Cheltenham Events, Things to Do and Festivals

(Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, UK)

Each year, Cheltenham plays host to a variety of annual festivals, with the biggest selection of things to do tending to understandably fall in the summer months. Annual events in Cheltenham number more than 500 and are themed, showcasing the very best of local literature, music, sport and even science. Venues include the Pittville Pumproom, the Playhouse Theatre and the Racecourse itself.

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival is amongst the town's biggest music events and has been staged each year since the mid-nineties, being held throughout April and May. Big names in the world of jazz are always present, and in the past have included both Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum.

Cheltenham Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015: General Information

Another exceedingly noteworthy musical event is the summer Cheltenham Music Festival in July and August, where classical music concerts are performed within the Town Hall, the Pittville Pumproom, outside in the Imperial Gardens, and at other centrally local venues.

Slightly earlier and in June, the Cheltenham Science Festival really is one event for all of the family and was first held in the town as recently as 2002. Children will enjoy the workshops, cinema and interactive science space.

For horse racing enthusiasts, March really is the time to pay a visit to the town, when it plays host to the famous Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. Sports enthusiasts may also like to pencil in early May, when it is time for the Cheltenham Rugby Festival, held at the town's very own Prince of Wales Stadium.