26/08/2026
There are some fascinating free talks lined up for Heritage Open Days at The Folk of Gloucester 2026! First up, four great speakers for Friday the 11th of September:
11am – Shire News: The Future of Local News?
Will Luker (AKA Call me Will - Journalism Page) is a Gloucestershire journalist who writes his own local independent newsletter called The Shire News, inspired in part by J.R.R Tolkien's depiction of the quintessential "Shire". Join Will as he talks journalism, the current challenges for local news, its future and what makes a good local news story.
12:30pm – The Regal, Gloucester: Now and Forever
Join Ross Campbell on a journey through the cinema / theatre's fascinating history, from opening night of 19th March,1956, to singing sensations like Tommy Steele and the Beatles, to King's School speech days, the glory of the G.O.D.S' stage shows, and the sun-filled fun of Gloucester Carnival. Books will be available to buy at the talk.
2pm – Our Heritage of Song
Local folk singer Robin Burton looks at our English heritage of traditional song and the process which creates "traditional" song. He also covers how we so nearly lost this heritage and how it was rescued from oblivion.
3:30pm – Gloucestershire Observed
Local historian Tony Conder looks at 500 years of diary entries on life in Gloucestershire. From drinking and pay, to the local take on National news and worries about potholes, they offer an inside view of the city.
This year, there's no need to book in advance, so put it in your diary and come along to The Folk of Gloucester Ed Shed on the day!