Gloucester Goes Retro returns to the city centre on Saturday 29 August, with more than 500 vehicles, live entertainment and businesses across the city getting into the spirit with their own retro displays, outfits and events.
Now in its eleventh year, Gloucester Goes Retro has become a firm favourite in the city’s events calendar, bringing a spectacular collection of more than 500 classic vehicles to the streets over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Alongside the vehicles, music and entertainment, businesses across Gloucester will once again embrace the retro theme through the annual Best Dressed Window and Best Dressed Team competitions. Bizarre, Gloucester Antiques Centre, Acer Pets, Longfield, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, PDSA, Farplace Animal Rescue, G&W Furniture, Salvation Army, Mister’s and Coal Kitchen are among the businesses who will take part this year.
The competitions are a much-loved part of Gloucester Goes Retro, with businesses going all out to create eye-catching displays and get into the true retro spirit.
There will also be plenty happening across the city for visitors to discover, with businesses hosting their own retro-themed events and entertainment throughout the day.
Black Letter Tattoo on Westgate Street will be hosting a Rockabilly Shakedown, while the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum will give visitors the chance to meet a Redcoat soldier. Kathleen & May is “going retro” and London Camera Exchange on Southgate Street will also be getting into the Gloucester Goes Retro spirit, while The Folk will also be joining the celebrations.
At Gloucester Food Dock, Swing Dance UK will be bringing some vintage-inspired dancing to the waterfront, while award winning Pelican Inn will welcome Gloucestershire Male Voice Choir for live pop, rock, and shanties entertainment.
Jess Galgey, Marketing Coordinator at Gloucester Food Dock said: “Join us at Gloucester Food Dock for a fun filled afternoon of swing dancing as part of Gloucester Goes Retro! SwingDanceUK will be bringing the energy to the Food Dock with a free dance class and live performances, so come along, have a go and enjoy the atmosphere.”
Jessica Law, Marketing & Communications Officer at The Folk of Gloucester said: “Come along to The Folk of Gloucester’s historic building, where the 1960s will be swinging in earnest from 10am to 5pm! Our staff will be dressing up in their grooviest regalia, so why not join them and celebrate this revolutionary decade in our summer beer garden? From 12-4pm, DJ Dan Cooper will be transporting us back to the 60s with hits from the decade and a game of Banger Bingo. Bring your own vinyl singles to play on our decks, watch film reels from the 1960s and enjoy delicious food and drink from our café and well-stocked bar!”
Joel Phillips, Media and Advertisement Spokesperson for Gloucestershire Male Voice Choir said: “We are really excited to be performing at The Pelican Inn, in aid of the amazing Sue Ryder charity. The free concert is going to be packed with rock, pop hits, and shanties! We are looking forward to singing alongside Gloucester Goes Retro, which is a true highlight in our city!”
Whether visitors are coming to admire the classic vehicles, enjoy the entertainment, take part in the retro atmosphere or explore what local businesses have planned, Gloucester Goes Retro offers a chance to experience the city centre at its most colourful. Visitors are encouraged to head into the city centre, explore the event and see which businesses have gone the extra mile to embrace Gloucester Goes Retro this year.
Gloucester Goes Retro is brought to you by Gloucester City Council, in partnership with Gloucester BID.
Find out more about Gloucester Goes Retro 2026 here.
