City all set to celebrate Gloucester Day

The annual celebration is organised by Gloucester’s town crier Alan Myatt and supported by Gloucester City Council.

The long standing event is intended to boost pride in the city and encourage interest in its colourful past.

This year’s celebration will begin at 9.45am at Gloucester Cross, where local organisations, community groups and charities will be setting up stalls.

The first parade, led by the Mock Mayor of Barton, starts at 11 am and will process from Constitution walk, through Queens Walk to Gloucester Cross, then down Westgate over to Northgate St, into St Aldate Street to arrive in Kings Square.

In the square there will be the traditional comic meeting of the Mock Mayor of Barton and the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Kathy Williams, at a ceremony attended by Richard Graham MP.

The parade will then depart for a Thanksgiving Day service at midday at St Mary De Crypt. Then at 2pm the parade will again make its way through the city led by the Mayor accompanied by the Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Justin Hudson, in full Civic Regalia.

The event is intended to remember the original Gloucester Day celebration, which marked the lifting of the siege of Gloucester in 1643 and was celebrated annually for centuries, hence Gloucester becoming known as “The City saved by God”.

Alan said: “I love history and I enjoy these occasions when I can assimilate, communicate and participate in these events.”

Cllr Andrew Lewis, Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This is a fantastic event that really celebrates our beautiful and historic city. I would encourage as many people as possible to come out a support the parade which really is a unique part of our heritage.”

Gloucester MP Richard Graham said: ““This year’s Gloucester Day’s Mock Mayor making and speeches will be in Kings Square for the first time since Alan Myatt brought back the tradition in 2009. Gloucester Day 2023 rightly recognises our city’s enormous investment not just in Kings Square, but also The Forum, our first ever 4 star hotel, more parking and accommodation and an exciting hi tech centre - all alongside the stunning new University of Gloucestershire City Campus in the ex-Debenhams. All backed by government Levelling Up Funds.

“What all of this symbolises is a spirit of resilience, commitment and can do - exactly how Gloucester avoided disaster and destruction in August 1643 and how Gloucester Hartpury won the Premier trophy earlier this Summer. This is Gloucester and our Day to celebrate”.

Any local organisations, community groups or charities who would like to organise a stall should contact Alan Myatt at alanmyatt@blueyonder.co.uk