Join in the celebrations as the City comes together to commemorate an important time in the history of Gloucester, writes Martin Kirby.
Gloucester Day is an annual celebration of the time in 1643, when the City stood against the full might of King Charles I and his army, suffering 26 days of constant pounding until September 5, when the siege was lifted – hence Gloucester becoming known as “The City saved by God”.
The modern celebration of Gloucester Day is organised by Town Crier Alan Myatt and is supported by Gloucester City council and Gloucester Civic Trust. It is a free event and centres on a large parade that will make its way through the four Gate Streets, led by the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Ashley Bowkett, and the Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Linda Castle, in full Civic Regalia.
Also in attendance will be the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Julie Kent MBE and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Richard Bradley.
The parade includes veterans of the armed forces along with cadets, representatives of the emergency services and charitable organisations, historical re-enactors and many others, all marching proudly through the city.
The fun kicks off at 11.00 am on Saturday September 6, with the Mayor of Barton’s parade which culminates with the Mock Mayor of Barton meeting the City’s official Mayor – always a fun and cheeky encounter.
This year Viva O’Flynn, secretary of the Gloucester Filipino Association has been chosen to be the Mock Mayor. Viva hails from Manila in The Philippines and is an integral member of the local Filipino community as well as being something of an entrepreneur in her own right.
The origins of the mock mayor date back to King Charles II and a different person is chosen to play the role each year. Originally it was bestowed on the person considered to have made the biggest fool of themselves but these days it’s given to those who have done good work in the community.
Following on from the Mayor of Barton’s parade in the morning, the Gloucester Day celebration starts with the big parade at 2.00pm and continues through the afternoon with street entertainment, culminating with a Civil War demonstration and ‘Big Bangs’ event at The Folk in Westgate Street at 4.00pm.
It’s free and it’s fun for all, so don’t miss it!
