Gloucester BID - Business Improvement District

The Tour of Britain
2023-09-09 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Gloucester Docks, Gloucester Quays, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 5SH, United Kingdom
Stage Seven of the The Tour of Britain will be cycling throughout Gloucestershire on Saturday 9th September and will be finishing at Gloucester Docks!
There will be a number of road closures.
For more information – https://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage-seven/

Gloucester Americana Music Festival 2023
2023-09-15 - 2023-09-17 | Various venues across Gloucester City
Three days of great live Americana music in various venues around the city. More information to follow when confirmed.
Find out more here: https://www.gloucesterbid.uk/americana-festival-2023/

A Costume for Gloucester
2023-09-16 09:00 - 2023-10-15 17:00 | Gloucester Cathedral
A Costume for Gloucester is a trailblazing project, which has been put together by Voices Gloucester in collaboration with Gloucester Cathedral. Designed by locally-based costumier Katie Taylor and forming part of Threads 2023, A Costume for Gloucester celebrates the city’s diverse people, eclectic history and fascinating stories. It has been created by over 100 community stitching groups, with each embroidered section telling something about the identity of its maker.
The beautiful costume will be on display in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral between 16 September and 1 October.

Folk at the Folk Festival
2023-09-16 11:00 - 23:00 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
Folk at The Folk is back in 2023, 12 hours of action packed Folk Music, Morris Dancing and Workshops.
Come all ye! We have a day full of music, dance, workshops, talks and sing arounds.
On the 16th of September 2023 we are offering you over 25 different song, music and dance acts from around the county and beyond. There will also be talks and workshops. Entry to the main events is free but donations towards the upkeep of the Folk of Gloucester will be very welcome. For participation in workshops and talks there is a suggested donation of £5. There will be real ale and locally sourced food at the Folk of Gloucester Café.

GAWP! Art Market @ Kings Square
2023-09-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Kings Square
Come along to GAWP! Art Market this Saturday between 10am-4pm at Kings Square
There’s an exciting program of interactive and participatory artworks and inspiring national and local artists.
Giant Castle Installation + Art market stalls + Exhibition + Hunt & Darton + Cabinet of Compassion + DJ Calmify + Art Workshops + Live Painting.
We hope to see you there for lots of fun art and free ice-cream!
Brought to you by Gloucestershire Arts & Social Projects (GAS Projects), which co-creates exciting art for social change with communities.

Folk Talk and Walk: An introduction to dating timber framed buildings
2023-09-24 10:00 - 16:00
A wonderful opportunity to be guided around the timber-frame features of Blackfriar’s Priory and the Folk of Gloucester. Learn to observe how stylistic changes in timber features between the 1200s to the 1700s provides evidence for the dating timber framed buildings.
Find out more and book your tickets here.

Defib Training
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:00
The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity team will be running Defib CRP Demos and training at 40-44 King’s Walk (in between the Forum shop and The Entertainer), where people can learn how to use the public access defibs.
Session times:

12pm to 12.30pm
12.30pm to 1pm

There’s no need to book, just arrive at the venue shortly before the training session begins.

Oktoberfest 2023
2023-09-29 12:00 - 2023-10-01 17:00 | Gloucester Brewery
Oktoberfest is returning to Gloucester Brewery with a huge celebration of German beers and food.

With official festbiers imported from Munich for the weekend, live music, a German inspired BBQ and Openside Pizza on site it is set to be a weekend to remember.

Tickets are on sale now!

Emergency Services Fun Day
2023-09-30 10:00 - 15:00
Gloucester City Safe, together with Gloucestershire Police and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue are joining forces this weekend to celebrate Emergency Services Fun Day this Saturday, 30th September.
From 10am-3pm there will be activities at Gloucester Docks, near Mariners Square, including several emergency services vehicles, hear about the new Mini Police Initiative, many children’s activities, plus much more.
The Fun Day is a family event designed to support and raise awareness for the emergency services, both locally and nationally. As well as, promoting the Gloucester City’s Safe Space Scheme and raising much needed money for the Rotary@Kingsholm campaign to provide more 24/7 public access defibs in the city.
It will be a great FREE family day of fun!

