The Gathering

Join us around Stratford-on-Avon District and South Warwickshire between March 6 – 15, 2026, to see water differently – as a living presence that connects people, place and Nature. FULL PROGRAMME HERE

We are co-creating an opportunity for people across South Warwickshire to come together for learning, creative exploration and imagining, reflection, planning and action to mark the International Day of Action for Rivers on Saturday 14 March, 2026.

SCROLL BELOW FOR ALL EVENTS: See information for each event for the pre-registration or ticketed links

The programme for FRIDAY 13th March is here

The programme for SUNDAY 15th March is here

Expect: workshops, discussion panels, book talks, film screenings, exhibitions, ceremonies and hands-on activities that bring together residents, creatives, environmentalists, schools, local organisations, community groups and elected representatives.

Thanks to all involved – shown here

Organised by: River Hope, Rubbish Friends, Moving Souls Dance, the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Purple Square AV Ltd

Supporters and collaborations: Stratford Town Trust,  Stratford Literary Festival, Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Council, UK River Summit, River Rights Network, Moral Imaginations, Beneath British Waters, Mrs Meg Avon, Professor Veronica Strang, Brook Arts Hub, Talton Lodge, South Warwickshire Area Network for Nature (SWAN), Napton Area Environmental Team (NEAT), Stratford Climate Action, Launch Agency, Encode and more.

The programme was launched on 1 December 2025: a presentation and more details here.

If you are interested in co-creating events, volunteering, exhibiting and sponsorship, please get in touch: riverhopeinfo@gmail.com

"Is a River Alive?" book talk

Friday 6 March 2026    

18:00 - 19:00

Rother Street Arts House

• The Gathering

In a special event organised by the Stratford Literary Festival, in partnership with River Hope, the celebrated writer, academic and performer Robert Macfarlane comes to [...]

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Film night: ice-river-sea

Tuesday 10 March 2026    

18:00 - 20:30

Brook Arts Hub

• The Gathering

As part of “The Gathering: for water and Nature” (March 6-15, 2026), River Hope has curated a collection of four artistic, poetic and thought-provoking films. [...]

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Workshop: river rights, charters and guardians

Thursday 12 March 2026    

18:30 - 20:30

Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Hall

• The Gathering

UPDATE: tickets (free) are now open to all Register here:  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thegathering/t-jxzedvd This two-hour evening workshop will provide an orientation to the Rights of Nature movement [...]

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Living with water and rivers: now and into the future

Friday 13 March 2026    

09:00 - 17:00

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

Part of River Hope’s The Gathering: For Water and Nature 6–15 March 2026, this full day event explores how we live with water, rivers and their [...]

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"Jo in the Water" film screening

Friday 13 March 2026    

18:00 - 20:30

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

"Jo in the Water" is a powerful, emotional feature-length documentary film. It is not just about water pollution; it is about connection - to nature, [...]

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Shipston-on-Stour community event

Saturday 14 March 2026    

10:30 - 14:30

Shipston Riverside

• The Gathering

This is a community-led free event to mark the International Day of Action for Rivers. Everyone is welcome to Shipston beside the River Stour. Join [...]

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Wake up to the wonder of water

Saturday 14 March 2026    

15:00 - 16:00

The Dell, Avonbank Gardens, next to Holy Trinity Church

• The Gathering

All are welcome to participate in a community event on the International Day of Action for Rivers to remember the key role of water in [...]

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Voices of the river: an Interspecies Council experience

Sunday 15 March 2026    

10:00 - 12:00

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

What would the river say if it could speak? What might the soil, the trees, or the creatures that call this ecosystem home want us [...]

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Seeing rivers from under the water

Sunday 15 March 2026    

12:00 - 13:00

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

On Sunday 15 March, the final day of "The Gathering: for water and nature", we will screen two award-winning films revealing the unseen worlds of [...]

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"Waterbeings" talk by Veronica Strang

Sunday 15 March 2026    

14:00 - 14:45

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

As part of our final day celebrating water, rivers and Nature  in "The Gathering: for water and Nature", Professor Veronica Strang will talk about book [...]

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Performance poetry by river bride, Mrs Meg Avon

Sunday 15 March 2026    

15:15 - 16:15

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

As part of 'The gathering: for water and Nature' final day of celebration, performance poet Meg will share the story of her marriage to the [...]

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The birth of Ondine - performance event

Sunday 15 March 2026    

16:45 - 17:30

Crowne Plaza Hotel

• The Gathering

Moving Souls Dance has commissioned artists, a composer, singers and craft designers to create and animate voices from the River Avon to celebrate the birth [...]

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