Gloucester History Festival & Heritage Open Days

Gloucester History Festival 2019:

Watch this space to find out the exciting programme of talks open to all.
Also check out our Facebook page for the latest information-
https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterCivicTrust/

or https://gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/

Saturday 7th September to Sunday 22nd September

Download a brochure of events here History Festival 2018 brochure

The theme of this year’s Festival is “Power and the People”. The Festival starts with the Gloucester Day Parade on 7th September and includes Heritage Open Days from 13th to 16th September, the City Voices events programme from 7th to 16th September and the series of talks at Blackfriars Priory from 7th to 16th September.

Please see the brochure for details of special value day passes for the Blackfriars talks and concessionary rates for Gloucester Civic Trust Members  and GL cardholders.

Download a brochure of events above or pick up a copy at St Michael’s Tower and the Tourist Information Centre.

Gloucester Day

Saturday 7th September

Gloucester Day celebrates the end of the Civil War siege of the city in 1643. when King Charles II returned to the throne after the Civil War in 1660, he punished Gloucester for supporting Cromwell by reducing the city boundaries. This meant the area of Barton was outside the city and not under the control of the Gloucester Mayor. Barton elected a “mock mayor” to poke fun at Gloucester.

This tradition has been revived in recent years and the annual parade is led by the real Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester plus the Mock Mayor, Town Crier, historical characters, marching bands and performers in the morning with a Mock Mayor Making Ceremony. The parade is followed by a Thanksgiving Service and the the Gloucester Day Parade in the afternoon.

Click the link to see a clip of Last year’s parade courtesy of David Champion. Click Here 

City Voices

Saturday 7th September to Sunday 16th September

A series of talks, activities, workshops and musical events from local experts in beautiful locations. Many of the events are free. More details at www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk

Heritage Open Days

Thursday 13th September to Sunday 16th September.

Historic buildings open FREE

FREE guided walks and tours

FREE music recitals, talks and other activities

Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s fantastic historic architecture and culture by offering FREE access to properties which are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, there’s a chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of events and activities which bring local history and culture to life.

Gloucester’s events, organised by Gloucester Civic Trust , feature over 120 events, from the opportunity to see inside the Kings’s Bastion to viewing the inside one of the best examples of a Tudor Merchant’s house in the country.  The city is among the top three venues in the country with its huge range of activities during Heritage Open Days with guided tours , music and cultural activities in the City Centre, at Gloucester Docks and in the city’s suburbs.