Gloucester History Festival

'Absolutely outstanding. The City of Gloucester is re-inventing itself. The History Festival is one of the leading components!'

Organised by Gloucester History Trust this year’s Festival had the theme of Power and the People. Events including talks, walks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and documentaries took place across the city including at Blackfriars Priory, the Heritage Hub, in churches, Eastgate Shopping Centre, in the museums, the Cathedral, the Guildhall, pubs, schools and many more venues.

Well known speakers including Alice Roberts, Max Hastings, Lucy Worsley, David Olusoga, Kate Adie, Martin Bell, Cerys Matthews and many more came to Blackfriars Priory and talked about subjects as far ranging as Vesuvius, our ancient ancestors in Gloucestershire, the death of Anne Boleyn and the election of Margaret Thatcher.

         'This was a brilliant funny and engaging talk, full of information and fun. I loved every second of it. Thank you'

On Gloucester day the Mock Mayor of Barton was installed, the Veterans and Gloucester Old Spot pig parade made its way through the streets and the Thanksgiving Service took place in the fabulously restored St Mary de Crypt Church.

There were over 60 City Voices events across the city, with 15 events taking place at Gloucestershire Archives including the Heritage Hub Garden Party. There were talks ranging from the history of Gloucester Rugby, Dowty, Celebrating a 180 years of Gloucestershire Constabulary to Early Car and Motorcycle Ownership in Gloucestershire, William Sheppard, Laurie Lee - the lost recordings and much more.

Exhibitions, documentaries and performances - including an in depth look into the lives of first generation NHS workers from the Caribbean, the Moon Exhibition, portraits from the Gloucestershire Hindu Community, a re-telling of the Dick Whittington story by participants from Gloucester and Wolverhampton and an immersive theatre experience using Archive material to inspire a contemporary look at the stories of mental health through the ages.

'Best thing in Gloucester for years. Brilliant festival.' 

Save the date - Gloucester History Festival 2020 takes place form Saturday 5th  to Sunday 20th September

For more information visit gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/