Cultural Life

Gloucester has a very strong cultural identity and socialising here has traditionally been based around pubs and social clubs which reflect the rich ethnic, political and manufacturing mix of the city. At weekends the streets around the Cross are full of groups of young people moving between 30 pubs and 4 nightclubs.

But it also has one of the best arts centres in the region, a growing community of artists and four museums full of two million years of history. The Three Choirs, Cajun, Blues, and Carnival festivals attract huge and enthusiastic audiences. Blast in November brings a massive shot of art to the city with exhibitions, installations and performances.

World-famous for their Cherry and Whites rugby team, Gloucester people have always been enthusiastic about sport. For generations they have been playing cricket and football, rowing on the canal or playing skittles in long alleys attached to pubs. During the past hundred years horse and greyhound racing have ceased and swimming has moved indoors from the river to municipal baths and private health clubs.

The city now boasts a sparkling new leisure centre called GLI with three pools and a staggering variety of indoor sports facilities.