2024 seemed to absolutely fly by, although actually, I think we feel that every year! There were so many fantastic events, festivals, and activities of all kinds that took place, it really was a fabulous year here in Gloucester. Whilst there will be lots more to add to this, we thought we would share 25 things that will be taking place in the city in 2025, so grab your calendars and ink them in now …
January
Gloucester Cajun & Zydeco Festival 2025
24 – 26 January
Europe's longest running Cajun & Zydeco festival is back for its HUGE 30th birthday year at Gloucester Guildhall. Featuring live performances from the finest Cajun & Zydeco bands from the UK, Europe and beyond! With a mixture of live music and dancing all day, the party atmosphere is contagious, bringing the spirit of Louisiana to Gloucester.
RPS International Photography Exhibit (IPE) 165
Until 02 March
Step into the captivating display at the Museum of Gloucester and immerse yourself in the powerful narratives conveyed through the art of photography. Explore an array of thought-provoking themes of representation and belonging.
Ghost Hunt at Blackfriars Priory
31 January
Ready for a night of spine-chilling adventure? Join Becki from Ghosts & Giggles and her team as they lead you on a ghostly hunt through the historic Blackfriars Priory in the heart of Gloucester. Founded in 1239, this medieval site once housed Dominican monks and has plenty of secrets to reveal. From eerie footsteps and shadowy figures to doors locking by themselves, Blackfriars is known for its ghostly activity.
February
Lil Miss Lady
Date TBC
Lil Miss Lady comes to Gloucester Guildhall, taking audiences on an incredible journey through the history of Black-British bass music culture.
Yoga at Blackfriars
07 February
Step into a world of peace and tranquillity at Blackfriars Priory for four rejuvenating mini retreats throughout the year. Nestled in the heart of Gloucester, this stunning 800-year-old medieval landmark offers the perfect setting to pause, unwind, and realign your mind and body with the changing seasons.
Create Your Own Morris Masterpiece
15 February
Using an array of scrap materials, tissue paper, feathers, beads, and more, you’ll craft a unique Morris-inspired rosette at the Museum of Gloucester. Don’t forget to add a jingling touch with a bell bracelet to complete your creation—just like the Morris dancers of old! This drop-in session is perfect for ages 3+, but little crafters will need an adult’s helping hand. Limited bells available—once they're gone, they're gone, so come early to secure yours!
Celebrating Gloucestershire
February Half Term
You are invited to celebrate the wonderful county of Gloucestershire at Gloucester Cathedral this February Half Term. Explore a photography exhibition in the fabulous Cloisters put together by local camera clubs, take part in family activities, and enjoy a concert showcasing incredible local talent. Organised in partnership with the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, these events aim to celebrate the county’s unique spirit, rich heritage, and vibrant community.
March
The Ultimate Bubble Show
09 March
Ray Bubbles, an International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble at Gloucester Guildhall! This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various methods to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!
Verdi’s Requiem
29 March
Gloucester Choral Society presents Verdi Requiem led by acclaimed choral and orchestral director, Adrian Partington. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's iconic masterpiece live in the historic setting of Gloucester Cathedral.
Underground Festival
Date TBC
Gloucester's multi-venue music event, Underground Festival, returns bringing the hottest emerging artists and the biggest names in punk, emo, rock, and acoustic music to the city.
April
Gloucester History Festival Spring Weekend
25 – 27 April
Fifty of Britain's top historians, broadcasters, politicians and actors visit Blackfriars Priory for a mouth-watering three day programme of compelling talks and controversial debates. Speakers include Tony Robinson, Bettany Hughes, Alice Roberts, Michael Wood, Tracy Borman, Hallie Rubenhold, Janina Ramirez, Zeinab Badawi and many more.
May
Gloucester Cheese Rolling
26 May
The world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling is back for another year at Coopers Hill on the 26 May! A long standing Gloucestershire tradition, participants throw themselves down Coopers Hill after a wheel of Double Gloucester Cheese!
British Army V RAF 2025 at Kingsholm Stadium
17 May
The Army and RAF go head-to-head on Saturday, 17 May, 2025, in what will once-again be the climax of the Inter Service Championship. Tickets are now on sale at Early Bird prices until the end of January. As well as booking early, if you are serving personnel, are booking in a family, or are in a group of six or more, then you can make the most of additional savings.
