Gloucester History Festival’s eagerly anticipated spring weekend remains on course despite the City Council’s ongoing financial difficulties. Last week, the council announced it would be giving up its lease of Blackfriars Priory, the historic venue for the festival, as part of its wider financial recovery strategy.
Blackfriars Priory, owned by English Heritage, has been leased by the council since 2009, enabling the festival to flourish at the site. Richard Graham, co-chair of the Gloucester History Festival, reassured the public, saying, “There’s no panic, the spring weekend is full steam ahead.”
While the future lessee of Blackfriars Priory remains uncertain, Graham emphasized the festival’s commitment to continuing its events at the iconic location. “Whoever takes over might bring exciting new opportunities for Blackfriars,” he added.
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Graham highlighted how Blackfriars had been underutilized before the council’s lease, describing it as “an extraordinary waste of a precious heritage asset.” Since 2011, the Gloucester History Trust has invested significantly in the venue, reflecting its importance and growing reputation. “When I first hired Blackfriars in 2011, it was just £500 a day. Now the Trust pays much more for our three-day Spring Weekend and our ten-day September Festival.”
The venue has gained wider recognition, recently winning Wedding Venue of the Year in Southwest England. Despite progress, Graham acknowledged that parts of Blackfriars remain unfinished, with spaces like the courtyard and Buttery already improved. “The County Council completed the courtyard in 2010-11, and the Buttery is now open again. In better financial times, there’s potential to develop the West Wing’s interior and adjacent green spaces into fantastic eating and drinking areas.”
He concluded by encouraging visionary investment to unlock Blackfriars’ full potential. “English Heritage safeguards impressive architectural treasures but faces limited revenue. We need a visionary with deep pockets to realize this dream.”