Behind the Scenes Tours of the Folk of Gloucester
2023-10-05 11:00 - 12:30 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
A “Behind the Scenes” Tour of three Tudor houses “If only Walls could Talk”.
Take a trip back in time guided by the colourful characters who lived and worked in this row of Tudor houses. Immerse yourself in fascinating facts and gory stories while you explore the many rooms with a serving maid, or an undertaker, a Puritan Mayor or other larger than life characters from the past 600 years. The Tour Guides will be dressed in costume, representing a real person connected to the building.
Be one of the first to explore these houses which were closed for several years! Walk on the squeaky floorboards and smell the history!
Gloucester Civic Trust have taken over this amazing and unique row of three Tudor houses from the City Council and want to bring life back into the buildings and keep them safe for future generations.
You will also hear about our plans as this will no longer be a museum but an exhibition and events space and a centre for the local community.
Please note that the Tour takes about 90 minutes. There are many steps and staircases so this tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
The Café will be open so please come a bit early and support our efforts to keep these beautiful buildings open by buying a cup of tea or coffee before the Tour as the Introduction to the Tour usually starts here.

Gloucester Storytelling Café
2023-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
Saffy and Jane Springham are pleased to have started running a monthly Storytelling Café at The Folk. The Café is on every first Thursday of the month from 7pm for ages 14+. There will be invited guest storytellers, music and open mic every month. We want to hear all kinds of storytelling – so whether you enjoy traditional, real life, original works, narrative poems or flash fiction there will be something for everyone! Oral telling and written tales, beginners and experienced performers alike are welcome.
We’d love you to come along and join us at our future dates:
June 1st – two guest tellers Kelly bringing stories from the Romany community and Matt McCall with steampunk fables
July 6th – Open mic special! Led by Saffy and Jane and a surprise teller – bring us your fabulous stories
August 3rd – Summer special – beach hats optional!
September 7th – Storytelling with a local history flavour
October 5th – Guest storytellers – Ominous Folk of Hopeless Maine
November 2nd – Tales for the darkening season – featured teller Fiona Eadie
December 7th – Festive tales of merriment and mirth with a little Christmas “spirit”

Autumn Faery Fayre & Parade
2023-10-07 10:30 - 2023-10-08 17:00 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
We are bringing the Autumn Faeries to The Folk of Gloucester. Join us for Faery Fun at our Autumn Faery Fayre from 10.30am – 5.00pm, with free entry, on the 7th & 8th of October 2023

We will have a wonderful display of Faery related stalls including artists, plus psychic readers and healing therapies. Enjoy the magical faery fun inside the building & around the Faery Court garden. Also Visit the wonderful Folk of Gloucester full of history & wonder. There will be a Autumn Faery Trail around the venue and court gardens too

Plus, come along dressed as your favourite theme Faery anything goes from flower faery, steampunk faery, wherever your imagination takes you.

There will also be an Autumn Faery Parade on Saturday 7th, starting at 12.30pm from The Folk of Gloucester – see here for more details.

Throughout the Autumn Faery Fayre weekend, there will be a raffle to support The Folk of Gloucester throughout the day, plus tea, coffee, yummy lunches & cakes and a bar available for drinks that will be on sale provided by The Secret Garden Café.

Big City Sleepout
2023-10-07 19:00 - 2023-10-08 07:00 | Eastgate Shopping Centre
The Big City Sleepout is our way of encouraging people to spend one night of being uncomfortable and experiencing the sights, sounds and feeling of sleeping rough.
​Join us as we once again sleep out in the city centre on a Saturday night and experience the constant sounds, noises and feeling of vulnerability as you sleep outside (in a safe and secure environment).
Come and join us!

Autumn Faery Wingding
2023-10-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
Join us for our Autumn Faery Wingding Celebration at The Folk of Gloucester on Saturday 7th October 7.30pm. We have a magical evening of entertainment for you with dancing from Aziza Cheltenham Belly Dance Troupe, amazing artists ,Julia Mosley, Jessica Law, Ominous Folk & Car Dia Susan Marie Paramor.

Dress Up & sparkle in your faery wings this Autumn you won’t want to miss the magic.

Tickets Adult £20 Children £10

Visit www.divinemagicrealm.com

Gloucester Poetry Festival 2023
2023-10-12 12:00 - 2023-10-15 23:30 | Various venues across Gloucester City
Starting at the Tigers Eye Restaurant and onto The Folk of Gloucester and back again, we have poets, music and activities for all with an interest in poetry.
Join us to celebrate this October!

