The award-winning Stroud Short Stories returns to Stroud Book Festival, and this time the theme is Hot/Heat. As always, SSS will bring you extraordinary stories, written and performed by Gloucestershire authors.

Now in its 15^th year, SSS’s considerable reputation is based on the unfailingly high quality of the stories read at its events, which are selected from the hundred or so submitted each time.

The event will be hosted by SSS editor and organiser, John Holland, who will co-judge submissions with award-winning short story author and novelist Joanna Campbell.

The brand new 300-page SSS anthology, Stroud Short Stories Volume Four 2022-2025, featuring 60 stories by 40 Gloucestershire authors from the last six events, will be available to buy on the night.

The SSS autumn event always sells out in advance, so you should book early to avoid disappointment. Submissions, which are free, open on Sunday 16 August and close on Sunday 27 September. More information from the SSS website – stroudshortstories.blogspot.com.

This event is dedicated to the late Simon Piney.

Venue: Lansdown Hall

Tickets: £12, on sale from Friday 9 October at lansdownhall.org/whatson