Gloucester Day

Gloucester Day is a modern commemoration of the raising of the Siege of Gloucester in  on 5th September 1643, as a result of which the Parliamentarian town became known as “The City Saved by God” ; the event was revived in 2009. As well as the commemoration, Gloucester Day is intended to celebrate the heritage and history of the city and its culture and there are two parades on the day. The first is the Mock Mayor of Barton’s Parade which includes a sword bearer, town crier and a silver band who all accompany the new Mock Mayor of Barton to meet the real city civic party for a ceremony near St Michael’s Tower. The Mock Mayor sometimes uses a rickshaw or other method as their preferred mode of transport- in 2021 it was a stop-me-and-buy-one tricycle which reflected the new Mayor’s links to the local ice-cream making industry- and a traditional “Up Yours” raised finger salute will be taken (if you join in make sure you use the correct finger – you don’t want to cause offence!). The Gloucester Day Parade in the afternoon contains many of the participants from the earlier procession with the addition of further bands, drums, historical re-enactors, a bellman, the Royal British Legion, veterans with their medals and more. It’s not often you get two parades on the same day in the same city! There are also stalls around the main streets and a special church service between the parades.

Helpful Hints

All are welcome and admission is free.

In 2024 it should be on Saturday 7th September. (to be confirmed). Check out the Facebook page (below) for updates.

Click here for Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloucesterhistoryfestival

Click here for the event website:http://gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk

Many thanks to Ross Parish for drawing may attention to this event – click here to read his first-hand account : http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/?s=gloucester