Gloucester History Festival

The inaugural event will celebrate the city of Gloucester like never before.

Gloucester’s rich history is set to be brought to life from Monday 27 August to Sunday 9 September 2012, when the inaugural Gloucester History Festival takes place across a plethora of venues in and around the city centre.

The city has almost 2,000 years of history, having been founded by the Romans in AD 97, and will see more than 140 events celebrating just that at popular local venues including Gloucester Guildhall, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester City Museum and even the recently re-opened Blackfriars Priory in Ladybellegate Street.

Designed to inspire and entertain locals and out-of-town visitors alike, organisers have come up with a programme packed with thought-provoking talks, archaeological digs, parades, performances and more, which will culminate in the highly-anticipated Heritage Open Days, taking place around the county from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 September 2012.

Festival-goers can look forward to a wide range of free events, such as the Gloucester Day Parades, Lock 200 celebrations and Gloucester Through the Ages, but are advised to book tickets in advance where possible to avoid disappointment.

For the more hardened history buffs, there will be several talks and workshops to choose from, costing between £6 and £11, according to organisers, with tickets available to buy from Gloucester Tourist Information Centre and Gloucester Guildhall.

Guest speakers at the festival, who will discuss everything from the Black Death to the future of history, will include Nick Barratt, genealogist and creator of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?; GCHQ historian Tony Comer; author of the Duchess of Windsor biography That Woman, Anne Sebba; as well as historian, author and MP Ben Gummer, to name but a few.

What’s more, there will be three free talks forming part of the Heritage Open Days, coming from Tim Potts, who will discuss the restoration of Robert Raikes House; local author Darrel Kirby, who will be speaking about his latest book Gloucester Then and Now; and Philip Lancaster, who will give a talk on Ivor Gurney’s poetry and music.

Plus, the little ones will have the chance to really get to grips with history at one of two Horrible Histories shows at Gloucester Quays set to take place on Monday 27 August 2012, which will set parents back just £6 per child or £7 per adult.

Councillor Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council and chairman of Marketing Gloucester, said: ‘It seems so appropriate that Gloucester, a city with such a rich, historic past, should host a festival dedicated to history.

‘I’m delighted that the programme is packed full of inspiring and entertaining events which will appeal to people of all ages. I’m sure that Gloucester History Festival will become a regular event in the city’s calendar.’

With more events still to be announced, be sure to visit the website below and keep up-to-date with this historical spectacular that’s sure to make its own mark on Gloucester’s history.

© SoGlos

Tuesday 07 August 2012