Events and Programming
The Meadow is primarily a football ground rather than a concert venue. It remains open as the home of Brimscombe & Thrupp FC, known as the Lilywhites, with the traditional name “The Meadow” still used in league records. For the 2026/27 season, the club uses the sponsored name Brackenfern Meadow. The core programme comprises Hellenic League Division One matches, cup ties, friendlies, reserve-team football and the club’s new under-17 programme.
Most first-team home games take place on Saturday afternoons, supplemented by midweek evening fixtures under floodlights. League opponents are drawn from Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and surrounding counties. Cup programming can include the FA Vase, Gloucestershire competitions and league cups. Reserve and youth matches increase the number of lower-key, free-to-watch fixtures staged at the ground.
Publicly traceable programming between 2021 and 2023 is overwhelmingly football-led. Recent highlights included a home FA Cup win over Brislington in 2021, an FA Cup victory over Fairford Town in 2022 and a 2023 home tie against Highworth Town. The 2025/26 season brought a particularly busy run of Division One home games, including local and regional opposition such as Shortwood United, Stonehouse Town, Cheltenham Saracens, Newent Town and Chipping Sodbury Town.
The venue also supports community events that sit outside the normal league calendar. In September 2024 it hosted a charity match between Forest Green Legends and Brimscombe Veterans in memory of former club secretary Allan Boulton, raising funds for Gloucestershire Air Ambulance. Former Forest Green players including Alex Sykes, Scott Rogers, Stuart Fleetwood and Yan Klukowski were among those announced.
In summer 2025, the club staged its first Lilywhites Beer Festival. The family-friendly event combined locally brewed beer and cider with food and music from local DJs, showing that The Meadow can be adapted for an informal outdoor festival. This remains an occasional strand of the programme, however, rather than evidence of a regular concert series. No permanent annual music festival or long-term standalone concert season has been confirmed.
Programming beyond 2026 is expected to continue on a football-season basis. The club’s expansion into reserves and under-17 football points towards more frequent community use, while one-off charity matches, social events and summer festivals may be added between competitive seasons. Individual fixtures can change because of cup draws, weather and postponements, so the live event listing should be used for the events currently available.
Tickets and Booking
The Meadow offers unusually affordable live sport. Recently published first-team prices have been around £7 for adults and £5 for concessions aged 65 or over, with under-16s admitted free. Friendlies have generally cost about £3, while reserve and under-17 home fixtures are free. FA Vase ties may be priced separately from normal league and club-cup admission.
Match tickets are normally available at the gate, where both cash and card are accepted. Advance booking is rarely essential for ordinary league fixtures, although arriving early is sensible for local derbies, charity games or unusual cup ties. Turnstiles generally open around 60 to 90 minutes before kick-off.
Digital season tickets are available through the club’s own checkout and can be stored on a compatible phone or supplied as a PDF with a QR code. The 2026/27 adult and concession season-ticket prices were £89 and £69 respectively, covering first-team home league and club-cup matches but excluding FA Vase ties and friendlies. These figures provide a useful guide, although future seasons may be priced differently.
Special festivals and fundraising events may use advance tickets, door admission or both. Their prices and age conditions are set by the individual organiser, so standard football admission should not be assumed to apply.
About The Meadow
The Meadow stands on London Road in Brimscombe, in the narrow Frome Valley south-east of Stroud. The club describes the ground as holding 1,200 spectators, although some historic and third-party guides list lower or higher figures. The current club-reported capacity is therefore the most appropriate figure to use.
There is no separately documented public opening ceremony. Brimscombe & Thrupp FC states that football has been played here since Brimscombe FC’s foundation in 1886. The club became a founder member of the Mid-Gloucestershire League in 1894, joined the Stroud & District League in 1902 and later became an inaugural member and first champion of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League in 1922/23. Matches continued at The Meadow during the Second World War, including games involving Army, Navy and Air Force sides.
Brimscombe and neighbouring Thrupp combined their football operations during the 1970s. The merged club moved between county and local competitions before winning the Gloucestershire County League in 2010/11 and entering Hellenic League football. Floodlights were installed in 2012, followed by promotion as Division One West champions in 2012/13.
