To keep things as fair as possible, 50% of the contest scoring is decided by our panel of judges, who are local people we have hand-picked and know to be unbiased, knowledgeable about music and who will give every song a proper listen!
Our esteemed judges are:
UTA BALDAUF, an artist and musician who, among other projects, fronts the band The Woolheads in collaboration with Sean Roe.
LOTTE LYSTER CONNOLLY who, with her husband Miles, runs the much-loved Prince Albert pub in Rodborough, a beacon for music lovers throughout the south west!
LISA FITZGIBBON is an accomplished singer, songwriter and producer. Originally from Australia and now firmly based in Stroud, Lisa has performed all over the world, sharing stages with musical legends such as: Ani Di Franco, Arlo Guthrie and Roger McGuinn.
FAYE HATCHER journalist, media trainer, youth mentor and fine artist. You will remember Faye from her many years as a popular host on Radio Gloucestershire. Still no stranger to the limelight, Faye is a champion of all things local and can often be found interviewing and reporting for Stroud Times.
PHIL JONES founder and CEO of drum school Inspire Drums. Phil’s connections in the music world are impressive, having worked with Blondie’s Clem Burke, EMF’s James Atkin and 90s electro stars, Bentley Rhythm Ace, among others. Ask him nicely, and he might even tell you about the time he almost represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest!
ROBIN LAYFIELD community leader and Rodborough councillor, Robin has been the smiling, unflusterable face of Stroud Song Contest live grand finals since 2021 (and also our online in 2020!). With such distinguished experience, we thought it was about time we asked for his formal opinion on the songs. And Robin, enthusiastic as ever, said YES 🙂 Thanks Robin!
RONNIE MCGRATH, a writer, performer and educator. Check out Ronnie’s recent work Watermelon and find out more at ronsurreal.com.
CHAS DE WHALLEY, music journalist, record-company guy, amazing guest contributor to our blog and previous Stroud Song Contest finalist!
Public votes
Voting is now closed. Public votes account for 50% of the scoring.