As the summer holidays have begun, August brings a wide range of amazing events to Gloucester! From the famous Gloucester Goes Retro and the 'roarsome' pride of Lions we are hosting for the Lions at Large Trail, through to exhibitions, the incredible Weight of Water display in the docks, and family fun days. So from Lions to Moomins, from Rugby Events to Crafts, from Retro Cars through to Music and Madness, there really is something for everyone!
Gloucester Goes Retro
23 August
Gloucester Goes Retro is returning for its 10th anniversary on Saturday 23rd August 2025!
One of the highlights of the city’s vibrant festival calendar, Gloucester Goes Retro features over 500 classic vehicles filling the historic Gate Streets and Gloucester Docks. You will find famous car brands from yesteryear including Aston Martin, Jensen, Bentley, Triumph, Morris and Alvis to name just a few. Incredible vehicles from the 1900s through the Roaring Twenties and the War Years to the gleaming chrome of the fifties, the iconic designs of the Swinging Sixties, sports cars from the eighties and an instant nostalgia hit from nineties classics.
Learn some moves and dance along to some great sounds; build the sandcastle of your dreams; the hilarious street performers or enjoy some fabulous food. There is lots to experience at Gloucester Goes Retro!
With a live music stage, the classic car show across the Gate Streets and Kings Square on Sea taking you back to the classic seaside holiday, there is something for everyone!
Lions At Large
Until 14 September
For the Summer of 2025, Lions at Large – The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail has roared onto the streets of Cheltenham and Gloucester! Over 30 large Lion sculptures have been designed and painted by local artists; celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture and diversity. They are joined by the Cub Club – a pride of little Lions lovingly created by local schools and community groups. This is a fun, free and family-friendly Wild in Art event. Streets, parks and open spaces will dazzle with their vibrant colours and surprising designs. Helping to bring together our community to explore and feel pride in their local area!
Crafts That Built The Cathedral
Until 07 September
Crafts that Built the Cathedral celebrates the heritage skills behind Gloucester Cathedral. Throughout 2025, participants have taken part in specialist workshops and community events led by experts in the field. This exhibition showcases and celebrates some of their glorious creations!
Art In The City
02 August
Dive into a day of creativity and community at Art in the City 2025! Hosted at the stunning Gloucester Docks and Llanthony Secunda Priory, this vibrant event is open to everyone—whether you're a professional artist, a keen amateur, or just looking for a fun family day out.
Meet, Make, Play
02 August
Head to Gloucester Guildhall for Meet, Make, Play, a free, interactive festival where families can connect, explore, and create together. With hands-on workshops, engaging activities, pop-up fidget cinema, a sensory room, and a kid-friendly food offer, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Print Your Own T-Shirt
02, 16, 23 August
In this special workshop, you will learn the skills to create your own music-themed T Shirt using silk screen printing techniques. The workshop is led by The Folk of Gloucester staff and is suitable for ages 6 and above. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Medicine and Mayhem
05, 06, 19, 20 August
Discover Gloucestershire's rich history, community and commitment to wellbeing through Gloucester Cathedral's fun-filled summer activity days and celebrate how the county cares for its proud people.
From soothing 'sleeping lion' soundbathing to lending a hand with medieval potions, lotions and cures, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Paddington's First Concert and The Owl and the Pussycat
05 August
Join Paddington Bear on a magical musical adventure perfect for families with children aged 3–8! Follow Paddington as he arrives in London, meets the Brown family, and shares delightful escapades—including dancing a Hungarian dance with Mr. Gruber and visiting the grand Albert Hall. Next up, The Owl and the Pussycat will be brought to life with live classical music, charming puppets, interactive storytelling, and a sprinkle of silliness! All at Gloucester Library on the 5 August!
LEGO Moominvalley: Moomintroll's Maker Time
16 August
Calling all imaginative builders! Join Moomintroll and the Museum of Gloucester in a creative adventure to design and construct your own piece of Moominvalley. Whether you want to create cosy homes, vibrant landscapes, or unique characters, this session is filled with fun prompts and engaging visuals. Perfect for little explorers, this relaxed and self-directed activity encourages creativity and discovery.
Cathedral Stonecarving Festival
23 - 25 August
Join the Cathedral stonemasons this August Bank Holiday for a celebration of craft and skill at Gloucester Cathedral's Stonecarving Festival, and see heritage in action. The festival will explore the poignant theme of "Peace and Remembrance," marking 80 years since VE Day. Watch apprentices, master masons and talented newcomers alike bring stone to life before your eyes: chiselling, carving and shaping their creations over the course of the weekend.
Special Kinda Madness
23 August
Special Kinda Madness perform a truly authentic set from each band, combining the phenomenally energetic stage presence of The Specials with the wonderful iconic tunes of the Madness 'Nutty Boys'. Playing a set from each band and producing a show that will have the audience up and dancing from the off, Special Kinda Madness will have everyone hankering after that exciting era of 2-Tone and ska. Playing at Gloucester Guildhall!
The Retro Music Quiz
23 August
To tie in with Gloucester Goes Retro, Hop Kettle are throwing a Retro Music Quiz! A whole trivia evening with nothing but songs from the 60's and 70's. The winning team gets a massive £100 cash prize! Plus, there are loads of bonus prizes up for grabs including a £30 bar tab for 2nd place and £10 for the team that comes in third.
Kings Square Rugby Takeover
30 August
Gloucester Rugby is proud to announce a major community rugby event in collaboration with local businesses, transforming the heart of the City into a vibrant celebration of rugby, music, and family fun. The Kings Square Rugby Takeover will take place on Saturday 30 August, running from 10:30am to 7:00pm, and is free for all to attend.
This action-packed day marks the largest-ever rugby-themed event in Gloucester's city centre, with live screenings, interactive games, entertainment, and appearances by Gloucester Rugby players.
No Time To Waste
30 - 31 August
No Time to Waste by H&T Creative is a high-energy dance duet showing how plastic pollution harms our planet. It grabs attention with strong, exciting dance, an original soundtrack, and a transforming set. Created with top scientists from the International Marine Litter Unit, this performance brings together art and science.
The Weight of Water
30 - 31 August
A dance/circus spectacular at Gloucester Docks.
A giant white staircase floats on the water at Gloucester Docks. Six performers climb on. Every move makes it tilt. If one performer moves to one side, the entire stairway shifts and the rest must react to avoid slipping and falling into the water.
For a full list of what's on, click HERE!
Make sure to tag us in any photos using #visitgloucester 📸
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