Gloucester’s pubs are opening their doors for a week of live music, quizzes, workshops, great food and entertainment as the Big Pub Push returns from 19-25 October 2026.
Gloucester BID is encouraging residents, workers and visitors to get behind the city’s pubs, celebrate their contribution to the local community and discover everything they have to offer.
Pubs are about so much more than a place to enjoy a drink. They are meeting places, employers, live music venues, community hubs and spaces where people from all walks of life come together. However, with rising costs, changing consumer habits and ongoing financial pressures, pubs across the country continue to face significant challenges.
The Big Pub Push aims to shine a spotlight on Gloucester’s diverse pub scene and encourage everyone to show their support by visiting their local, enjoying a meal, attending an event or simply getting together with friends and family.
Dorian Kirk, Founder of ART Hospitality, said:“Pubs are so much more than somewhere to buy a pint. They’re meeting places, employers, music venues, community hubs and often one of the last places left where people from every walk of life genuinely come together. But right now, even busy pubs are finding it incredibly difficult to make the numbers work.
“We can keep pushing government for a fairer tax system for hospitality, and we absolutely should, but there’s something all of us can do today. Use your local. Have the pint, stay for lunch, book the Sunday roast, go to the quiz, take your family and tell your friends when you find somewhere brilliant.
“Because once a great pub disappears, it’s incredibly difficult to get it back. The Big Pub Push is a brilliant reminder that if we value these places and want them to remain part of our communities, we have to support them while they’re still here.”
Gloucester’s pubs are pulling out all the stops for the Big Pub Push, with a packed programme of events and activities offering something for everyone.
Highlights include:
- The Sisters: The week kicks off on Monday 19 October with its popular weekly quiz, complete with a free supper, £1 entry per person and a Play Your Cards Right game. Teams of up to six can take part.
- Brewhouse & Kitchen: Join us on Tuesdays for Pub Bingo plus Burger & Pint for £13.95.
- Dr Foster: Wednesdays are the Tap Takeover day – This week it’s Tiley’s Brewery – Enjoy a pint for £3.
- Warehouse 4: On Thursday 22nd, why not book on for a Brewery Tour with Trevor £24 per person and then enjoy some Live Acoustic Music 7pm.
- The Assize of Ale: Thursday from 7pm in The Docks, come and see a medieval tradition in full show. See the Ale Conner testing the ale in the city starting at Dr Foster.
- The Sisters: On Saturday 24 October, join UK cigar box legend Howlin’ Mat for a hands-on cigar box guitar workshop from 2pm–4pm, with tools and materials supplied. Howlin’ Mat will then perform live from 6pm, with free entry.
- The Sisters: Sunday 25 October brings the Gloucester Singer Songwriters Showcase, starting at midday and celebrating local musical talent.
Kai Reeves, CEO of Gloucester Brewery, said: “The last few years have been an incredibly tough time to be a publican as consumers have less money to spend and government has taxed the sector to its knees. In spite of this, we have a rich and diverse range of pubs in Gloucester all of whom have had to offer our customers not only fantastic drinks, but a memorable experience to match, to encourage them to spend their hard-earned money.
“Whether it’s locally produced beer and spirits, fantastic food showcasing local suppliers, music, comedy, quizzes our pubs have so much to offer. They are community hubs that support local and national charities and provide places for people to meet. The Big Pub Push is a great reminder to go out and buy a drink in your local, because without your support they are in real danger of being lost for good.”