City's history to be celebrated through festival

The Eastgate Chamber in Gloucester is thought to date back to AD68

A 3D archaeology trail will uncover a city's hidden history as a festival returns for its fourth year.

Gloucester Festival of Archaeology began on Monday and runs until 27 July.

The festival encourages visitors and residents to explore Gloucester and gain a greater understanding of the city's history by learning what is under its streets.

A number of free activities will take place at Gloucester Cathedral and The Folk of Gloucester across the fortnight as part of the event.

At the cathedral, families can uncover the past with a miniature dig, photography treasure hunt and sketching station, while The Folk of Gloucester museum will host brass rubbing sessions.

A series of talks exploring Gloucester's history, from the discovery of Eastgate Chamber, to the role of the city in the Saxon times, will also form part of the event.

Tourists and residents can enjoy a 3D archaeology trail which will show visitors how parts of the city looked hundreds of years ago.

Marc Waters, event coordinator at The Folk of Gloucester and trustee of Gloucester Civic Trust, has organised the festival

Visitors can explore the Eastgate Chamber, which lies beneath Eastgate Street and can be partially seen through glass near Boots.

The underground chamber is thought to date back to Gloucester's earliest days as a Roman fortress in about AD68.

“The festival aims to shine a light on what lies beneath our feet," said organiser Marc Waters.

"This year, we are fortunate not only to be working with Gloucester Cathedral to expand our exciting activities but also to bring a series of talks from renowned professionals on subjects as diverse as the discovery of Eastgate Chamber to Gloucester’s role in the Saxon Chronicles.”

Gloucester Archaeology Festival has been organised by Gloucester Civic Trust in partnership with Gloucester Cathedral and several other organisations in the city.