Viva Verb

Gloucester came alive with colour, pride, and celebration on Saturday, 6 September, as Gloucester Day 2025 returned. Thousands of people filled the streets to celebrate the city’s history and spirit. One of the highlights was the joyful announcement of Viva Andrada O’Flynn as the Mock Mayor of Barton for 2025 to 2026.

The Mock Mayor of Barton tradition dates back to the 1600s. After the Siege of Gloucester in 1643, Barton residents left outside the city walls chose their own “mayor” in a playful show of independence. Today, it’s a fun and proud part of Gloucester Day, organised each year by Town Crier Alan Myatt.

Viva is the first British Filipina Mock Mayor of Barton, making her appointment especially meaningful. An entrepreneur, artist, writer and community leader, she plans to bring creativity, inclusivity and community spirit to the role.

“It’s an honour to be chosen for this special tradition,” said Viva. “The Mock Mayor represents Barton’s history and its diverse, welcoming community. Gloucester is a city where cultures come together, and I hope to spread joy and togetherness during my term.”

Viva’s passion for helping others has also been recognised nationally. She recently received an award from the World Humanitarian Drive at the House of Lords, recognising her ardent efforts for humanity. Viva continues to inspire through service and celebration.

Now, Viva is inviting everyone to her first big event as Mock Mayor, the FUNtastic Fair.

The FUNtastic Fair will be held on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at St Mary de Crypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Visitors can enjoy local craft and gift stalls from talented makers including TR Gifts, Ethel Cat Creations, Aravalli Studios, Serendipity Candles and Crafts, Hey Rokkit, Paul Gruffalo Photography, Jigsaw Gloucester UK, Tropic Skincare and Beauty, Gloucester Local Authors, Lightspeed Gloucester Photography UK, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Love Viva Crafts

“The FUNtastic Fair is all about celebrating creativity and community,” said Viva. “Come along, support local talent, and enjoy a day full of fun in the heart of Gloucester.”

After the success of Gloucester Day 2025, the FUNtastic Fair promises to keep the city’s spirit of heritage, humour and togetherness shining bright.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 15 November 2025

Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Venue: St Mary de Crypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester, UK

Free entry, everyone welcome

I came to Gloucester nine years ago carrying more than just a suitcase. I brought with me the scent of my Mother’s kitchen, the sound of laughter over shared meals, and the warmth of a culture rooted in family and community. But I also carried homesickness, uncertainty, and the quiet fear of not belonging.

I was newly married and adjusting to life in a place that felt unfamiliar. The streets were quiet, the air colder, and although I was grateful for new beginnings, I missed everything I had left behind. I missed hearing Tagalog. I missed the taste of real adobo. And I missed the joy of spontaneous Filipino gatherings that made any place feel like home.

In those early days, I didn’t know a single Filipino here. But over time, Gloucester revealed its kindness. I found others like me. I found friendship. Through groups like Filgroup of Cheltenham n Friends and Gloucestershire Pinoys, I found connection. I found family again.

As the years passed, I became proud to call Gloucester home and even prouder to be part of something that brought the spirit of the Philippines into the heart of this city. Filipino Heritage Day became more than an event. It became a celebration of identity, unity, and resilience, a reminder that even far from our birthplace, we remain whole, proud, and deeply rooted.

On 11 May 2025, we marked the fourth year of this celebration. I’ve helped organise it every year since it began. The idea was first brought to life by Raymond Padilla, a proud Filipino community leader and former Gloucester councillor. His vision was simple and powerful: to share who we are, to bring our food, music, art, and joy into the centre of our new home so Gloucester could see what we bring to the table.

But what many don’t see is the work that happens behind the scenes. Organising an event of this scale is not easy, especially while working full-time for Gloucester City Council. I applied for Together Gloucester funding and thankfully we got it. I coordinated with suppliers, managed payments, ran the marketing, promotions, arranged performers, took care of the stage and stalls, and made sure everything aligned with city processes. Some days were tough and overwhelming, but we got there. And the sense of pride that comes from pulling it all together is something I will carry with me for a long time.

I still remember that very first event, standing in King’s Square surrounded by kababayans and local friends, hearing Original Pinoy Music echo through the city centre, and watching people eat, laugh, and dance together. It was the kind of joy that is hard to describe, the joy of being seen and truly belonging.

This year’s celebration carried even deeper meaning. It took place during Filipino Heritage Month and International Nurses Day, a time to honour the strength and dedication of Filipino healthcare workers across the UK. From the NHS to private care homes, our kababayans continue to serve with heart, compassion, and quiet resilience. This day was for them too, for the nurses, carers, and frontliners who have given so much to this country while proudly holding on to their heritage.

May 11 is also Mother’s Day in the Philippines. To all the incredible mothers out there, and especially to my own mom back home, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for your love, your strength, and for being the heart of everything I carry with me.

