Gloucester & The 1926 General Strike', with Tony Conder

Gloucester stood at the crossroads of industry and coalfield, with links both to the Forest of Dean and the national drama of 1926.

Often characterised as a Communist plot, the General Strike was seen as a missed opportunity by the left.

The Labour Party and TUC largely ignored it or retreated from it as soon as possible.

The King was delighted no one was shot and Joseph Stalin used it to consolidate his position in the politburo.

Little of this concerned Gloucester strikers, who took it as a comradely adventure.Leading historianTony Conder explores the strike in Gloucester alongside both the national background, and the more bitter miners strike in the Forest of Dean.Purchase the brand new range of Gloucester History Festival merchandise when ordering your tickets and receive FREE postage and packing (valid until 12th April 2026).Accessibility Notice: All seats in rows Q-Y are tiered seating and are accessible only via stairs.