Go back in time as Gloucester goes retro
Back for it’s fourth year, get ready to see the gate streets of Gloucester go back in time this August bank holiday weekend.
On 25 August each city centre street will be celebrating a different by-gone era. Historic vehicles, cars, motorbikes, scooters and commercial vehicles will line the streets. Businesses, shops, restaurants, banks and public houses will all be joining in the fun by creating their own retro feel.
Westgate Street will be themed from 1900’s to 1949, Northgate Street 1950’s, Eastgate Street 1960’s and Southgate Street 1970-1980’s. Music, food and fashion will all play their part in the festival. Visitors will get also to experience special World War 1 and 2 scene displays including WW2 full size working Tank!
This award-winning free festival takes place between 10am and 5pm and visitors are being encouraged to join in and dress up for the occasion too. Photoshoots will be staged for keen photographers in each gate street to capture the creativity. Awards will be given for best dressed person, couple, group, business and vehicles in each category.
Bring your autograph books too! Four of the original cast members of the world famous sit–com ‘Allo Allo’ will be joining the festival again. Richard Gibson (Herr Flick) Kim Hartman (Helga) Guy Gibson (Gruber) and Vicky Michelle (Yvette) will be presenting prizes on the day. Local charities will be supporting the event as will Miss Gloucester, The Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Joanne Brown, and the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Howard Hyman.
The Tourist Information Centre, both museums, Shire Hall and the Guildhall will all be supporting the event. Kings Square will be turned into a dance area and host live music from Betsy Harmony and The Chord Royales.
Cllr Lise Noakes, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “The retro festival is just one of many exciting free events going on this summer, showing Gloucester is a vibrant and varied place to be. This festival is a great way for families to learn even more about the history of our fantastic city and I hope that people can come along and join the party.”
Cllr Colin Organ, cabinet member for housing and planning at Gloucester City Council is the creator of the Retro Festival; he said: “Gloucester will be living and breathing history for the day, and there will be some sights which you do not want to miss! We’ve had so much support for this event from lots of different partners, and it’s great to see everyone getting involved. I hope everybody enjoys the event!”