Many visitors come to Gloucester for the famous cheese rolling, a spectacle in which competitors chase a wheel of cheese down Cooper’s Hill. It remains one of the most unusual and best known events in the county. But Gloucester also offers a busy year of festivals, performances and traditions that are worth experiencing.
Year round
Strike a Light Festival
Various locations
Strike a Light brings culture into the heart of Gloucester with performances across the city. The programme ranges from dance and puppetry to spoken word and circus, often staged in unexpected spaces. It has become an important part of Gloucester’s cultural identity.
I Am Joan by Viv Gordon at Strike A Light Festival. Photo credit: Barney Witts
Spring
Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling
Cooper’s Hill, Brockworth
The cheese rolling takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 26 May 2025. The event begins around midday and attracts both competitors and large numbers of spectators. The tradition dates back to at least the early nineteenth century and shows no sign of fading.
Gloucester Cheese Rolling Photographed by Gloucestershire Live
Dragon Boat Regatta
Gloucester Docks — usually May
Teams race traditional dragon boats across the docks, with stalls and family activities. Awaiting 2025 confirmation.
Gloucester Tall Ships Festival
Gloucester Docks — normally late May, every two years
The 2024 festival ran on the late May Bank Holiday. If the biennial pattern continues, the next full edition will be 2026 rather than 2025.
Gloucester Brew Week
Various venues — spring (dates to be confirmed)
A newer festival celebrating everything brewed, from beer and cider to coffee and tea. Not yet confirmed for 2025.
Summer
Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival
Free performances across pubs and live music spaces in the city.
Witcombe Festival
Formerly Witcombe Cider Festival, now a large scale music event with national artists and a range of drinks including local cider.
Gloucester’s Witcombe Cider Festival 2018, by Witcombe Cider Festival
Gloucester Food Festival
Gloucester Quays
The Gloucester Food Festival is one of the biggest in the South West. The festival includes a cookery theatre, celebrity chefs and attractions, plus a mix of quality traders including street food, artisan producers, craft and gift, plus live music.
Autumn
Heritage Open Days
Every September, Gloucester opens the doors of historic buildings and offers guided tours, talks and exhibitions. Entry is free, and it is one of the largest programmes of its kind in the country.
Frampton Country Fair
Frampton Court Estate
A long running country fair set in 30 acres of parkland, featuring crafts, displays, food and countryside traditions.
Frightmare
Over Farm presents a large scale Halloween attraction with themed experiences and live actors. It has become the leading Halloween event in the South West.
Winter
Christmas Lantern Procession
Each November, the streets of Gloucester fill with light as children and community groups parade handmade lanterns, accompanied by music and a countdown to the switching on of the Christmas lights.
Open Air Ice Rink
The seasonal ice rink offers skating in the city centre through December, making it a popular addition to Christmas shopping and dining.
Gloucester’s calendar for 2025 shows a city that combines tradition with creativity. From the eccentric thrill of cheese rolling to free access to historic buildings and nationally recognised festivals, there is much to explore throughout the year.
