Gloucester aims to make a real splash in 2009 thanks to an action-packed year-round events programme stretching from synchronised swimming to cheese rolling and tall ships.

A summer feast of fun seals Gloucester’s reputation as one of the best centres in Britain for both mainstream and unusual events and festivals.

And as Britain gears up to host the Olympics in 2012, this year the city can really claim to be “in synch” with the best in Europe.

Spring sees Gloucester play-ing host to teams from 30 countries for the European Junior Synchronised Swimming Championship for five days of elite competition, making a splash at the GL1 Leisure Centre from April 22.

Polish those dancing shoes and get ready to party at Jumpin at the Woodside (May 1-3), a weekend of swing and jive bands and a chance to learn some great new steps, whether your style is French jive, bebop or boogie woogie.

Gloucester Quays, a stunning new £400 million waterside retail and leisure complex just a short stroll from the city’s historic centre, will form the backdrop for the return of the spectacular Tall Ships Festival (May 28-31).

From June through to August, Gloucester Docks will be home to the World’s Fair Wheel standing 35 metres tall and with 24 gondolas offering a bird’s eye view of the city.

Summer really begins to hot up in the city with the annual Gloucester Festival (July 18 – August 1) featuring the traditional community carnival along with plenty more besides including fireworks, outdoor music, theatre and street entertainment.

The city returns to the sports theme again in August with a Festival of Volleyball (August 8-9) with teams from across the country and throughout Europe. Spectators will be able to cheer on the teams free of charge at Oxstalls Indoor Tennis Centre.

Rounding off the events programme, Gloucester joins in the national Heritage Open Days scheme (September 10-13), which celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties usually closed to the public, while Christmas celebrations in November and December include a seasonal festive parade.

But as well as all of the major, ‘mainstream’ festivals in-and-around Gloucester, there’s quirkier events too, such as the annual cheese rolling competition at Coopers Hill, on May 25.

Fact box:

Cheese rolling dates back to Saxon times. Food rationing was introduced in 1941 so a wooden “cheese” was used until 1954.

For further details of all events, visit www.visitgloucester.info or contact the information centre on 01452 396572