GLOUCESTER RENAISSANCE
promote to the USA market. “We have concentrated on the theme of faith, because of George Whitfield and the Great Awakening he led in the early United States. “And of course, there is the link with John Stafford Smith and the US National Anthem, those are two really big things to Americans. Faith and their national anthem. “Working with the Cathedral, we’ve organised a programme that will see the Star Spangled Banner played in Cathedral on the organ and also for the Cathedral Bells to play it. “The plan for 2020, on two days per week is to have The Star Spangled Banner played on the Cathedral bells at lunchtime, timed so that these tourists will then have their lunch and spend their dollars in Gloucester. “In 2021, we are working with numerous different partners on the 550th anniversary of the arrival of Margaret of Anjou into Gloucester during the War of the Roses. “She was turned away at the gates by the citizens, despite being the reigning Queen, and sent on her way to Tewkesbury, where she and her forces were defeated. “For that we are recreating the South Gate and part of the city walls of Gloucester for a series of events around Kimbrose Triangle and throughout the city to make a big impact, that will become a centrepiece for the city. “We will have re-enactments, medieval markets and numerous events, but it also gives us a chance to give people a key to the city - because there will be real gates!
“It’s going to gain international TV and online coverage and will likely bring hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city. “Every visitor that comes to spend some time at the gates will also spend money in the city on lunch and in the shops. “That’s how we go about building a product and brand for Gloucester. It’s marketing Gloucester by building the product and then advertising it. “That means we are able to create an overarching brand for various organisations and events to come together under one collective organisation. “That’s why Gloucester, and we as an organisation, has been successful. We can go to stakeholders around the city with an idea like the Margaret of Anjou events and say ‘this will be good, join in.’ “Likewise, if they come to us, we can advise and help get their message across. “Because we are independent, and all we care about is the city and what’s good for Gloucester, all these people appreciate that we have a common goal. “Working in partnerships has been crucial to delivering the success we’ve had and it will be crucial in the future too. “Gloucester has come a long, long way in the last 10 years, but the job is not finished and I for one am very excited about the transformation that will happen over the next decade” l For more information on Marketing Gloucester visit www.marketingloucester.co.uk or call 01452 207020
78 | July 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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