Summer in Gloucester

Blackfriars Priory Tours Every Sunday till 28 August The best preserved medieval Dominican priory in Britain, built in the 13th century on the site of Gloucester's Norman castle. The tour visits the church, dormitory, and the school or scriptorium where the friars were trained for their preaching mission. Private tours by arrangement \| Meet at Priory at 3pm prompt \| £3.50 Adults/ £3 English Heritage members/ Children free
Gloucester Quays Food Festival Friday 22 - Sunday 24 July A brand new major event for the city, featuring top TV chefs Gino D’Acampo and James Martin hosting cooking demos, food and drink masterclasses, fresh local produce, tasting areas and stands and live music and entertainment at the Gloucester Quays Outlet Centre and Historic Docks.
Beach In The Park Friday 22 July-Friday 5 August Following its huge success in 2009 and 2010, the seaside comes back to Gloucester Park with a real beach, sandcastle competitions and lots of fun. Play in the sand, lounge in the deckchairs, enjoy drinks and snacks...oh, we do like to be beside the seaside – even though the sea’s over 35 miles away!
Family Funfair in the Park Friday 22 July-Sunday 7 August From the biggest and best new white-knuckle thrill machines to traditional children’s rides, from side-shows and arcades to toffee apples and candy floss, Bob Wilson’s internationally renowned travelling funfair brings the park to life with laughter, screams and smiles all round. Opening Times: Sunday - Thursdays from 2pm – 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 2pm – 11pm. Big Saver Tuesdays: all rides £1 (Tuesdays 20 + 27 July)* *Not valid in conjunction with any other offer
Gloucester Carnival Procession 2011 Saturday 23 July Gloucester’s community carnival procession celebrates its 75th birthday this year! Expect wonderful costumes, floats, performances, music and surprises. Local schools, community groups, clubs, dance troupes and individuals all come together for this colourful city-wide celebration. The procession leaves the park at 3.30pm.
Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival Saturday 23-Sunday 31 July Gloucester’s Blues Festival has become something of a summer institution for blues and live music aficionados. The festival offers up free gigs in venues, bars and open air spaces around the city.
Hillfield Swings: The Big Band Are Back! Friday 29 July, Hillfield Gardens, London Road By popular demand the Big Band are back at Hillfield Gardens under the direction of Music Maestro Andy Loveridge. Come enjoy the splendour of the gardens while an 18 piece band romps through classics from Glenn Miller, Count Basie and many more. Also, the Folk Museum Tearooms are on tour so come and say hello and try the lovely food on offer!
The Rise and Fall of Gloucester Spa Saturday 30 July, St. Michael’s Tower A fascinating and entertaining talk by Nick Rowles of Gloucester Civic Trust. Includes and exhibition of old Gloucester Park and Spa photos Why not bring along your own park/spa memories and share them. £3 tickets / Call 01452 526955 or email info@gloucestercivictrust.org
Community Day In The Park Saturday 30 July A free day of family fun in the park, including community stalls and a car pull in aid of The Pied Piper Appeal.
Gloucester City Museum opens August After the million pound transformation Gloucester City Museum will be re-opening its doors in August with a brand new experience for all the family. Highlights include dressing up as a Roman or even a Celt. You will be able to touch, feel and smell Gloucester’s past in a Roman kitchen or medieval street. Make discoveries in the investigation lab, play games in the toys and games zone or even get up close and personal with some surprising dinosaurs. From giant ice age beasts to golden treasures, you will be amazed at what you find so why not come and see Gloucester’s heritage in a fresh new light!
Festival Firework Spectacular in the Park Saturday 6 August, Gloucester Park In Association with Heart 102.4 / Sponsored by Bob Wilson’s Funfairs Gloucester City Council and Heart present the Festival Firework Finale... Come and enjoy Heart’s alfresco zone, the funfair and listen to some Club Classics before one of the UK’s best free firework displays. Using the latest digital technology the show is all set to music and featuring the most spectacular pyrotechnics you’ll see anywhere. Entertainment from 8pm, Fireworks at 9.30pm \| Free Entry
Cavaliers v Roundheads Saturday 6 August, St. Michael’s Tower You're taken back to 1643 with Captain Curzon during the Siege of Gloucester. Prisoners, Pistols and Pigs - this lecture has it all! £3 tickets \| Call 01452 526955 or email info@gloucestercivictrust.org
Jamaican Independence Day Kite Festival Sunday 7 August, Gloucester Park Come and experience a little bit of Jamaica in Gloucester Park at the fourth annual kite festival! Enjoy a professional kite flying display, special kite making activities for kids, DJs, games, food and lots more. Organised by the Black Elders Day Centre in association with Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Housing Association. 12noon – 8pm \| Free entry
Gloucester Tall Ships Festival Friday 26-Sunday 28 August The city’s award-winning Tall Ships Festival returns! Combining stunning Tall Ships, a flotilla of smaller boats and watercraft, live music and entertainment, family activities, craft market stalls, funfair attractions and great food and drink, the festival is a favourite with visitors and locals alike.
History Festival Saturday 3-Sunday 11 September From the Gloucester parade to a BBC sponsored ‘Living History’ event launching the brand new City Museum, talks and tours of the city including Blackfriars, family craft activities and access into Gloucester’s hidden historic treasures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Gloucester Day Celebrations Saturday 3 September Take to the city streets and celebrate all things Gloucester with this traditional parade and fun activities for all the family. Gloucester Day celebrations date all the way back to the 17th century and our city’s role in the English Civil War, with the date marking the end of the siege of Gloucester in 1643.
Heritage Open Days Thursday 8-Sunday 11 September Gloucester plays its part in nationwide Heritage Open Days celebrations and in doing so offers up one of the biggest free heritage events in England. Don’t miss this chance to explore historic buildings in the city, discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities.
Underground Festival Saturday 24-Sunday 25 September, Gloucester Guildhall The second year of Gloucester Guildhall’s emerging music festival, bringing the best up and coming bands from the UK to the City for one awesome weekend of free music! 12 noon – Midnight \| Free entry \| Full lineup online