Plans underway for Gloucester Docks bicentenary cultural celebrations

Gloucester: Big plans are in the works for the 200th anniversary of Gloucester Docks. The city is teaming up with local groups to create a cultural program that celebrates this milestone.

They want to highlight Gloucester’s rich maritime history and how the port connects the city to the world. The council aims to build on the success of the Tall Ships Festival, which has been a hit for the last two decades.

Set for 2027, the celebration will feature a variety of events throughout the year. Think performances, community gatherings, public art, and chances for everyone to get creative. The goal is to involve every part of Gloucester and strengthen ties with the waterways.

The partnership, which includes community groups and cultural organizations, hopes to attract ships to dock in Gloucester all year long. This way, visitors can enjoy tall ships whenever they come to the Docks. They’re looking at inspiration from other major festivals, like the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

It’s all about making this anniversary a community affair, ensuring it’s accessible to everyone and leaves a lasting impact on the city. Councillor Caroline Courtney emphasized that this is a unique chance to unite the city in celebrating its waterways and global connections.

Planning for this anniversary is part of a broader review of events by Gloucester City Council. They’re keen to boost the number and variety of cultural happenings in the city, supporting local groups in securing funding for their own events.

With the Together Gloucester initiative, they’re aiming for a more collaborative approach to cultural events, giving locals a bigger voice in what gets staged. If you’re interested in getting involved or need funding for a cultural event, there’s info available through Together Gloucester.