That promotion triggered the most important modern redevelopment. A new modular stand was installed with 100 seated and 100 covered standing places, accompanied by improved pitch-side walkways. The work was completed for the 2013/14 Premier Division season, when the club also won the Hellenic Floodlit and Supplementary cups. The Lilywhites entered the FA Vase and later made their FA Cup debut in 2014/15.
Further milestones include winning the Gloucestershire FA Challenge Trophy in 2018 and finishing second in the Hellenic Premier Division in 2018/19. Following a difficult 2024/25 campaign, the first team moved into Division One. The 2025/26 introduction of a reserve side and the inaugural under-17 team in 2026/27 represent a renewed emphasis on player development and community participation.
Seating, Layout and Technical Facilities
The ground’s defining feature is its multi-level valley layout. The pitch lies substantially below London Road and the main car park, with spectators descending towards the clubhouse and playing surface. Grass banks form natural raised viewpoints around parts of the ground, while the main metal-framed stand occupies an elevated position on one side. The railway, road and River Frome tightly frame the site.
The covered stand is the best choice in wet weather and provides the clearest conventional seated view. Its elevation also helps spectators see across the full pitch. Covered standing allows supporters to retain a traditional non-league experience without being completely exposed. The banks can provide excellent sightlines in dry weather, but surfaces may be uneven or slippery and offer little protection from rain or wind.
There are no publicly advertised numbered blocks, reserved sections, hospitality boxes or permanent VIP areas. Most matches operate as general admission, allowing spectators to choose between the stand, covered standing and open pitch-side areas. The ground’s small scale means that views are generally close to the action, although barriers, dugouts and people standing along the rail can affect low-level sightlines.
Floodlights permit evening football, but no detailed lux levels have been published. Likewise, no verified pitch dimensions, permanent concert PA specification, mixing position, stage dimensions, rigging capacity or entertainment-lighting rider is publicly available. DJs and festival entertainment have therefore appeared to rely on event-specific production rather than a documented in-house concert system.
Getting There and Parking
The current matchday address is Brackenfern Meadow, London Road, Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2SD. It is beside the A419 between Stroud and Chalford. Drivers approaching through Stroud should follow London Road east through Bowbridge and Thrupp. Free parking is available in the club car park, but no reliable current space count is published and busy fixtures may require careful stewarding.
The nearest railway station is Stroud. From there, the number 67 bus runs towards Brimscombe; the club advises passengers to leave at the War Memorial stop, around a two-minute walk from the entrance. A taxi from Stroud station is the simplest option for evening events or visitors carrying mobility equipment.
There is no advertised dedicated rideshare bay. Drivers collecting passengers should use the club entrance or car park when directed, rather than stopping on the A419. Late-evening public transport can be less frequent than daytime service, so arranging a return taxi before a midweek match is sensible.
The Thames and Severn Canal corridor provides an attractive walking and cycling connection between Stroud and Brimscombe. However, sections can be narrow, muddy or uneven and run beside open water. It is better suited to a daylight leisure journey than a hurried return after a winter evening fixture.
Inside the Venue
The Meadow has the straightforward atmosphere of a community non-league ground. Entry is through the spectator entrance and turnstile area, with matchday staff or stewards directing parking and access. Large-arena security procedures should not be expected, but event organisers may introduce additional checks for festivals, charity games or unusually busy fixtures.
The licensed clubhouse bar opens before, during and after first-team matches, welcoming home and visiting supporters. Hot food, snacks and drinks are available, normally from about an hour before kick-off. Both cash and card are accepted. Menus vary by fixture, so visitors should expect simple matchday catering rather than a full restaurant service.
First-team home games have a free digital matchday programme. The venue does not advertise a cloakroom, public Wi-Fi network or permanent merchandise concession, although club items may occasionally be sold on matchdays. Mobile reception and queue lengths will naturally vary.
Accessibility and Inclusive Facilities
Wheelchair spaces are provided in the main stand, with level access from the car park. Visitors who require assistance are asked to make arrangements in advance, particularly because other parts of the ground include slopes, banks and changes of level. The covered wheelchair positions are preferable to attempting to navigate informal grass viewing areas.
