Gloucester Day parade celebrates city's history
BBCHundreds of people have gathered to celebrate a city's history with parades, historical re-enactments and live music.
Gloucester Day is an annual event commemorating the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 - one of the pivotal moments of the English Civil War.
Celebrations include a 'mock mayor' parade followed by costumed 17th Century displays and military demonstrations.
"Every year it brings people in from all different cities and people of all ages," said Adrian Graham, the mayor of Gloucester.
"The tradition goes back a long time so it really does help the city in many ways," he added.
The day begins with a parade led by the mock mayor of Barton, leaving from Constitution Walk at 11:00 BST and ending at Southgate Street.
A different person is chosen to play the mock mayor each year and its origins date back to King Charles II. The role is awarded to those who have done good work in the community.
A second parade sets off at 14:00 BST and brings historical characters, performers and community groups through the city centre.
The parades are followed by living history displays behind St Mary de Crypt Church on Southgate Street.
"We have a small living history set up, we've got authentic tents, authentic armour, and we are doing small displays just to give a bit of a flavour of what we do," said Aaron Jordan, of the Sealed Knot, the oldest reenactment society in the UK.
"We're hoping in future years to bring bigger displays to Gloucester."
Jordan said had it not been for Gloucester, the war would have "ended very differently."
"It's not just an important period for Gloucester's history, UK history and European history pivoted on this city," he added.
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