June
Image (c) Moomin Characters.
Moomins
Date TBC
Gloucester Guildhall will be hosting the 80th Anniversary of the Moomins with a new artwork commissioned from Dara Olᾰrescu. The Guildhall has been selected as one of four partners around the UK to host a brand-new artwork co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts and made possible by the support of Moomin Characters in celebration of 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story! In the UK, the brand is partnering with Counterpoints Arts and Refugee Week to commission four artists to create four public artworks inspired by The Moomins and the Great Flood. The artworks will appear in May and June 2025 and will be supported by a range of community programming, Refugee Week resources and activations.
Guided Tour of Blackfriars Priory
Multiple Dates
Book onto a fascinating tour of Blackfriars Priory, guided by a wonderfully knowledgeable Gloucester Civic Trust tour guide. Learn about the site's rich history as you move through the various rooms, from the towering North Range, originally a 13th Century Dominican church, to the ancient Scriptorium. This fascinating building is believed by historians to be the oldest standing purpose-built library in Northern Europe and is of international significance.
July
Live at Llanthony
Date TBC
A series of chilled summer sessions, Live at Llanthony offers an intimate festival vibe at one of Gloucester's most historic sites, previous headliners have included Kate Rusby, The Staves, Billy Bragg, Seasick Steve, Frank Turner and Fisherman's Friends — with support from local artists, too.
Lions at Large Trail
July - September
The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail will take place during the summer of 2025 creating a fantastic free event for all the family. It will see more than 30 majestic lions individually decorated by artists taking to the streets of both Cheltenham and Gloucester next year. It has been organised by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity to raise money for proposed new cancer care facilities in Cheltenham with digital consulting rooms, space for state-of-the-art research, as well as a therapeutic outside space.
Rhythm & Blues Festival
25 July – 03 August
Music-lovers in Gloucestershire are in luck that the long-running Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival returns to various venues across the city!
August
Gloucester Goes Retro
23 August
In its tenth year – Gloucester Goes Retro promises to be another day of vintage vehicles, fabulous fashion and lots of entertainment. The Mariners Square Stage sits alongside some great food and drink stalls. Curation by Gloster Swing Dance means the dance floor will be full all day.
A Midsomer Night’s Dream
12 August
Head down to Blackfriars Priory for a magical evening of comedy, music, and mischief in the stunning medieval cloister garden. Experience William Shakespeare’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream like never before, brought to life by the dynamic Three Inch Fools. This talented troupe of four actors takes a fast-paced, musically-driven approach to theatre, combining live music, quick costume changes, and multi-rolling to create a bold and vibrant production. Expect a night filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and plenty of musical surprises.
September
Gloucester History Festival
06 – 21 September
Two hundred events over two weeks explore the best in the world of history. Enjoy the unique Gloucester Day parade, wander through magnificent Heritage Open Days buildings and hear Britain's best-loved historians, actors, politicians and broadcasters speak under the medieval beams of Blackfriars Priory.
October
Jekyll & Hyde
27 October
Prepare for a spine-tingling night of horror with the brilliant Don’t Go Into the Cellar! Theatre company at the atmospheric Blackfriars Priory. Step back into Victorian London and brace yourself for the chilling tale of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. Set against the eerie, medieval backdrop of Blackfriars’ East Range, this performance promises an unforgettable evening of atmospheric drama. With every shadow and creak of the historic building adding to the tension, you're in for a night full of thrills, chills, and a story that will haunt you long after the curtain falls.
November
Christmas Markets
Date TBC
The Christmas Markets return with a fabulous range of festive gifts, locally produced foodie products, delicious street food and pop-up bars. Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 120 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region for you to experience and enjoy.
Lantern Parade & Christmas Light Switch On
Date TBC
The Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch On returns to mark the start of the festive season here in Gloucester.
December
Uncle Holly
15 & 18 December
Due to popular demand, Blackfriars Priory are thrilled to announce two performances of Don’t Go Into the Cellar! Theatre company’s spine-chilling one-man show, Uncle Holly. This original Victorian-style ghost story will leave you both captivated and terrified as the malevolent spectre of Synderford, Uncle Holly, haunts the stage. Written by Jonathan Goodwin and Gary Archer, Uncle Holly weaves a dark and atmospheric tale of holiday horror, blending the spirit of Christmas with an unforgettable ghostly presence.
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