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You are here: What's On > Cheltenham 2021 - Festivals & Major Events Guide
Cheltenham 2021 - Festivals & Major Events Guide
True to its spa and Regency heritage, Cheltenham continues to refresh mind, body and soul with a year-round packed calendar of cultural festivals and major sports events. From The Cheltenham Festival featuring the Gold Cup in March, to the world’s oldest literature festival and world class science, music and jazz festivals, Cheltenham truly offers 12 months of feel good experiences.
Proud to be known as The Festival Town, Cheltenham is home to 35+ annual festivals/major events which provide the perfect opportunity for shared experiences and life affirming moments with family and friends.
From spring onwards, Cheltenham becomes a melting pot of culture and creativity commencing with the Cheltenham Jazz Festival which has hosted some of the world’s greatest musicians including Jamie Cullum, Hugh Laurie, Imelda May, Van Morrison, Stephane Grappelli and Ornette Coleman. May is also the month for Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts, one of Cheltenham’s oldest festivals, first established in 1926!
Summertime in Cheltenham is the ultimate in feel-good experiences. Unmissable experiences for families and the young at heart include Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta and Wychwood Festival (postponed to 2022). Foodies should head with empty bellies to the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival, whilst music fans are spoilt for choice with the Cheltenham Music Festival and award-winning 2000 Trees Festival (postponed to 2022).
With popular events year-round we recommend you book your accommodation and festival tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Our Cheltenham accommodation guide features hotels and self-catering options to suit all budgets from luxury town centre hotels to country spa retreats, cosy guest houses, spacious self-catering apartments and local campsites.
** Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic we anticipate that 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. **
Keep scrolling down the page to rediscover your festival spirit and plan your next stay in Cheltenham. You'll also find our summer guide handy for planning your summer holidays in Cheltenham - 65+ unmissable summer events in Cheltenham 2021
