Gloucester 200

In summer 2025, GUST received funding from Gloucester City Council via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to write a business case for a cultural celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Docks in 2027.  

During our research we met with the widest range of organisations, individuals and groups to gather insights and build support for what a truly city-wide programme might look like.  Our meetings took in creative, cultural, heritage, community, sport, retail, education and funding bodies and representatives.  From our findings, we created the rationale for a 6 month long programme, along with the funding opportunities, delivery means and expected outcomes.   

Whilst taking inspiration from the Docks Anniversary, we lighted on a working title of Gloucester 200. This reflects a programme which places the people of Gloucester at the heart of the celebrations and an ambition to put the city on the map nationally.  There is a very compelling opportunity to use the anniversary as a catalyst to open up Gloucester to the world once again. 

As with all GUST’s projects, the business case recommends a partnership of those who can make this happen. For the first time a consortium of key partners will be lead the programme, bringing together key city organisations including Gloucester City Council, Canal & River Trust, Gloucester Culture Trust, the Heritage Forum, Peel, the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester BID.