Local History Month
Gloucester Local History Month
16th – 30th May
Telling the story of Gloucester’s people, Community Groups and industries.
Gloucester local history month is Gloucester’s contribution to the national local history month organised by the Historical Association.
Through a range of activities and events, this is an opportunity to tell the story of some of Gloucester’s most renowned characters. There is also the chance to explore your own family history and discover stories yet to be told.
Festival Day – Saturday 16th May 2026
Discover characters from Gloucester’s past and the community groups that help discover and preserve this history.
St Michael’s Tower
Hosting pop-ups from Gloucester Civic Trust & the Historical Association
Come along to St Michaels tower and find out more about the mission of Gloucester Civic Trust to preserve Gloucester’s Heritage and promote Gloucester’s History.
There is also the opportunity to hear more about the Historical Association, and its mission to inspire, enable and encourage people to get involved with history, whether in the classroom, at college, in the library or at home.
Historic Characters tour starting at St Michaels Tower at 11am
Hear about the histories of celebrated Gloucester citizens, some known for their eccentric lifestyles, some for their benevolence, as well as those who achieved fame in the fields of literature, music, science and religion.
Tickets cost £10 per adult with all proceeds going to Gloucester Civic Trust.
Buy Tickets
Westgate Characters come alive – 11am to 2pm.
Walk down Westgate Street and find out about all the characters immortalised in the Westgate Street benches. Find out their stories and what makes them stand out.
We are gathered here – St Nicholas church
Come along to St Nicholas church and discover the characters of Gloucester turned into fantastic art by students from Gloucestershire College, discover the hidden stories from the Family History Society research and find out how you can find out more about your family’s hidden stories.
Saturday 23rd May 2026 – 10 am to 4 pm
Forest of Dean Local History Society at St Michael’s Tower
Come along and find out about the Forest of Dean Local History Society. One of the Society’s key objectives is to promote, encourage and further the preservation of artefacts, archaeological and historical sites and archives. Many of our members are active researchers, and we offer help to those who would like to do their own local history project.
Wednesday 27th May 2026 – 7pm – The Folk of Gloucester, Westgate Street
The Confessions of a Town Crier.
Alan Myatt shares his experience as a town crier, toastmaster and themed character actor. Alan has many Guinness World Records to his name and has been a world record holder for vocal endurance, issuing a 100-word proclamation every 15 minutes for 48 hours. His talks are a mix of humour and history, making them a hit with audiences.
The Café & Bar will be open before the performance.
After this talk, there will be a chance to grab a drink with Alan and answer any burning questions. Tickets cost £10.
Buy Tickets
Saturday, 30th of May 2026 – 10 am to 2 pm
Western Front Association at St Michaels Tower
Interested in your WWI ancestors? Drop in for research help! Please bring any known details—like names, birth dates, addresses, or regiments—though you’re welcome to join us for general military history tips even if you have no information. While we can assist with various war research, our main focus is 1914–1918.