On our event, we welcomed everyone, from families and neighbours to new friends and curious visitors. We shared our food, our music, our stories, and our joyful spirit. This was not just a day for Filipinos. It was a day for Gloucester. A celebration of diversity, connection, and the beauty of shared community life. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us!

We were honoured to be joined by the Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Lorraine Campbell, the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor Cllr Pam Tracey, our local MP, Alex McIntyre, and many other dignitaries who took the time to celebrate with us. Their presence meant a great deal to our community, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

And as I stood once again in King’s Square, surrounded by the scent of lechon, menudo, the sound of Tagalog blending with English, and the sight of children dancing to songs they had never heard before, I knew something special had happened.

We brought the Philippines to Gloucester. And Gloucester gave us space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

That is what home truly means.

#gloucester #filipinoassociationofgloucestershire #filipino

As a writer, artist, entrepreneur and community builder, I have always believed in the power of creativity. It brings people together. It helps us understand each other. It builds stronger, kinder communities.

I attended a workshop called “How can we work together to shape Gloucester’s cultural future?” on Wednesday, 30 April at Gloucester Guildhall. It felt deeply moving to be in a room-full of people who care. People who believe in this city and in what we can create when we work together. We spoke honestly about the challenges. We listened. We shared ideas. And more than anything, we felt hope.

I looked around and saw so many who have dedicated their lives to building something better for this city. People who create not just art, but opportunities. People who lead with passion and stay grounded in community. And I realised again how powerful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Gloucester is already home to extraordinary talent, innovation and heart. What we need now is the belief and investment to match that energy. Not just money, but trust. Not just support, but shared responsibility. The belief that culture is not a luxury, but a vital part of who we are and how we move forward. Because culture is not about one person or one event. It is about how we live, how we grow, how we connect.

Culture is not just about art. It is about identity, inclusion, growth, and healing. And Gloucester is proving that when creativity is supported, communities thrive.

We are building something powerful, and it is only the beginning. Gloucester is not just looking inward. We are reaching out, with open hands and innovative ideas, ready to contribute something meaningful to the world.

I left that room with a full heart. More certain than ever that this city has everything it needs to thrive. The time for Gloucester is now. And I am honoured to be part of this journey.

Let’s build the future together in Gloucester.

#Gloucester #CreativeGloucester #GloucesterGuildhall #InvestInCulture #InvestinGloucester

For some Covid-19 derailed their plans and dreams. For Viva Andrada O’Flynn, the pandemic pushed her forward to attain greater heights. As an entrepreneur of Love Viva Cakes and Crafts, Viva bakes her delicious cakes and creative makes for the people of Gloucestershire. She is also known to organise FUNtastic Fairs in various venues bringing creative businesses together to sell their wares.

When Covid-19 struck, Viva flexed her writing muscles and joined an online poetry competition organised by World Humanitarian Drive (WHD). She was awarded as one of the top winners. WHD received over 3,000 entries. Her poem “Who Knew” was featured on TV, websites, blogs, radio, and even school publications. WHD chose Viva to be their Global Media Relations. When WHD decided to have a weekly online talk show delving into the brilliant minds of their guests from different parts of the world entitled “Inspiring Millions”, they chose Viva to be their host.

Viva is also an artist. Another activity she did during the lockdown was to join online art workshops organised by Art Shape, based in Gloucester. Art Shape then hired Viva to help in planning Gloucester Carnival for this year. Viva is also taking part in Art Shape’s Virtual Exhibition along with other Art Bridge Emergent artists. There will also be an upcoming art exhibit at Westonbirt Arboretum when it is safe to do so.

For Viva’s FUNtastic Fairs, she took them virtual; providing FUNtastic Fair Traders the platform to showcase and sell their creativity online; allowing customers retail therapy while they sit comfortably and safely at home with a cup of tea and a desire to splurge. Visit Facebook Page: FUNtastic Virtual Fair.

Another appointment Viva embraced during the lockdown is Grow2Gether Network’s Community Manager. She is also a writer of YesPhilippines News Magazine, geared towards the Filipino community in the UK. Viva is the secretary of Filipino Association of Gloucestershire.

Originally from the Philippines, Viva is an entrepreneur, artist, writer, event organiser, and a trained chef. She left the life she has known, family, friends and moved to the UK 5 years ago to be with her husband, John.

According to Viva, if Covid-19 has taught her anything, “it’s to take advantage of opportunities that I’ve been given. These are challenging times for everyone. It’s great when we get the support we need. We’re better together. There’s strength in numbers, in collaboration. We can get through this pandemic, whatever curveballs life throws at us, when we work together and support one another.”

Truly, Viva is living by her vision and is sharing love, joy, and inspiration with the world. To know more about Viva of Love Viva Cakes and Crafts, visit her website: www.loveviva.co, follow on Instagram and Facebook: Love Viva Cakes and Crafts.

WHD Media "Inspiring Millions"

Viva's youtube channel