This year’s Gloucester History Festival starts on Saturday 1st September with the traditional Gloucester Day celebrations which commemorate a key event in the town’s history.

In 1643 the City had been under siege by Royalist forces since 10th August. The parliamentarians were eventually rescued after forces led by the Earl of Essex came to their rescue. The Royalists took to the hills and on 5th September, Gloucester was freed.

Gloucester Day, as it has become known, is celebrated annually with colourful parades throughout the streets. Alan Myatt, the official town crier for Gloucester, plays a big part in the annual celebrations and says the importance of Gloucester Day cannot be underestimated. He said: “Gloucester Day is a wonderful event, a time when everyone can come together and celebrate the great history of our city. The event is designed to install and promote pride in our historic city by creating interest in its rich heritage and colourful past. Gloucester Day has such a positive effect on the city, local businesses see a marked increase in trade, and town folk can enjoy what is always one of the best days in the calendar.”

One of the key events of the day is the main parade, when the streets of Gloucester are full of people celebrating. Alan continued: “The parade commences at 2pm through the four main gated streets and is led by the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester, in full Civic Regalia. There will be a reception at Brunswick Baptist Church, Southgate Street, after the parade, where hopefully the citizens of Gloucester new and old will come together and take the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.

“Another important aspect to the day is all the various stalls that line the streets of the town centre. There will be charity stalls, commercial ones and stalls run by local community groups. It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to engage with the local community and support the various stall holders.

“It was ten years ago – straight after the financial crash – that myself and various Gloucester residents got together with the aim of reforming Gloucester Day. It was always a day in the calendar that meant so much to the city, it’s great that the people of Gloucester have been able to support it and bring it back to its former glory.”