Viva O’Flynn, a Gloucester entrepreneur known for her community work and creative ventures, is approaching the end of her tenure as Mock Mayor of Barton and St Mary for 2025-2026.
One of the defining moments of her term came in King’s Square, where she helped organize and host Filipino Heritage Day. The Filipino Association of Gloucestershire and the Rotary Club of Gloucester jointly presented the celebration, backed by Together Gloucester. Crowds numbering in the hundreds gathered for Filipino food, dance, music and cultural displays. The occasion carried added significance, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Philippine independence from the United States and eight decades of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.
“Filipino Heritage Day was one of my biggest highlights. Seeing King’s Square full of people enjoying Filipino culture together was something I’ll always remember,” O’Flynn said.
Her selection carried historic weight as the first British Filipina to take on the position. The role traces its origins to the 1600s and the 1643 Siege of Gloucester, a period when Barton sat beyond the city’s walls. Residents there appointed their own mock mayor as an expression of independence laced with humor, and the custom has endured across the generations, with each holder donning the traditional regalia and joining what remains a living piece of local heritage.
“Being the first British Filipina Mock Mayor has meant a lot to me. I’m proud to have become part of a tradition that has been part of Gloucester for centuries,” she said.
O’Flynn entered the tradition at the invitation of Gloucester Town Crier Alan Myatt alongside the Court Leet of Barton and St Mary. Her calendar over the year featured longstanding customs such as the Assize of Ale and the Gloucester Day festivities, in addition to festivals, charity efforts and gatherings throughout the city.
Championing Eastgate Indoor Market and the independent traders who work there became a consistent thread of her time in office. She frequently spotlighted the venue, told the stories of those running the stalls and urged residents to back local Gloucester businesses.
“I’ve also really enjoyed championing Eastgate Indoor Market and its traders. Markets are about people as much as shopping. I’m proud to have supported the traders and helped tell their stories,” she said.
Her engagements extended well beyond ceremonial duties. She took part in International Women’s Day events, Apple Day at the Folk of Gloucester, the BBC Children in Need Three-Legged Walk, the city’s Lantern Parade, the Christmas Lights Switch-On, the Tredworth Street Party, Voices Gloucester activities, and Windrush celebrations, where she read her own poetry.
“It has been such a special and memorable year. I’ve met so many people and learned even more about Gloucester,” she said.
Looking past the end of her term, O’Flynn has lined up further commitments. She is scheduled to appear as a speaker at TEDxEastgate at Gloucester Guildhall on September 20, 2026, and will host the Christmas FUNtastic Fair on December 5, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St Mary de Crypt, an event promising stalls, activities and seasonal entertainment.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Alan Myatt, the Court Leet of Barton and St Mary and everyone who gave me the opportunity to be part of this tradition,” she said. “I’ll take so many happy memories with me. I’ll continue doing what I love: supporting Gloucester, bringing people together and celebrating our city.”
She is inviting the public to Gloucester Day on September 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Gloucester’s Gate Streets, a celebration devoted to the city’s history, heritage and customs.
