Gloucester Day Returns to celebrate city’s history

The popular annual event commemorates the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 and aims to boost pride in the city, encouraging visitors and residents to find out more about its colourful past.

Gloucester Day is organised by Gloucester town crier Alan Myatt and supported by Gloucester City Council, and Gloucester Civic Trust.

This year’s celebration will begin at 9.45am at Gloucester Cross, where local organisations, community groups and charities will all be hosting stalls.

The first parade, led by the Mock Mayor of Barton, starts at 11am and will process from Constitution Walk, through Queens Walk to Gloucester Cross, then to Westgate before heading to Northgate Street and on to Southgate Street.

There will be the traditional comic meeting between the Mock Mayor of Barton who this year will be Viva O’Flynn, secretary of the Gloucester Filipino Association and the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Ashley Bowkett.

A different person is chosen to play the mock mayor each year and its origins date back to King Charles II. The role is awarded to those who have done good work in the community.

The parade will then depart at midday for a Thanksgiving Day service at St Mary De Crypt. At 2pm it will again make its way through the city led by the Mayor of Gloucester along with the Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Linda Castle, in full Civic Regalia.

At 4pm there will be a costumed 1643 civil war demonstration of Musketry at the Folk of Gloucester where the audience can expect to hear some big bangs. The Folk bar will also be open for refreshments. 

Alan Myatt, Gloucester town crier, said: “Gloucester Day is an organic catalyst and celebration of everything that is good and positive in this great city of ours.”

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Gloucester Day helps make our city the unique and special place it is. Originally Gloucester Day celebrated the lifting of the siege in 1643, but it lapsed over the decades. Thanks to Alan Myatt and his volunteers, Gloucester Day was reborn. Do come to Gloucester and bring the family. The kids will enjoy it especially the parades.” 

Gloucester Day takes place as part of Gloucester History Festival, which runs until 21 September and promises a packed programme of historical events and talks from historians and celebrities. More information at the Gloucester History Festival website Gloucester History Festival - bringing unique History to life