Free Event in Parkend Commemorates Historic Forest of Dean Uprising
Warren James Day Returns to Parkend to Honour Forest History
A powerful tribute to Forest of Dean heritage is set to take place on Sunday 8 June, marking the anniversary of Warren James Day with a free event at Parkend Working Men’s Club. This celebration, now in its third year, brings the story of Warren James’s historic 1831 rebellion vividly to life through drama, poetry, talks, music and film.
“We have a packed programme of creative works that will be fun as well as bringing to life the spirit of Warren James and Foresters from 1831,” says organiser Jason Griffiths.
Taking place from 2pm, the commemorative afternoon revisits the dramatic uprising when local Foresters stood against the enclosure of common land. The day’s activities delve into the enduring themes of forest rights, freedom of access, and community identity, still fiercely relevant today.
The programme features:
- Poetry readings by Keith Morgan, Mark George, Stephanie Boocock, and Roger Drury
- A short film from the Australian project Conviction Politics
- A dramatic performance by Roger Drury
- Talks from Ian Wright, Steven Carter, and Owen Adams
- Music from Clinton Mann and Jon Davis
- New storytelling from Maggie Clutterbuck, Cheryl Mayo, Celia Harper, and Richard Brewster (Australia)
- A film reminder of the Hands Off Our Forest campaign
Warren James Day 2025 is hosted in partnership with the Dean Heritage Centre and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Location:
Parkend Working Men’s Club, Lion Row, Parkend, GL15 4JZ
Admission: Free
Explore Gloucestershire
28 May 2025
For further information.
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