santa’s Grotto opens at Stroud Town Council at 4.30pm, Stroud Folk Choir performs at the Sub Rooms at 5.15pm before the big event at 6pm with the Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade.

Face painting is on offer in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre with three markets plus a funfair.

A record 130 trees will feature in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Laurence Church, Stroud.

It is open all evening with the lantern procession visiting along with the Rock Choir and Sing Your Heart Out Choir.Hot drinks and mince pies available throughout the festival Meanwhile, musicians, DJs and jugglers will join forces to raise money for children caught up in war.

Global Beats are hosting One World - One Love in aid of the Middle East Children’s Alliance at Star Anise from 6pm to 12pm on Friday.

Catch Albino Tarantino at 8pm with their unique take on blues with a cool Latin influence.

Before then at 7.30pm, the Flamenco Thief will blend fingerstyle and percussive guitar techniques a Mediterranean sound with lashings of South-American substance incorporating Spanish acoustic, Latin, rumba and bosa nova.

The evening guarantees plenty of samba with Siimbora and the XR Street Beats drum band playing in the courtyard from 6.45pm.

And there will be fire with master juggler Mark Abbot from 6.45pm.

A seasoned professional, Mark can juggle just about everything, including knives and bike bits - wheels, saddles, handle bats and even the bike frame!

Leading the Goodwill after party, Global Beats DJs JagP and Selva, will play a dance laden blend of funky world, music to move to from all around the world. Dancers can expect Latin, Cumbia, Salsa, Bhangra and Afrobeat among other planetary musical gems.

Courtyard activities are free, entry to the cafe music is by donation/pay as you feel.

Meanwhile there will be a special evening - including local performers - at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

The market will also be open until 8pm while stores across the centre will also be opening until late.

Families will have the chance to visit the free Santa’s Grotto in Stroud library at Five Valleys from 4pm-6pm and there will also be free face painting.

The Rosary Catholic Primary School Choir will be performing, and the Jazz Friday Big Band will also be playing at the centre. Full itinerary at tinyurl.com/ymwm9ear