Until a few days before the opening event on Saturday 4th August, the existence of this nine day festival, packed with concerts and fringe events, was in serious doubt. But Gloucester emerged from the floods and in scenes reminiscent of the Blitz, the indomitable British spirit shone through! As roads were closed and Gloucester resembled an island, local businesses re-deployed their skilled workforces to help the Festival - particular thanks should go to Carter’s construction firm and to Mitchell’s electricians. The bed-and-breakfast industry and the restaurants, who continued to offer their hospitality with no drinking water, deserve sincere credit. The police rose to the occasion, and escorted Arena seating through the floods to ensure the unhindered conversion of the cathedral to a concert hall. Thousands of litres of drinking water were transported to the King’s School by Severn Trent water, and with preparations resembling a military operation, Gloucester successfully hosted a festival bigger and more varied than ever, with an enthusiastic international following, over 90% ticket sales and blazing sunshine.

“We had some stressful times in the run-up to the Festival” says Festival Secretary, Paul Hedley, “but we were adamant that if it was possible, the Festival would go ahead. The City needed it to happen after the difficulties of the previous weeks.”

REVIEWS

“One Vintage Festival!” Church Times.

“A most stimulating and successful Three Choirs Festival” musicweb-international.com

“The overall programme was a strong, rich and varied one and even better in actuality that it had appeared in prospect” John Quinn

“The twin backbones of the Festival, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Festival Chorus, have done sterling work. The Chorus has been a vintage group this year” musicweb-international.com

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