Local Makers Market
2023-10-18 08:00 - 17:00
Come along to our Local Makers Market and and meet local makers with their stalls full of fantastic gifts for this time of year.
A chance to meet makers and find out the inspirations behind their gifts and the little stories that make them special.
With carols and music with a possible dash of a mummers play there is so much to see and do on the day.
Our Café will be offering wintery treats and our Bar will have mulled cider so don’t miss out on the perfect way to relax and enjoy Christmas Shopping!!

Light Eternal by Luxmuralis
2023-10-19 18:15 - 2023-10-28 22:00 | Gloucester Cathedral
Light Eternal: Yesterday, Today, Forever
This autumn, you’re invited to come and experience Gloucester Cathedral like never before. Light Eternal: Yesterday, Today, Forever will take visitors on a journey that delves into the Cathedral’s 1000-year-long history, examining its breathtaking architecture and stained glass, as well as its more recent life as a famous filming location. From scripture adorning the walls of the Cloister through to choral music sheets illuminating the Quire, there will be spectacles around every corner, accompanied by a beautiful bespoke soundtrack.
The installation has been created by the world-renowned projection art gallery, Luxmuralis, which is a collaborative team combining artists from different backgrounds and disciplines. It is a brand-new show, completely unique to Gloucester Cathedral, that promises to ignite the imaginations of visitors from the moment they step inside the building.
Entry to the event is by 15 minute time slots. First entry will be at 6.15pm and last entry will be at 8.45pm, with the event ending at 10pm. We ask that you book a timed entry slot in advance, but you are welcome to stay and enjoy the installation for as long as you like! To book your ticket, please click ‘Book Now’.
General Admission:
£9.50 per adult
£6 per child (6-17 years, under 6s go free)
VIP Experience:
If you want to make your experience even more memorable, VIP tickets are available. These will give you fast-track entry to the building avoiding any queues, as well as access to the historic Tribune Gallery and Bridge Chapel which are located high above the Quire and Lady Chapel. From here, you’ll have an unparalleled, exclusive view of the installation and amazing photo opportunities with a glass of fizz or a non-alcoholic drink to complete your evening.
£20 per adult
£15 per child (6-17 years, under 6s go free)
*Please note that due to the nature of this medieval building, the Tribune Gallery can only be accessed via a narrow spiral staircase and therefore regrettably there is no level access to this VIP experience.

Find out more here – https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/light-eternal-by-luxmuralis

The Tailor of Gloucester Mouse Trail
2023-10-20 09:00 - 2023-10-21 17:00
On Friday 20 October, a new trail celebrating the publication of Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester 120 years ago, will be unveiled on Gloucester’s historic Westgate Street.

A set of ten brass plaques depicting the tailor mice, re-drawn using the original illustrations by local artist Ella Daniel Lowe, will be hidden along the high street waiting to be discovered.

Visitors will be able to pick up a trail leaflet from the Cathedral Quarter Makers Market or House of the Tailor of Gloucester Museum on 20 and 21 October to receive a prize for spotting all ten plaques.

The Mouse Trail will be a permanent installation in Westgate Street, with details available at the House of the Tailor of Gloucester in College Court.

Cathedral Quarter Maker's Market - Autumn
2023-10-20 10:00 - 2023-10-21 16:00 | Westgate Street, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NF
Following on the from the first market in August – Gloucester Business Improvement District and Catherdral Quarter are hosting another local makers market in Westgate Street on 20th & 21st of October! There will be 15 stalls offering unique and hand crafted produce, arts and crafts and produce created by skilled local people. Alongside the stalls will be street entertainment, activities, music and the community.

The stalls and activities will also add to the wonderful offering of retail, food and drink, health and beauty businesses that are situated in one of the most historical parts of Gloucester.

For this CQ Makers Market we are asking traders to theme themselves and/or produce around apples or mice! 21st October is Apple Day and there is a launch of a new trail around Gloucester.

