2026 Dates for your Diaries!

A new year brings fresh opportunities to showcase our city centre and support the fantastic businesses within it. There is an exciting programme of events taking shape, and below are some key dates to add to your diary as we look ahead...

• Apple Tree Wassail at The Folk of Gloucester – 17^th January
• Love Gloucester – all February
• Gloucester Folk Trail – 13^th to 15^th Feb
• Bright Nights – March TBC
• Half Marathon and 10k – 22^nd March
• Underground Festival – 28^th March
• Gloucester History Fest – Spring Weekend – 17^th to 19^th April
• Dragon Boat Racing – 17^th May
• Cheese and Cider Festival at Llanthony Secunda Priory – 23^rd May
• Cancer Research Race for Life – 31^st May
• Gloucester 10k – 28^th June
• Independents Week – 29^th June to 5^th July
• Gloucester Archaeology Festival – July TBC
• Rhythm and Blues Festival – 24^th to 2^nd August
• Three Choirs Festival – 25^th July to 1^st August
• Gloucester Foodie Passport – 1^st August to 31^st October
• Gloucester Goes Retro – 29^th August
• Gloucester Day – 5^th September
• Gloucester Heritage Open Day – 11^{th to} 13^th September
• Gloucester Pride – 12^th September
• Gloucester History Festival– 5^th to 20^th September
• Big Pub Push – October TBC
• Apple Day at The Folk – October TBC
• Lantern Procession and Light Switch On – November TBC
• Small Business Saturday – 5^th December
• Santa Fun Run – 12^th December

Do you have an event taking place this year that's not listed above? Submit the details here.

Gloucester Folk Trail Returns for 2026

The much-loved Gloucester Folk Trail returns for 2026, promising three days of vibrant folk music, dance, hands-on workshops, performances and community spirit across the heart of the city from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2026. Organised by Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID), this city-wide festival celebrates the very best of folk traditions, old and new, in a programme that’s inclusive, lively and largely free to attend.

Find out more and check out the line up here.

❤️ Love Gloucester Month 2026: Introducing the Campaign Toolkit for Businesses❤️

Gloucester is a city full of character – from its independent shops and cafés to its rich heritage, creative culture and strong sense of community. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the Love Gloucester Campaign Toolkit for Businesses: a simple, practical resource designed to help local businesses get involved in celebrating everything that makes our city special.

Find out more here.

Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) Update

An ETRO came into effect 5th January on the Gate Streets of Gloucester city centre. It may continue in force for a period of up to 18 months expiring on 4th July 2027. In due course the Council will consider whether or not the provisions of the ETRO should continue in force indefinitely. Within 6 months of coming into force of the ETRO any person may object to its indefinite continuation. Any such representation should be sent in writing to the Assistant Director of Legal Services, Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TG or emailed to highwayconsult@gloucestershire.gov.uk no later than 4th July 2026 stating the grounds on which it is made. 

Find out more about the ETRO here.

Longsmith Street Car Park Injunction

Gloucester City Council is applying for an injunction to tackle anti-social behaviour at Longsmith Street Car Park in the city centre.

What will the injunction do?

• Stop people returning to the area after being asked to leave by police.
• Require individuals to provide full contact details to police when requested.

Hearing Date: 5 February 2026

Time: 12:20 PM

Location: Gloucester & Cheltenham County Court, Kimbrose Way, Gloucester GL1 2DE

If you disagree with this injunction, you’re welcome to attend the hearing and give evidence.

Find out more about the injunction here.