Exciting year for Gloucester

The cultural and creative feast is kicked off by the return of Bright Nights this month, which last year attracted thousands of visitors with its series of international artworks that lit up the city's streets.

Backed by partners across Gloucester including the city council and Gloucester BID, new commissions include Luma, a giant interactive robot snail who will be at Gloucester Cathedral on February 18 - 19 February and an illuminated swimming experience at GL1 inspired by the paintings of Philip Rothko. The festival will run until March.

May will see the much anticipated launch event celebrating the opening of Kings Square following its £5 million transformation to upgrade it and turn it into a world class events space.

The event will also mark 50 years since it was originally completed and opened to the public in 1972.

This time around the launch will feature a stunning performance combining the water fountains, the square’s state of the art lighting as well as music and will be one of a number of activities planned for the space which is set to host events throughout the year.

Another highlight of Gloucester’s calendar will be the Tall Ships Festival, making a welcome return to Gloucester Docks and joining in the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend on June 3 - 5. Alongside it the city will welcome the Sea Shanty festival with performers taking to the streets that will be decorated specially for the jubilee.

Also as part of the celebration of 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a beacon will be lit on Robinswood Hill on June 2 as part of a UK-wide event.

Other dates for the diary include the ever popular Gloucester Goes Retro festival, which will return on August 27 and see the streets of Gloucester abuzz with vintage vehicles and costumed characters.

And the History Festival another jewel in Gloucester’s Crown will also be back in September with a bumper programme along with Kings Jam organised by The Music Works in its new home of Gloucester Park after its success in the new venue last year.

Other key events and festivals include Gloucester Day as well as City Voices, the Jamaican Independence Day and the Tredworth Street Party to name but a few.

Councillor Andy Lewis, cabinet member for Culture and Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be announcing such a fantastic programme of events and in particular welcoming back The Tall Ships and the opening of Kings Square. Gloucester is known for its events and we are really excited to be welcoming people back with such a great offering and truly something for everyone.”