Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) has announced that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester will visit the Academy on Saturday, May 10, to commemorate the much-anticipated purchase of Barbican House.

Barbican House, a culturally significant building located in the heart of Gloucester, represents a major milestone in the Academy's 43-year mission to expand access to high-quality music education and performance and multi-arts opportunities across the county.

Barbican House has been GAM's home since 2014. A major fundraising initiative was started in 2019, encompassing the academy's 40th anniversary, which raised £300,000 towards the purchase of Barbican House from landlords Gloucester City Council.

The Duchess will tour the premises, meet students, staff, and supporters, hear performances from several of the Academy's groups and unveil a commemorative plaque marking the occasion.

The visit will be hosted by the Lord Lieutenant Edward Gillespie, who will introduce the County High Sheriff Julie Kent MBE, Gloucester Mayor Councillor Lorraine Campbell and other civic dignitaries, as well as the Academy's founder Caroline Lumsden and principal Glyn Oxley.

GAM executive director Richard Ashton-Phillips said: "We are thrilled to welcome The Duchess of Gloucester to celebrate this transformative moment. Barbican House will be a vibrant hub for creativity, community engagement, and musical excellence for generations to come."

The visit will highlight the Academy's ongoing commitment to inclusivity, innovation and artistic development and will include live performances by musicians ranging in age from five to 85 - including members of the dementia choir.