Gloucester History Festival

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Gloucester History Festival is back from Saturday 5 to Sunday 20 September 2020.

With a mixture of virtual events, socially distanced talks, walking tours and Heritage Open Days, this year’s Gloucester History Festival commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey to America with a Voyagers and Visionaries theme.

As part of the Blackfriars Talks programme, hear United States ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, and former foregin secretary, Lord William Hague, in conversation with Gloucester History Festival chair, Richard Graham, discussing the importance of the relationship between the UK and the US.

The virtual programme also includes a conversation with classicist and BBC broadcaster Mary Beard; historian Michael Wood exploring China; Michael Scott discussing classical civilisations; author Neil Gaiman in conversation; A Day In The Life Of The Gloucester Town Crier; African Europeans: An Untold History and Writing Medieval Women Back Into History. There’s also downloadable illustrated activity guides for families to get involved.

Live talks include the Siege of Gloucester complete with reenactors, and a chance to learn about Victorian scientist Charles Wheatstone and his amazing inventions.

Gloucester History Festival also incorporates Heritage Open Days, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020. As part of the UK-wide celebration of history and culture, from Friday 11 to Monday 14 September 2020, visitors can go on free guided walks and tours around some of Gloucester’s most important historical sites.

Discover the fascinating past of the county’s most iconic building at Gloucester Cathedral, explore the 13th century Blackfriars Priory and take a peek inside the former church at St Michael’s Tower too.

Or head out on A Victorian Walk round Gloucester Docks; a Black and White Buildings tour of the city’s 15th century timber framed buildings; or take in the sights that inspired the beloved children’s author on a Beatrix Potter Guided Walk.

With so much to see, do and discover, don’t miss Gloucester History Festival this September 2020.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.

© SoGlos
Monday 14 September 2020