It’s the time of year again when the city comes alive to celebrate the lifting of the siege in Gloucester in 1643. Yes, September started with Gloucester Day! This year’s event was bigger and better than ever as we paraded through the streets of Gloucester on 3rd September. Over 1,000 people, including a band, a traditional pipe player and a Roman soldier, marched the route through Eastgate and Westgate Streets,  and, of course, saluting near the Old Bell. In true British Summertime style the weather was atrocious, but did brighten up for our parade!

As if the parade itself wasn’t remarkable enough, we also brought back an ancient tradition… as a Freeman of Gloucester I exercised my right to take livestock through the city centre and drove a small flock of sheep through the streets of Gloucester! City Farm in Tredworth kindly lent us some of their prize woolly friends who starred in their own sheepy show in the city

The Gloucester Day parade marks the start of the Gloucester History Festival, an expertly crafted event which includes 10 days of historic walks, talks and intriguing open days. You can find out which hidden gems are open to the public on the Heritage Open Days website.

Image credit: Gloucestershire Live