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Visiting the Festival

Venue Opening Times

Fri 11 – Sun 20 September 2026
Blackfriars Priory is open from 11am – 9pm every weekday and 10 am – 9 pm every weekend during the Festival.

$

Box Office Opening Times
Opens one hour before the first event each day until 8pm.

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Cafe Opening Times
11 am – 8 pm

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Event Doors Opening Times
Doors open 30 mins before each event’s scheduled starting time.

Venue Address

Blackfriars Priory

Ladybellegate St

GL1 2HN

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Getting here
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Scriptorium Buttery

Sat 12 – Sun 20 September 2026
Open from 11 am – 9 pm on weekdays and 10 am – 9 pm on weekends during the Festival, the beautifully restored Scriptorium Buttery venue, onsite at Blackfriars, allows Festival Visitors to enjoy refreshments and experience an array of free events, exhibitions and entertainment.

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Exhibitions, Free Events and Entertainment
During opening hours 12 – 20 September

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Voices Gloucester Scriptorium Sessions
12 – 13 September
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Cosy and comfortable caberet-style seating
During Opening hours

Explore Free Events

Walking Taxi

We’re delighted that the Gloucester Ambassadors will be offering a free ‘walking taxi’ service each evening after the 8 pm event back to various accommodation providers, car parks and transport links. For those attending the 8pm Blackfriars Talks (ending at 9pm or later) who would prefer to have a bit of company when walking to their destinations, meet on the front lawn just inside the main entrance gate after the event.

We will allow approximately 20 -25 minutes for book signings following the History Festival talk ending at 9pm with walking taxis expected to depart between 9:20pm and 9:25pm. There are two main routes that will be being taken, with a third added to accommodate a few scattered locations, all with various stops along the way. No booking is required. For more information, please contact –  .

Our Welcome to Gloucester Ambassadors will often be present in the city during the day and engaging with people as much as we can throughout the festival. So, if you have any questions about Gloucester and what the city has to offer, we would love to help. Look out for the green polo shirts and welcoming, friendly faces!

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Route 1

North Route – Red

Leave Blackfriars Priory using Blackfriars Lane, and head to Southgate Street. Move north on Southgate Street stopping at the New County Hotel. Continue north to the Cross and move onto Northgate Street stopping at the New Inn. If any participants need Hare Lane Car Park, the group can break off. Main group continue and turn right onto the Oxbode. Group will then cut across Kings Square to The Forum to drop at Hotel Indigo, Q-Park, Taxi Rank, Transport Hub and Train Station Crossing. Group can then move to Central Hotel if required.

 

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Route 2

South Route – Yellow

Leave Blackfriars Priory using Blackfriars Lane and head to Southgate Street. Move South to zebra crossing and use this to access docks via accessible ramp. Move south to Southgate Moorings Car Park. Continue to Llanthony Road at Gloucester Quays. If anyone requires Spalite or Judges Lodgings, the group can break off. Main group continues south onto Orchard Street. Group will stop at Gloucester Quays car park pedestrian access door. Group will then continue down to the Premier Inn and then Travelodge on St Ann Way.

 

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Route 3

Accessible/Extra Route – Pink

This route is designed to allow for anyone with accessible requirements a slower walk back to certain locations should they need it as well as covering Westgate Street, Eastgate Shopping Centre and St Michaels Square car parks. 

 

Travel

Blackfriars Priory is a short walk from Gloucester bus and rail stations and there are nearby car parks.

Travel and Accessibility

Festival Bookseller

Book signings organised by Waterstones take place after each event.

Cafe

Delicious refreshments available all day in the Festival Cafe. Vegan options available.

Ticketing information

Booking opens 24 July 2026. Bookings are available online, by phone and via the in-person Box Office at the Museum of Gloucester until 10 September and at Blackfriars Priory from 11 September.

Online: can be made until 1 hour before the start time of each event but we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

Book by phone: 07847 138531

Book in person:

Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road,
Gloucester. Wednesday – Saturday 10am-4pm,
(closed Sunday – Tuesday).

From 11 September: Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester
11 am – 8 pm daily.

Reservable seating: you can choose and book specific seats when you book online, via phone or in person.

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We would be most grateful if you considered making a donation at the time of booking your tickets.

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