Your visit About Us

Welcome to Gloucester Guildhall — The Beating Heart of Culture in the City 

Right in the heart of the city, Gloucester Guildhall is where Gloucester’s creative spirit takes centre stage. Our home is a stunning Grade II listed building that blends historic charm with a modern, creative edge. Our bold programme of live music, comedy, film, performance, and workshops is designed to surprise, inspire, and entertain. With over 300 events a year, there’s always something happening. You might discover your new favourite band in The Ballroom, catch a cult classic in our Chamber Cinema, or dive into something completely unexpected. 

Inside, you’ll find a 400-capacity main hall, a 75-seat cinema, gallery spaces, flexible rooms for hire, and our laid-back Bar and Cafe — the perfect spot to grab a drink, meet friends, or soak up the atmosphere. We’re fully accessible, and you can find all the details on our Access page. 

Proudly curated with our audience in mind we host over 300 events per year from internationally renowned artists, touring theatre shows and comedians, as well as the latest blockbusters films and live theatre screenings, you will find something for everyone in our exciting programme of events.

Originally built in 1890 and opened in 1892, the site formally occupied by Sir Thomas Rich’s School, was for many years the base for the town clerk, accountant, surveyor, and other officials and also housed council chambers, committee rooms, the mayor’s parlour and a public hall. Each year the building was the venue of the Mayors Ball.

Between 1985 and 1988 a large refurbishment was put in place which converted the building into an Arts Centre. During this time, changes were made to make it more suitable for pursuing its career in the arts industry. The council chamber was the longest refurbishment and took an extra 6 months before becoming the beloved Chamber Cinema, its stunning stage being made out of the wood which once stood as some of the doors within the building.

Now home to an exciting programme of live events and workshops and classes, Gloucester Guildhall is the cultural hub of the city and remains at the forefront of the arts offering to residents of the area. 

Today, Gloucester Guildhall is more than a venue — it’s a cultural heartbeat. A place where artists and audiences connect, where local talent shines, and where every visit offers something new.