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/826817049144665/826817059144664

Windows Through Time on Westgate Street
2023-10-20 18:00 - 2023-10-30 21:00
Windows Through Time’ is a striking light installation by renowned light artist Jack Wimperis. Huge windows will hang high above the street to highlight the amazing architecture in the wealth of historic buildings. Visitors to the street in the evenings of 20th and 21st, 6-8pm, will be able to pick up a trail leaflet from the Cathedral Quarter shop at no 21 Westgate St. The trail asks you to find 5 different types of historic windows and completed trails will receive a reward.
Take a stroll down Westgate Streets colourful past and celebrate the local architecture using light. The ‘Windows Through Time’ light installation by light artist Jack Wimperis will be on display in Westgate Street. The artist made bespoke period windows that will hang high above the street, and lighting will hi-light the amazing architecture in the wealth of historic buildings.
Jack Wimperis is based in Gloucestershire and started his career 40 years ago as a traditional stained-glass artist. He incorporated illumination into his pieces about 25 years ago and has subsequently built up a flourishing production studio producing sculptures, installations and architectural lighting design. Artist, Jack Wimperis says “It has been great to work with local business to animate Westgate Street and learn about the historic features on Westgate Street”.
Run by Gloucester City Council and funded by Historic England, Cathedral Quarter is breathing new life into Westgate Street by restoring historic buildings and bringing empty properties back into use. Gloucester Council’s HSHAZ team approached the Bright Nights to develop Windows Though Time through time to illuminate architectural features on Westgate Street buildings.
(c) Andre Pattenden

Apple Day
2023-10-21 10:00 - 16:00 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
Join the annual celebration of the Apple, Orchards and the Cider Industry at The Folk of Gloucester on Saturday 21st October.
Get a chance to taste 30 different varieties of Apples not seen in the shops. There will be Morris Dancing workshops and performances throughout the city. Children’s activities supported by Gloucester City Council. Plus so much more!!

Halloween Trail at Gloucester Quays
2023-10-21 10:00 - 2023-11-03 20:00 | Gloucester Quays
Take part in our Halloween Trail – 21st October – 3rd November ????

Have you seen Ralph the werewolf? ????

Start your hunt with the Halloween trail book* located at the customer service desk.

Ralph and his friends are hiding around Gloucester Quays.

Find them all and you will receive a bag of goodies and a chance to win a £50 GQ Gift Card & a Hotel Chocolat bundle*

Happy hunting!

*£1 Cash Donation to our chosen charity the Pied Piper Appeal.

Buttons, Badges and Blazers
2023-10-21 10:00 - 2023-12-31 15:00 | Museum Of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1TH, United Kingdom
Step into a world where fabrics tell stories!
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Gloucester’s vibrant history, meticulously woven into fabric! Join us at the Museum of Gloucester for our extraordinary exhibition, Buttons, Badges and Blazers, generously funded by the Arts Council England.
Chosen from the city’s collection of 4,500 costumes, Gloucester’s past is unveiled like never before. Delve into the hidden narratives that highlight the city’s evolution, from the 16th to the 20th century.
At the heart of this showcase are uniforms that stand as witness to history. These garments connect us to famous individuals, forgotten organisations, and familiar landmarks, shedding light on the social changes in our city. Through these textiles, we trace the progress of society across gender, politics and wealth.
Prominent pieces on display include iconic pieces such as 16th century judicial robes, robes worn by the first female magistrate as well as uniforms of police officers, prison wardens, water bailiffs and midwives. The exhibition also includes school uniforms, offering a glimpse into the city’s educational legacy, as well as scout ensembles that reflect the vibrancy of Gloucester’s youth organisations. We are particularly excited to exhibit two rugby caps recently restored showcasing the city’s sporting heritage.
Through the centuries, textiles have mirrored shifts in gender roles, political landscapes, and economic structures. Experience the profound impact of fabric on our lives, as we showcase this intricate collection.
Image: Coachman’s Uniform © 2023 Paul Nicholls Photography

BIG PUB PUSH
2023-10-21 11:00 - 2023-10-29 23:00 | Various venues across Gloucester City
Pubs are so much more than just, well, pubs! They are support for many, a place to socialise, meet, have fun and enjoy.
Many of the Gloucester pubs will host various events through out the week, from quizzes to brewing sessions.
Celebrating pubs between 21st-29th October 2023.
To celebrate this week we have partnered with Gloucester Civic Trust to bring you the opportunity to learn more about the history of pubs and inns in Gloucester. The highly popular guided walk ‘The Story of Gloucester’s Pubs and Inns’ will be running three times over this week. Tickets are only £7, guided walk lasts about 75 mins and full of super information.
Sunday 22nd October 12:00 Tuesday 24th October 2.00pm & Saturday 28th October 11am.

