Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate past residents of Gloucester’s Westgate Street with special service

Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate past residents of Gloucester’s Westgate Street with special service

Gloucester Cathedral invites the community to celebrate the city’s rich heritage with a special service on Friday 26 April at 7pm to recognise and remember the contributions from past residents and employees of the city’s vibrant Westgate Street.

Drawing to a close its display of the atmospheric We Are Gathered Here exhibition, Gloucester Cathedral welcomes the whole community to a poignant service to remember the lives of former inhabitants and employees of Gloucester's vibrant Westgate Street on Friday 26 April at 7pm. We Are Gathered Here is an atmospheric art exhibition that brings past residents of Gloucester to life, by depicting a congregation in silhouette. It pays homage to the people who have contributed to Westgate Street’s heritage over time. They once lived, worked, visited or supported Westgate Street at various times in the past.

The We Are Gathered Here exhibition is in partnership with the Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone (Gloucester City Council and Historic England), Gloucestershire Family History Society, Gloucester Civic Trust, Gloucestershire College and the Churches Conservation Trust, and supported by Voices Gloucester and Nicks Timber.

In a touching tribute during the service, each name acknowledged in the exhibition will be called in recognition of their contribution to Westgate Street. Prayers will also be given for those living and working in Westgate Street today. Ahead of the service at 6.30pm, a private viewing of the We Are Gathered Here installation will take place, providing attendees with a final look at this exhibition.

The service will be led by the Rector of the City Centre, Reverend Canon Nikki Arthy.

Reverend Canon Nikki said:

“To recognise and celebrate our history and heritage, we will honour all those people who once lived, worked, visited or supported Westgate Street in the past on Friday 26 April. The service will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for their lives, to pray for them and for their families, friends and neighbours. We will pray too for the people of Westgate Street today.”

All are welcome to attend this service. No booking is required, and admission is free. Donations to the Cathedral are always welcome. Find out more on the Cathedral website.

ENDS

For more press information contact:

Elspeth Keep

Marketing & Communications Manager

Elspeth.keep@gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Notes for Editors

About Gloucester Cathedral:

Gloucester Cathedral is a glorious sacred space in the heart of Gloucester, with a history that can be traced back to 679AD. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Gloucester and is open daily, with entry by donation. It hosts a packed and varied programme of services and events throughout the year.