Gloucestershire history buffs can get excited, as Gloucester History Festival has announced it will return from Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 September 2021 – with an all-new, additional programme planned for Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April 2021, too.
Exploring the theme of ‘frontiers and pioneers’, the September 2021 festival will acknowledge some incredible historical anniversaries – from the collapse of the USSR 30 years ago, to the 150th birthday of vacuum cleaner inventor, Herbert Cecil Booth, who was born in Gloucester.
Celebrating the various boundaries, barriers and important figures that have shaped the course of history, the festival aims to inspire hope in visitors as they look back at the difficult times our ancestors have overcome.
And, for the first time ever, Gloucester History Festival will host a preliminary spring festival, with events taking place online in April 2021.
Giving history enthusiasts a taste of what’s to come ahead of the main event in September, the programme will include talks from special speakers including historian and adviser to Horrible Histories, Greg Jenner, and photographer Vanley Burke, as well as a historical singalong from HUM and a 360 virtual tour of Gloucester Cathedral.
It follows the success of 2020’s pioneering digital festival, which reached more people than ever on an international scale. What’s more, the September 2021 festival plans to feature online sessions, hopefully in addition to in-person events, too.
Janina Ramirez, president of Gloucester History Festival, said: ‘Engaging with history is a constant reminder, that the stories of the past help us to gain perspective and remind us to have hope through challenging times.
‘Whether we’re welcoming visitors to the history-rich Gloucester venues this autumn or virtually online, we can’t wait to share a programme that will inspire and provide something for everyone.’
The full programme and speakers will be announced later in the year.