As a British venue, The Meadow is governed by UK accessibility and equality requirements rather than the United States’ ADA system. No detailed independent access audit has been published, and information about hearing loops, changing facilities or the precise specification of accessible toilets is not publicly documented. Visitors with specific requirements should confirm what will be available for their chosen event.
The wider club promotes inclusive participation through walking football, volunteering and an under-17 pathway. Safeguarding, privacy and equal-opportunities policies are maintained by the club and are available on request.
Nearby Food, Drink and Accommodation
The Ship Inn in Brimscombe offers pub food, locally brewed beer and its own parking, making it a convenient pre-match option when food service is operating. Stroud Brewery’s canal-side taproom is another nearby choice, serving drinks, brunch and pizza, with later opening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Booking food is prudent on busy weekends.
Burleigh Court provides accommodation in Brimscombe, while Stroud town centre has a broader selection of hotels, restaurants and late transport options. Visitors staying near Stroud station will usually find the onward bus or taxi journey easier than attempting to walk the full route with luggage.
What Makes The Meadow Special
The Meadow’s appeal comes from its geography rather than architectural grandeur. Its sunken pitch, elevated stand, grassy banks and Cotswold valley backdrop create a ground that feels shaped by the landscape. Groundhopping accounts repeatedly highlight the unusually good raised views and character of the multi-tiered site, while visitor-rating data identifies the view as its strongest feature.
Culturally, it has provided Brimscombe and Thrupp with a continuous football identity for well over a century. It supports volunteer roles, youth development, local sponsorship, affordable spectator sport and charitable fundraising. The beer festival also brought local producers, food traders and DJs together at the ground. No independent study has placed a monetary value on its economic impact, but the parish’s development plan identifies the football club as one of the community’s key facilities.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrive at least 30 minutes before an ordinary match and earlier for derbies, cup ties or community events. Choose the main stand if you need cover, a seat or level access. For open standing areas, bring waterproof clothing and footwear suitable for grass and slopes. Evening temperatures can fall quickly in the valley.
No permanent public policy covering bag sizes, non-professional photography, umbrellas, pets or reusable bottles is currently advertised. A small bag is the safest choice, and visitors should follow steward instructions. There is no normal football dress code. Under-16s may attend first-team matches free, although proof of age can be requested.
Do not arrive expecting an all-seater stadium or concert-arena amenities. The Meadow is at its best when approached as a friendly, traditional non-league ground: close to the pitch, informal in layout, modest in facilities and strongly connected to its local landscape and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Meadow in Stroud still open?
Yes. The ground remains open as the home of Brimscombe & Thrupp FC. During the 2026/27 season the club uses the sponsored name Brackenfern Meadow, while league records and supporters continue to call it The Meadow. Older references may also use previous sponsored names, but they describe the same football ground on London Road.
What events take place at The Meadow?
The regular programme consists of Hellenic League football, cup ties, friendlies, reserve matches and under-17 fixtures. The venue occasionally stages charity games, club social events and outdoor community festivals. It does not have a confirmed year-round concert programme, so visitors should expect football to account for the majority of dates in the live listing.
How much are football tickets?
Recent first-team admission has been approximately £7 for adults and £5 for concessions aged 65 or over, with under-16s free. Friendlies have generally cost about £3. Reserve and under-17 home fixtures are normally free. Separate prices may be introduced for FA Vase ties, festivals, charity matches or other independently organised events.
Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
Yes. Ordinary first-team league and cup admission is normally available at the gate, with cash and card accepted. Advance purchase is most useful for season tickets or specially promoted events. The Meadow rarely requires complicated seating selection because normal matches are general admission, but early arrival is advisable when a local derby or charity fixture may attract a larger crowd.
What does a season ticket include?
A standard season ticket covers first-team home league matches and the club’s home ties in its usual club-cup competitions. FA Vase games and friendlies are excluded and must be paid for separately. Digital tickets are supplied as QR codes that can be stored on a compatible phone or opened from a PDF.
