GLOUCESTER DAY 2011
Saturday 3 September
Gloucester’s ten day historical celebration begins with the well established Gloucester Day, led by the larger than life character of Alan Myatt, the city’s Town Crier. Gloucester Day celebrates the lifring of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, as it combines with the official re-opening of the new look City Museum and Art Gallery and a day of fun, hands-on living history activities for all ages, sponsored by the BBC. Lots of fun for all ages!
The Mock Mayor of Barton’s Parade
When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660 following the English Civil War, he punished Gloucester for supporting Cromwell by reducing the city boundaries (as well as knocking down our walls!). This left Barton outside the city boundaries and not under the control of the Gloucester Mayor. They then elected a ‘mock mayor’ to poke fun at Gloucester. This tradition has been revived in recent years and the Mock Mayor of Barton is one of only a few left in England. The parade is led by the real Mayor and Sherriff of Gloucester, plus Mock Mayor, Consorts and Town Crier, plus historical characters, marching bands and performers.
Parade Timetable
11am: Parade starts in Eastgate Street close to Boots the Chemist, travels up to the Cross, right into Northgate Street, right into The Oxbode and into Kings Square.
11.20am: Mock Mayor Making Ceremony and Mini Tattoo in Kings Square
11.40am: Parade travels through Kings Walk Shopping Centre, right into Eastgate Street, left at the Cross into Southgate Street and to St Mary de Crypt Church.
12noon: Gloucester Day thanksgiving service at St Mary de Crypt Church
2.00pm: Parade departs from Constitution Walk (behind City Museum) turning right into Greyfriars Walk to St Mary de Crypt Church, right into Southgate Street, over the Cross into Northgate St, left into St John’s Lane, following the ‘Via Sacra’ to the Cathedral, left into College Street, left into Westgate Street and back over the Cross into Eastgate Street, right into Brunswick Road and ending at the City Museum and Art Gallery, in time for its grand re-opening at 2.45pm.
Parade will then make its way to Brunswick Baptist Church for a reception..