Gloucester Day is set to return on Saturday, September 7, with a day of parades, stalls, music and entertainment, all celebrating the city's rich and interesting history.

The popular annual event commemorates the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 and this year there will also be a comic drama telling people more about the siege.

Gloucester Day is organised by Gloucester's town crier Alan Myatt and supported by Gloucester City Council.

It aims to boost pride in the city, encouraging visitors and residents alike to find out more about its colourful past.

This year's celebration will begin at 9.45am at Gloucester Cross, where local organisations, community groups and charities will all be hosting stalls.

The first parade, led by the Mock Mayor of Barton, starts at 11am and will process from Constitution walk, through Queens Walk to Gloucester Cross, then down Westgate over to Northgate Street, into St Aldate Street to arrive in Kings Square.

In the square there will be the traditional comic meeting of the Mock Mayor of Barton and the Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Lorraine Campbell. The parade will then depart at midday for a Thanksgiving Day service at St Mary De Crypt.

At 1pm at The Cross, spectators can enjoy the new comic drama, "Besieged, Bothered and Bewildered", based on the Siege of Gloucester supported by the Folk of Gloucester, where there'll be a second chance to catch it at 4pm, and will be followed by rousing shanties and comic songs from folk band The Gloucester Diamonds

At 2pm the parade will again make its way through the city led by the Mayor of Gloucester along with the Sheriff of Gloucester, Cllr Pam Tracey, in full civic regalia.

Over in Kings Square, music fans can expect a full and varied programme of music from around the world including dancing from Latin America , India, the Philippines, and cheerleaders from Gloucester as well as the Gloucestershire Strings Ukulele Club.

The entertainment will be compered by BBC Gloucestershire's Manny Masih, who will play pop music from all over the world.

Alan Myatt, Gloucester's town crier, said: "This will be my 40th year of running the Barton mayor event and my 15th year since founding the Gloucester Day event and bringing it into the modern era, so it's something of an anniversary this year."

Cllr Caroline Courtney, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: "Gloucester Day is part of what makes this fantastic city unique. It's not only the retelling of our fascinating history and rich heritage but the enthusiasm of people to get out and celebrate being part of something special. I would encourage as many people as possible to come out and support Gloucester Day, to be part of something that is truly memorable."

Gloucester Day takes place as part of Gloucester History Festival, which runs until 22 September and promises a packed programme of historical events and talks from historians and celebrities. More information at Gloucester History Festival website.