What is The Meadow’s capacity?
Brimscombe & Thrupp FC currently states a total capacity of 1,200. Historic and unofficial ground guides have published different figures, partly because the venue combines seats, covered standing, open hard standing and informal raised viewing areas. The number of actual seats is far smaller than the overall capacity, so The Meadow should not be described as a 1,200-seat stadium.
How many covered seats are there?
The current club information confirms covered seating without publishing a separate updated seat count. Documentation from the stand’s installation described 100 seated places and 100 covered standing places. Unless the club issues a revised specification, this should be treated as the best verified description of the main stand rather than a guaranteed event-by-event allocation.
Where is the best place to watch?
The elevated main stand provides the best combination of shelter, comfort and a full-pitch view. Covered standing beside the seats offers a livelier traditional experience. In dry weather, the raised banks can give excellent perspectives, but they are less suitable for visitors with limited mobility and can become slippery after rain. Arriving early provides the widest choice.
Is parking free?
Yes. The club provides free parking in its main car park. No dependable current capacity figure is published, so spaces should not be assumed for every visitor at a festival or unusually busy fixture. Follow steward instructions and avoid blocking neighbouring entrances or stopping on the A419. Car sharing is worthwhile when a larger attendance is expected.
How do I reach The Meadow by bus?
The number 67 service connects Stroud with Brimscombe. The club recommends leaving at the War Memorial stop on London Road, approximately two minutes from the ground. Service frequency and evening finishing times can vary, so check the timing before attending a night match and have a taxi alternative if the event ends after the final convenient bus.
What is the nearest railway station?
Stroud is the nearest active railway station. From the station area, continue by the number 67 bus or taxi. The ground is not directly beside the railway station, despite the railway line passing close to the pitch. Walking the whole way may suit experienced walkers in daylight but is less attractive after an evening fixture or in poor weather.
Is The Meadow wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair spaces are available in the covered main stand, with level access from the car park. Other spectator areas include slopes, banks and uneven ground, so they may be difficult to use independently. Visitors needing a particular position, parking assistance or confirmation of toilet facilities should make arrangements before attending rather than relying on informal pitch-side access.
Is The Meadow ADA compliant?
ADA compliance is not the applicable standard because the venue is in England. Accessibility is considered under British equality and building requirements. The club confirms level access and wheelchair positions, but no detailed independent access audit is publicly available. American visitors should therefore describe their individual mobility, seating or companion requirements when making arrangements for an event.
Can I buy food and drink inside?
Yes. The clubhouse provides a licensed bar together with hot food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on first-team matchdays. It generally opens around an hour before kick-off, and both cash and card are accepted. The offering is typical of a community football ground and can vary, so anyone requiring a full meal or specialist dietary choice may prefer to eat beforehand.
Does The Meadow have a permanent concert sound system?
No detailed public specification exists for a house concert PA, monitor system, stage, rigging points or entertainment lighting. Football floodlights are installed, but these should not be confused with show lighting. Previous festival music and DJs appear to have used event-specific equipment. Promoters should regard The Meadow as an adaptable sports ground rather than a fully equipped music venue.
Are bags and cameras allowed?
The club does not currently publish a standard spectator bag-size or photography policy. Small personal bags and casual phone photography are generally the least likely to cause difficulty, but stewards retain control of entry and event organisers may impose additional restrictions. Professional cameras, tripods, large equipment cases or anything that could obstruct a viewing area should not be brought without permission.
Are there age restrictions?
Normal football matches are family-friendly, and under-16s are admitted free to first-team fixtures, with proof of age potentially requested. There is no standard dress code. Festivals or evening social events may apply different age rules because of alcohol licensing or entertainment content, and young people may need to remain with a responsible adult.
What happens if it rains?
Football normally continues in rain unless the pitch becomes unsafe or waterlogged. The main stand offers cover, but much of the ground is open to the weather. Bring a waterproof coat and suitable footwear rather than relying on an umbrella. Outdoor festivals may operate different postponement or cancellation arrangements, which will be determined by the organiser for that event.
