20 must visit events for 2020
Gloucester Folk Trail
21-23 February
£Free
For the third year running Gloucester Folk Trail is back and better than ever for 2020. You can expect over 60 live performances from both local and national artists across 16 venues in the city. As well as folk music join in with storytelling sessions, art and craft workshops, talks and Morris dancing! Plan your very own trail with the official programme which is available at the Tourist Information Centre and all participating venues.
The Severn Bore
Video credit Jason Potter on YouTubeMarch, April, September and October
£FREE
A rural beauty of Gloucester, the longest wave in the UK- the Severn Bore is a fascinating natural wonder with a tidal range of up to 15 metres. There are many places you can see the bore along the path of the River Severn, watch out for 4 and 5 star bores over this year.
Residents’ Weekend
27-29 March
£Free
Explore, enjoy and experience Gloucester with lots of offers and plenty of ways to discover more of the city and a way of saying thank you to Gloucester residents. This will be the ninth year the popular 3-day event will be happening, a great opportunity to earn rewards and get offers at local shops, eateries and businesses through the city’s GL Card scheme and MI Rewards points card.
Learn more – GL Card – MI Rewards
Gloucester Brew Week
30 March – 4 April
£Free
Seven days of celebrating brews- from a cup of coffee to a nice cold ale, this event is suitable for all tastes, whatever your beverage of choice. This spring is an exciting time to be in the city with Gloucester’s first ever brew week happening. A host of local cafes and restaurants will be getting involved including Café Rene, The Cavern, Brewhouse and Kitchen (to name a few) and Gloucester Brewery of course.
City of Gloucester 10k
Sunday 5th April
£26 (standard entry plus booking fee)
This year the City of Gloucester 10K will be held on a traffic free route running through our scenic City Centre. A ‘fast and flat 10K run’ the run focuses on health and lifestyle – making it an event for all running abilities whether it’s charity, recreational, club or elite! As well as the 10K run there will also be a 2K, 3K and wheelchair 10K happening.
Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling
Monday 25th May
£Free
Watchers descend from all over the world to see contestants recklessly tumble down to catch the hefty 8lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese up for grabs. A traditional and world-famous sporting event held on Cooper’s Hill, the annual cheese rolling event is definitely one to tick off your bucket list.
Gloucester Fake Festival
Saturday 9th May
£27.50 (Adult)
Come together with the rest of the community of Gloucester for a family friendly day packed with music at Gloucester park. You’ll be able to listen to some great live bands including the 6 top UK tribute bands who will perform in styles such as Queen, P!NK, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many more!
CAMRA Gloucester Beer and Cider Festival
Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th May
£6 Entry
Returning for the 8th year running the Beer and Cider Festival by CAMRA is a weekend full of food and drink at the gorgeous Blackfriars. There will be various entertainment on throughout the weekend including ‘Better Than We Look’ who will be coming back again this year.
The Magic of Middle Earth
June – September
£TBA
Debuting at The Museum of Gloucester this summer, this new, never seen before exhibition, celebrates the incredible fantasy, secondary world of Middle Earth, skilfully brought to life by JRR Tolkien and the generations of writers, artists, environmentalists, musicians, film makers, and game designers (among many others) it has influenced…The Magic Of Middle Earth will enchant visitors young and old, in a landscape that inspired Tolkien himself, to discover a magical treasure trove of rare books, objects, music, film, costumes, artworks and much, much more. Join us for interactive family fun for all ages - from little halflings to wizened wizards, at museum this Summer 2020...
Outdoor VR Dance
26-27 June
£Free
Put on you VR headset this summer and become immersed in an outer space experience in the centre of the green, Matson Estate. The virtual reality ‘dancing shadows’ experience uses the latest technology in VR enabling a virtual world collaboration where you can experience being both a dancer and watch! This is a GL4 event, in partnership with Strike a Light.
Barn on the Farm Festival
2nd – 5th July
£Book Here
This festival brings new music closer with the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Bay, Ben Howard, Hozier, George Ezra, Bastille, Jack Garratt, Rag 'N' Bone taking to the barn floor in years passed. The independent festival is one that hosts a range of future award-winning artists before the wildfire spreads. Keep an eye out for the line-up, this summer music festival is one you don't want to miss out on.
