Gloucester is set to join the ranks of celebrated cities with its own bespoke Monopoly board game edition later this year. To mark the exciting announcement, the iconic Mr Monopoly himself paid a special visit to the city on Tuesday morning.
The beloved character, recognizable by his black top hat and suit, appeared at Gloucester Food Dock, stepping out from Roots + Seeds café at 10 a.m. Town crier Alan Myatt added to the fanfare, ringing his bell and giving Mr Monopoly a warm and formal Gloucester welcome.
Deputy Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester, Linda Castle, shared her enthusiasm about the city’s new feature on Monopoly. “This is fantastic recognition for Gloucester as a growing tourism hotspot,” she said. “It highlights the energy, creativity, and independent spirit that make modern Gloucester unique. This also provides a great opportunity for locals to celebrate the places that make their city special.”
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Sheriff Castle expressed her delight at meeting Mr Monopoly in person and underscored the significance of Gloucester being chosen for this prestigious game edition.
Representatives from Winning Moves UK, the producing company behind Monopoly editions since 1998, were also present. Ben Ladd Gibbon explained why Gloucester was an ideal choice: “With its rich history and vibrant landmarks like Gloucester Cathedral and the Docks, Gloucester offers so much to showcase. We want the community’s input on what makes their city special so we can include it on the board.”
The public now has the chance to contribute by suggesting which landmarks and businesses should feature on the Gloucester Monopoly board. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] until midnight on Monday, March 9.
Already popular suggestions include Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Quays. Residents such as Lorraine Lloyd, who has lived in Gloucester all her life, expressed enthusiasm for including the Cathedral, the Quays, the college, and the Priory. Many locals also pointed to Gloucester’s charming independent shops and unique spots, from the Beatrix Potter shop to quaint wool shops.
April, a frequent visitor from nearby Hereford, praised the initiative, noting the distinctiveness of Gloucester’s independent shops and cultural heritage that would make the board truly special.
Ellie, an 18-year-old local who works at Roots + Seeds, voiced excitement about the announcement, suggesting iconic local pubs like Wetherspoons and historic buildings such as St Mary de Crypt for the game board.
Natalie, from Wholly Gelato at the Food Dock, highlighted the vibrancy of the area and the pride locals take in their city’s attractions, noting the flourishing food scene and the welcoming community spirit.
With enthusiasm from both officials and residents, Gloucester’s Monopoly edition aims to capture the city’s unique character and charm, creating a keepsake that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.