The annual Gloucester Day celebration takes place this year on Saturday 7th September.

The event, which commemorates the 1643 Siege of Gloucester, was restarted a decade ago by Town Crier and passionate Gloucestrian Alan Myatt.

“Gloucester Day is when we celebrate everything positive about the city,” he explained.

“I resurrected the event around the time of the financial crash, to lift morale in the city and celebrate it’s huge role in history.”

The Siege of Gloucester happened over 350 years ago during the First English Civil War, when Gloucester, who had sided with Parliament, held off against Royalist forces.

Years later, when Charles II returned to the throne, he commanded Gloucester to tear down its walls, and reduced the city’s boundaries, leaving the area of Barton outside the city.

The residents of Barton then decided to appoint their own ‘Mock Mayor’, a tradition which has been renewed for Gloucester Day.

“I have been personally involved with the Mock Mayor making for nearly 35 years,” said Alan.

“The Mock Mayor has their own parade where they are ‘inaugurated’, and then meet the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester.”

Originally the villages biggest fool was anointed Mock Mayor, however nowadays the honour goes to a Gloucester local who has done good work for the community.

Following the Mayor of Barton’s parade, the main Gloucester Day Parade gets underway at 2pm, with hundreds of participants taking to the streets.

Alan continued: “The parade is made up of all different people with a connection to Gloucester.

“We always welcome veterans – whether they served in Gloucester or live here, and all types of local community groups.”

The day will feature live music and entertainment from local groups, and there will also be stalls from local charities and organisations lining the streets – including us here at The Local Answer.

Gloucester Day also marks the beginning of the Gloucester History Festival, a two week-long programme of talks, workshops, performances and tours of historic buildings which are often closed to the general public.

For more information about Gloucester Day contact Alan Myatt on 07973 472896 or email him at alanmyatt@blueyonder.co.uk