Gloucester city centre is set to be transformed next weekend as the annual Gloucester Goes Retro festival returns, rolling back the years with a spectacular display of more than 500 vintage cars and live swing music. This free family-friendly event promises a day of nostalgia, featuring retro cars, period fashion, live musicians and street performers scattered throughout the city.
While the organisers regretfully announced that the steam locomotive, the Duke of Gloucester, will not attend this year due to wildfire risks resulting from the summer’s drought, there remains a wealth of attractions for transport enthusiasts and the wider public.
From 10am on Saturday 29 August, the Gate Streets will showcase an array of classic vehicles from different eras. Northgate Street will be the home of pioneering automobile models dating from 1900 to 1949, Eastgate Street will highlight the 1950s, Westgate Street will focus on styles of the 1960s, and Southgate Street will feature vehicles from the 1970s through to modern classics.
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At Gloucester Docks’ Back Badge Square, visitors can explore a ‘military village’ presenting an impressive collection of historic military vehicles spanning various periods, including an American M18 Hellcat tank destroyer. Open from 10am until 5pm, the village will also offer a bar and live music, ensuring an engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
Music and entertainment will centre around Kings Square, where performances will be led by Gloster Swing Dance. Bands will take to the stage intermittently from 10am until 4.15pm, concluding with a best-dressed crowd competition at 2.45pm. Meanwhile, at the Docks, visitors can enjoy pop-up performances from a walking postbox comedy duo, a bubble-blowing musical cart, and a heritage installation dedicated to Laguna’s Spitfire Legacy – honouring the bravery and skill of a squadron of Polish pilots during the Battle of Britain.
Gloucester City Council, in partnership with Gloucester BID, highlighted the economic boost the event brings, noting last year’s Gloucester Goes Retro attracted over 51,000 visitors, benefiting local businesses across the city.
The council also paid tribute to the event’s late founder, Colin Organ, who passed away in 2022. The longstanding city councillor, former Mayor of Gloucester, and passionate classic car enthusiast was recognised for his vision in creating this now much-anticipated annual celebration. His son, Kevin Organ, remarked that the festival’s continued success stands as a fitting tribute to his father’s dedication.
Emily Gibbon, BID manager at Gloucester BID, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s return, saying: “Gloucester Goes Retro is one of the city’s most loved events, transforming the streets into a celebration of music, motoring, fashion and nostalgia. Gloucester BID is proud to support another fantastic year, and we’re looking forward to seeing our businesses embrace the spirit of the day in the best dressed window and best dressed team competitions.
“Be sure to explore everything on offer, including stepping aboard the iconic tall ship Kathleen & May for free tours and enjoying live music in Kings Square. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”