Elements: 50th Anniversary of hip hop
2023-10-27 10:00 - 2023-11-04 21:00
Gloucester Guildhall celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop this autumn with a takeover from associate artists Your Next Move and guest artists, The Breaking League.
Honouring the roots of hip hop, Elements will celebrate all aspects of the genre from graffiti to breaking, cinema to dj-ing. Expect an epic line up of jams, battles workshops and masterclasses from internationally renowned dancers and artists.

King's Feast
2023-10-28 11:00 - 19:00 | Kings Square
Brand new pop-up street food event incoming! King’s Feast Gloucester hits King’s Square in the city centre.

Amazing food trucks, bars, coffee and baked treats, with DJs and relaxed vibes under a cool stretch tent. Free entry.

Find out more on the Kings Feast Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/kingsfeastglos

Halloween 'Spooktacular' Event
2023-10-28 12:00 - 16:00 | Eastgate Market, 1 The Forum, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 1XN, United Kingdom
Come join us for our Halloween Event at Eastgate Market

Face painting
Treats and maybe tricks
Wear your spooky costumes
Halloween trail
Photos with Jack Skellington and Sally
Plus, so much more!

It would be deadly to miss it!!

Halloween Ball
2023-10-28 17:00 - 23:00 | The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG, United Kingdom
A festival of all things spooky
The Halloween Ball is a festival of all things spookaliscious with themed food and drink, vintage cinema, traditional sweet shop, face painting, glitter tattoos and seasonal games such as apple bobbing.
There will be a photo area and chill-out board gaming zone not to mention scare and character actors, storytellers, live music and a cheesy disco with the best costume competition!
Activities are all included in the ticket price of £15, group and concession prices are available, under 12 yrs go free.
Themed food and drinks can be purchased on the night, Autumn Tea, hot dogs and jacket potatoes, sweet shop, frothy coffee, themed teas, creepy cocktails and monstrous mocktails including a potion lab drinks for the kids. And of course, snacks for film watching!
Join us from 5pm to 11pm at The Folk of Gloucester on the 28th of October 2023.
The Folk is an atmospheric ancient wooden framed building that is reportedly haunted!! What a perfect space to celebrate the season!

There's a Tiger in the Garden
2023-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2HN, United Kingdom
Bored at home with nothing to do, Nora is sent out to play in the garden in search of a tiger. Have your imaginations at the ready as our story unfolds and we see Nora’s world grow around her.
Following sold out, highly acclaimed tours, Flock Theatre Makers will be bringing their musical-theatre adaptation of Lizzy Stewart’s award-winning children’s book ‘There’s a Tiger in the Garden’ to Blackfriars Priory this Autumn.
Using puppetry, imaginative design and music – audiences are invited to join Nora as she discovers dragonflies as big as her head, plants that can eat you (and your toy giraffe) whole, a polar bear that likes fishing and maybe, just maybe, a tiger in the garden. Exploring the power of the imagination, we invite families to follow Nora as she discovers the wonders hidden beyond the shrubbery. Come and enjoy the brilliance of this story brought to life.
Working closely with the author, this much loved book has been turned into a theatre piece which promises fun for all the family.
The café will be open before the show for snacks and drinks. Only food and drink purchased on the premises may be consumed onsite.
The show will last approximately 45 minutes, with 15 minutes at the end for children to meet the puppets. The show timings are 11am and 2:30pm.
All tickets £12.50.

Gloucester Quays Winter Markets
2023-11-04 10:00 - 18:00 | Gloucester Quays
The Winter Markets return this year with a fabulous range of festive gifts, locally produced foodie products, delicious street food and pop-up bars.

Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 90 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region for you to experience and enjoy. Every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, from 4th & 5th November to 16th & 17th December, the Winter Markets will be the perfect place to find that unique gift for friends and loved ones, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a day out for the whole family.

For those who enjoy the monthly Orchard St Markets, many regular traders will be there with seasonal specials, plus lots of new companies bringing their artisan crafts, gift, homewares, Christmas decorations and essential foodie products for the festive dinner table.

Entry to the market is free and with so much to see, try, taste and buy, you really will have the perfect day out!