Little Mix/ Westlife at Kingsholm
Thursday 9/ Sunday 12 July
£Book Here
Come and see Jesy, Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade at our very own Kingsholm stadium. The girl band are renowned for their pop music that has topped charts since 2011 on their x factor debut. The girls will be bringing their positive energy and sass as they take to the stage in July, see you there Mixers!
They’re bringing a world of their own to Gloucester, the much-loved Irish boyband will be performing in July. Dreamed of seeing Westlife perform in Gloucester? What about now? You’re guaranteed to feel like you’re flying without wings!
Gloucester Roof Top Festival
Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th July
£Pay what you like
Imagine sitting on the grass as the sun is setting with live music, food, drinks and a breathtaking view looking down over Gloucester. This unique, four-day event will be jam-packed full of evening performances including DJs, dance and singing from local hip hop, funk and afrobeat artists and established performers.
Gloucester Quays Food Festival
24th – 26th July
£Free Entry
Fancy a food-filled weekend? Take a trip to Gloucester Quays this summer for a 3-day showcasing of the very best local cuisine, food samples and live cookery demonstrations. Rosemary Shrager, Candice Brown and the Herbert brothers to name a few have previously graced the festival with their presence. For an indulgent few days of delicious local produce this is not one you foodies will want to miss.
King’s Jam Festival
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August
From £5
A festival honouring hip hop and urban culture showcasing the art, music and dance talent in Gloucester. Engaging a local and national audience the festival focuses on innovating change within their community, increasing diversity through art and audience engagement.
Battle of Britain 80th Anniversary
August- September
£Free
Visit the Jet Age Museum to learn all about the Battle of Britain at the two-month long exhibition to commemorate the 80th Anniversary. You’ll be able to see how Gloucestershire were involved in the battle. As well as this the museum boasts plenty of knowledgeable volunteers and astonishing exhibitions on show including Britain’s first jet and the UK’s first jet fighter. Suitable for all ages this is a perfect opportunity for a family day out with free entry and parking.
Pride in Gloucestershire
Saturday 12th September
£Free
Everyone is invited to attend Pride which will be held in Gloucester Park this year celebrating the LGBTQ+ community of Gloucestershire. A newly established event in the city, the day starts of with a procession through Gloucester followed by a party in the park.
Gloucester History Festival & Heritage Open Days
5-20 September
£Free
This year’s festival will celebrate Gloucester’s US Connections including the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower from the UK to America and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. The theme is Voyagers and Visionaries.
It’s also Heritage Open Days from Friday 11 – Monday 14 September
Discover secret gems in your own city as volunteers unlock the world of Gloucester’s hidden heritage. In past years we have been underneath King’s Walk, inside the Fleece and even in aircrafts at the jet age museum. There will be lots of places in Gloucester to uncover, see for yourself in September.
More Information
Frightmare
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Throughout October
£More info
Pushing the boundaries of human emotion, the fear sparking fun Frightmare will be a major Halloween attraction this October. Think adrenaline inducing, terror triggering attractions including the killing booth, haunted hayride and everything to bring your worst dreams and best nightmares to life.
Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market & Ice Rink
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19– 29 November / 3 January 2021
£Free entry
Browse locally produced food, drink, and bespoke gifts, find something different for your loved ones this Christmas and enjoy tasty treats. As well as all the indulgences on offer, there will also be entertainment from cheeky Victorian characters who will be wandering about, as well as Christmas carols and vintage fairground rides. Enjoy a skate around on real ice in Orchard Square at Gloucester Docks.
The open-air ice rink is the ultimate winter wonderland experience and an exciting way to embrace the winter season. The rink supplies cute and colourful skate aids for children and adults making it a suitable activity for all abilities! After a skate around, tuck into some rink-side refreshments, including hot drinks, food, mulled wine, beer. What a great way to keep active over the festive period.
Disclaimer: All dates were accurate at the time of going to press. Events may be subject to change, please check the dates with the organiser closer to the time.
