After its own pioneering online-only event in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Gloucester History Festival is returning to in-person events in the city this autumn – with the theme of frontiers and pioneers.
The festival celebrates battles, inventions, advancements and new discoveries from as far back as Anglo-Saxon times, right up to the modern day and the achievements of computing genius, Alan Turing.
Taking place from Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 September 2021, the festival sees the welcome return of Blackfriars Talks, including the likes of Dermot Turing exploring the legacy of his pioneering uncle; bestselling author Sarah Gristwood discussing love and marriage in the Tudor age; V&A director, Tristram Hunt, discussing his forthcoming biography of pottery pioneer, Josiah Wedgewood; and TV presenter and historian, Marc Morris taking visitors back to the Anglo-Saxon beginnings of England.
There are also several events at the iconic Gloucester Cathedral, the Museum of Gloucester, Discover DeCrypt and more, as well as guided walks around the city.
The award-winning City Voices programme is hosting a diverse variety of events, showcasing the stories and contributions of Gloucester’s communities – including an exhibition from four artists being mentored by esteemed photographer Vanley Burke.
The event will also incorporate Gloucester’s Heritage Open Days, giving visitors a rare and unique chance to step inside some of the city’s oldest and most interesting buildings – from The Fleece Undercroft and St Michael’s Tower, to the Mariners Chapel and the SULA Lightship.
And the much loved Gloucester Day, led by the Town Crier, Alan Myatt, with fun activities to bring the community together and celebrate the end of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643.
For more information, see Gloucester History Festival.
