04 July 2019
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Gloucester Cathedral
The bells of Gloucester Cathedral will peal the tune of the US national anthem 'star-spangled' banner on 4 July, in tribute to the historic tune's composer, Gloucester-born John Stafford Smith.
- The bells of Gloucester Cathedral will peal the tune of the US national anthem 'star-spangled' banner on 4 July, in tribute to the historic tune's composer, Gloucester-born John Stafford Smith.
The bells will serve as a taster for regular performances of the iconic tune in 2020, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to America. As part of the half million-pound Visit Britain Discover England Fund US Connections project, Marketing Gloucester has been working in partnership with Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Civic Trust and Discover De Crypt to create a specialist package tour aimed at the US market entitled ‘Whitefield’s Gloucester & The Star-Spangled Banner’.
Visitors and group tours to Gloucester will be able to get involved in these commemorations and learn more about the historic connections between the UK and the US through a number of activities including:
- Organ Recital of The Star-Spangled Banner at Gloucester Cathedral
- A Tour of Gloucester Cathedral
- City Tour with Gloucester Civic Trust
- A Tour of St Mary de Crypt Church
The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: “Gloucester Cathedral has a unique connection with the United States. We are proud that John Stafford Smith, the son of one of our former Organists wrote the music that became America’s famous National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. To this day an American flag hangs inside the building over the monument commemorating this historic bond. We look forward to working with Visit Britain and Marketing Gloucester to welcome US visitors to our Cathedral and City.”
To book the Gloucester tour, visit the Discover website.
(image copyright Gary Ullah)
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