DURSLEY'S history will be brought to life by local actors at a new festival called Much Ado About Dursley.

Taking place in the town’s iconic marketplace on Saturday, April 30, the event will see characters like Mikael Pedersen - inventor of the Pedersen bicycle, which was designed and made in Dursley - come to life.

Shows start at 11.30am, with seven performances running through to 3pm.

The festival is the brainchild of town councillors Doina Cornell and Danae Savvidou, who wanted to highlight Dursley's fascinating history.

"We had this idea before the pandemic, because there are so many amazing stories in our town waiting to be told," said Danae Savvidou.

"We’ve also been inspired by the recent oral history project by GL11 community hub, telling stories of people who lived and worked in Dursley in the 1950s and 1960s, many of whom had immigrant backgrounds.

"It’s always been a really welcoming town."

Doina Cornell added: "I’ve always been intrigued by local references in Shakespeare to the high wild hills of Gloucestershire.

"We’re going to be giving a fun take on the story that Shakespeare spent his lost years here.

"It’s going to be a great family friendly day and it’s all free, so do come along."

There will also be a free talk on Witchcraft in England 1500-1700 by local historian Dr Peter Elmer on Friday, April 29 from 7.30pm at the King's Head on Parsonage Street.

Much Ado About Dursley is organised by Dursley After Hours in partnership with local theatre company Spaniel in the Works and is supported by a grant from the Gloucestershire County Council Welcome Back Fund.