The festival season has well and truly begun here in Cheltenham, The Festival Town. There are so many great events coming up to look forward to, it’s impossible to choose just a handful of favourites!
But we here at Visit Cheltenham have tried our best to narrow it down, hand-picking a few of the festivals we’re most looking forward to in 2023. Read on for the lowdown…
LISA KOWALKOWSKI, DESTINATION MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Wychwood Festival
Wychwood is an absolute gem. Frequent winners of the Best Family Festival, offering three full days of brilliant live music, comedy, activities and workshops, with something on offer for all ages and interests. There is simply no better way to spend a summer weekend. It attracts some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet and is located in the most glorious setting next to Cheltenham Racecourse with the backdrop of Cleeve Hill.
The line-up this year is truly the best yet. I can’t wait to party with my family and friends, whilst watching Travis, Mel C & Scouting for Girls on the main stage!
Cheltenham Literature Festival
The Literature Festival is an annual highlight for my family. My husband and I have been taking our sons since they were toddlers and over the years they’ve met and had books signed by many of their favourite authors and popular children’s book characters. I genuinely believe that attending both the free events and ticketed events over the years has had a significant influence on their love of books and reading.
Last year they met their two idols, author and illustrator of the Beano. They receive a weekly copy of the comic and so this was an event they looked forward to and talked about for weeks! My youngest also met his favourite authors, Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, writers of the Treehouse series. He came away skipping with a massive smile on his face.
I encourage families with kids of any age to add the dates to their diaries and plan a visit in October!
STUART FIELDHOUSE, DESTINATION MARKETING OFFICER
2000Trees
I attended the 2000Trees festival for the first (and certainly not last) time in 2022 and loved every second of it. It's an intimate festival with a big attitude and some of the friendliest, most laid-back people you'll ever meet. For lovers of alternative music everywhere, there is something for everyone, from the intimate acoustic sessions of the forest stage to the rumbling fervour of the cave and jam-packed main stage shows. Dubbed by Kerrang Magazine as Britain's coolest festival, this one certainly lives up to its reputation.
Food & Drink Festival
As a keen home cook and lover of flavour, the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival is a highlight of the summer for me. Tasting thimbles of local gin and samples of tantalising culinary treats while wandering around Montpellier Parks in the sunshine, what could be better? This year there are wine tastings, cheese masterclasses and heaps of brilliant talks to look forward to. Just remember to keep an eye on how much you spend, as if you’re anything like me you’ll be walking out of there with an empty wallet!
TARA SANCHEZ, COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER
Retro Americana
Following the success of last year, I was excited to hear Retro Americana was returning for a 2nd year at the iconic Pittville Pump Room. Filled with an impressive event programme of live music from blues and swing to rock and roll, free children’s activities, fun dance lessons, a display of classic cars, American-themed food and a new retro, vintage market, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I love that this festival is free to attend for both the local community and visitors staying in Cheltenham, so everyone can enjoy being transported back to the 1940s and 50s! All you need to do is find something bright and colourful to wear to fit in with the theme.
HANNAH SMITH, MARKETING ASSISTANT APPRENTICE
Cheltenham Paint Festival
I am looking forward to the Paint Festival and the fresh array of artists getting ready to show off their unique styles of artwork across Cheltenham. The paintings bring life to Cheltenham’s architecture, including areas that you may not have previously visited, and it’s a fantastic way to see new art and become inspired by the vibrant colours and unique paintings across the town. I am excited to see what they have in store.
Culture Fest
A festival I am less familiar with but equally excited about this summer is Culture Fest. Held in Pittville Pump Room, this unique festival is brought to Cheltenham by Lives of Colour and promises to be a brilliant party in the park filled with music, dancing and delicious foods. A perfect escape from the everyday!
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