Gloucester City Council, alongside community and business partners, has been working hard during Covid to make sure everyone’s basic needs, like food and medical supplies, are looked after.

But, almost as importantly, we have also been supporting residents’ well-being through creative activities that entertain, connect us with friends and family, and help tackle loneliness, boredom and poor mental health.

From the poetry trail, Of Earth And Sky, to Gloucester History Festival and Gaia, the giant earth installed at the Cathedral, there have been a host of extraordinary, free events taking place across the city. Have you been involved? If not, I’d urge you to find out about the many activities happening across the city, all of which can be enjoyed in a safe, socially distanced way.

World class heritage on our doorsteps

It’s all part of Gloucester’s ambitious, ten-year Cultural Vision and Strategy, which was launched in March 2016 and is being driven forward by the Gloucester Culture Trust (GCT) charity. Our goal is to transform the city through culture, by developing and championing the world class heritage on our doorsteps and growing the local arts scene.

So much has happened since that launch nearly five years ago, with more than £2.1 million raised to bring new cultural activities and opportunities to Gloucester. And while the past eight months have been tough, as Covid dominates our daily lives and forces venues like the Guildhall to reduce their programme, it has also shown just how much support and passion there is for making Gloucester a creative city and a vibrant place to live and work. It’s also shown how much demand there is for creative, boredom-busting activities.

For example, 14 artists were commissioned by GCT to make 850 ‘art packs’ that were distributed via 13 community organisations to families and care home residents. Strike A Light, Play Gloucestershire and local community partners, such as The Venture in White City and GL4 CIC, also pulled out all the stops to bring creativity, fun and new skills to people at home.

Despite everything Covid is throwing at us, Gloucester’s cultural offer continues to go from strength to strength. Keep an eye on the Visit Gloucester website for further news about what’s happening this winter.