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For an up to date version of the best events in Cheltenham head to our guide - Annual festivals & events in Cheltenham.
2020 was a year that most of us would rather forget. To give you some things to look forward to we've created a list of the unmissable Cheltenham events in 2021.
Proud to be known as The Festival Town, our Regency town is home to 35+ truly world-class festivals / major events a year which provide the perfect opportunity for shared experiences and life affirming moments with family and friends.
Many of the events below are annual events, some are a one-off. We've clearly highlighted these so you can make plans for future visits to Cheltenham. For more comprehensive information check out our Cheltenham 2021 - Festivals and Major Events Guide. You will also find our Summer in Cheltenham 2021 guide very useful - Unmissable Summer Events in Cheltenham 2021.
** Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic we anticipate that Cheltenham events and festivals will continue to adapt / change over the year. We will endeavour to keep this guide up to date however, we recommend that you click through to the official event website for the latest information prior to travelling or booking accommodation. **
March 2021
The Festival™ featuring The Gold Cup
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse. This event will take place behind closed doors due to the national lockdown.
Dates: 16 – 19 March. Annual event
(Day one - Champion Day, Day two – Ladies Day, Day three - St Patrick’s Thursday, Day four – Cheltenham Gold Cup).
April 2021
Cheltenham Comedy Drive-In
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 9 – 11 April. New event.
Parking Lot Social Drive-In Easter Festival
Location: Southham Car Boot Site (next to Cheltenham Racecourse)
Dates: 12-13 April. New event.
The April Meeting
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse. Taking place behind closed doors due to national guidelines.
Dates: 14 – 15 April. Annual event
Cheltenham Poetry Festival
Location: Not running a physical festival this year
Dates: Online one-off events throughout year.
Race Night featuring Hunter Chase Racing
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse. Taking place behind closed doors due to national guidelines.
Date: 30 April. Annual event
May 2021
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Location: A digital only festival for 2021
Dates: 1 – 2 May. Annual event
Cheltenham Challenge
Location: Virtual event for 2021
Dates: 22 & 23 May. Annual event.
Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts
Location: Pittville Pump Room.
Dates: 23 May - 3 June. Annual event, Cheltenham’s oldest festival.
Cheltenham International Film Festival
Location: Various venues across Cheltenham
Dates: 24 May – 5 June. Annual event incorporating for 1st year Youth Festival and Online Festival.
Cotswolds Festival of Steam
Location: GWSR train stations including Cheltenham Racecourse.
Dates: Sadly not taking place in 2021
Kingfisher Trail – Cotswolds 2021
Location: 21 locations throughout the Cotswolds including Cheltenham
Dates: 31 May – 17 October
June 2021
Wychwood Music Festival - sadly cancelled for 2021
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 4 – 6 June. Annual event (16th year).
Cheltenham Science Festival
Location: Across the town, main base Imperial Gardens
Dates: 10 - 13 June. Annual event.
Cheltenham Craft Beer and Cider Festival
Location: The Old Patesians Rugby Club
Date: 12 June. Annual event (15th year).
Cheltenham Running Festival
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Date: 13 June. New event for 2021.
Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 25 – 27 June. Annual event (2nd year)
Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival
Location: Montpellier Gardens
Dates: 25 - 27 June. Annual event (12th year)
Prescott Bike Festival - sadly cancelled for 2021
Location: Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Cheltenham
Dates: 26 - 27 June. Annual event. Preview day Sat, main show Sun.
July 2021
Cheltenham Music Festival
Location: Various venues across town
Dates: 2 – 9 July. Annual event (77th year)
Cheltenham Cricket Festival
Location: Cheltenham College Grounds
Dates: 9 & 16 July. Annual event (the world's oldest cricket festival)
2000 Trees - sadly cancelled for 2021
Location: Upcote Farm, Withington
Dates: 8 – 10 July. Annual event
Midsummer Fiesta
Date: Not taking place in 2021
August 2021
Fresh Art Fair
Location: The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 5 - 8 August. Annual event.
Craft Festival Cheltenham
Location: Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gl50 1QA
New date: 13 - 15 August.
September 2021
Cheltenham Heritage Open Days
Locations: Various places of historical interest throughout Cheltenham
Dates: 10 - 19 September. Annual nationwide event.
International Beer Festival
Location – Cheltenham Town Hall
Date: 11 September. New event for 2021.
Cheltenham Paint Festival
Location: Various walls & venues throughout Cheltenham
Dates: 10 - 12 September. Annual event.
Gin to My Tonic Festival
Location: Cheltenham Town Hall
Date: 25 September 2021. Annual event.
October 2021
Cheltenham Literature Festival
Location: Montpellier Gardens and various venues around town
Dates: 8 – 17 October. Annual event, the world’s oldest literature festival!
Jason Donovan Concert
Location: The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse
Date: 19 October. One off event.
The Showcase
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 22 - 23 October. Annual event.
Cheltenham Wine Festival
Location: Pittville Pump Room
New date: 30 October. Annual event
November 2021
The November Meeting
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Dates: 12 - 14 November. Annual event.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto
Location: Everyman Theatre
Dates: 26 Nov - 9 Jan
Christmas Lights Switch On
Location: Cheltenham Town Centre
Date: November - date TBC. Annual event
Cheltenham Ice Rink
Location: Imperial Gardens
Dates: November to January. Dates TBC.
December 2021
Cheltenham Ice Rink
Location: Imperial Gardens
Dates: November to January. Dates TBC.
January 2022
New Year’s Day Races
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Date: 1 January 2022. Annual event
Festival Trials Day
Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
Date: 29 January 2022 - TBC. Annual event.
For more comprehensive information about all of these truly world-class events check out our Cheltenham - Festivals and Events Guide and Unmissable Summer Events in Cheltenham.
We feature 1,500+ events on this website every year so we recommend you also check our Cheltenham What's On Guide and Cheltenham Things To Do pages regularly for weekend and short break inspiration.
Visitors tell us time and time again that one day is not enough to experience our spa town, the most complete Regency town in the UK. Why not plan to attend an event and then extend your stay for a few nights? Check out our recommended Cheltenham hotels for every type of accommodation you could possibly wish for from spa hotels to self-catering apartments and even Cheltenham campsites.
With many award winning restaurants and bars Cheltenham is truly a foodie paradise. Our eating out recommendations are guaranteed to further convince you to stick around for a few days to indulge. (Just make sure you pack some clothes with an adjustable waistband!)
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