Your essential guide to events in the Cotswolds in 2023
The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood A new take on the classic tale follows archer, swordswoman, and trick rider Marian as she joins forces with her childhood nemesis Robin. until January 6, The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1BN, barntheatre.org.uk
The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood at The Barn Theatre (Image: Alex Tabrizi)
The True Adventures of Marian and Robin Hood at The Barn Theatre (Image: Alex Tabrizi) Cedric Titcombe Exhibition
A major exhibition of work by one of Gloucester’s most illustrious artists. Born in 1940 in Clarence Street, Cedric spent most of his creative life chronicling the city and its inhabitants. Most of the work will be for sale.
until January 21 (Thurs-Sat, 10am-4pm), The Folk of Gloucester, Westgate Street, thefolkofgloucester.co.uk ‘Between the Stones’, by Cedric Titcombe (Image: Cedric Titcombe)
King’s Square fountains, by Cedric Titcombe (Image: Cedric Titcombe)
New Year’s Day Racing See in 2023 with a family-friendly day of horse racing. Sunday, January 1, Cheltenham Racecourse, thejockeyclub.co.uk
Family history and diaries in the Archives Talks on aspects of family history, how to start your family history Q&A with the Gloucestershire Family History Association and a display of diaries held in Gloucestershire Archives. Saturday, January 7, 1-4pm, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Gloucester, GL1 3DW, heritagehub.org.uk
Historic Rally Car Register Open Day This year’s theme is a tribute to Paddy Hopkirk and 60 years of the Hillman Imp. Saturday, January 14, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk and hrcr.co.uk
1964 Hillman Imp Mk I: January’s Historic Rally Car Register Open Day is a tribute to 60 years of the Hillman Imp (Image: Wikimedia/Creative Commons) Burns Night An evening of bagpipes, poems, whisky, traditional dancers, grazing table and, of course, haggis, all in aid of Alex Moulton Charitable Trust.
Friday, January 20, 7-11pm, The Hall, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AB, moultontrust.org Cocklebarrow Races This point-to-point event is the perfect way to banish January blues.
Sunday, January 22, Aldsworth, cocklebarrowraces.com January is a good month to experience racing at Cheltenham and Cocklebarrow (Image: Getty Images) The Tempest
Alex Kingston returns to the RSC to play Prospero in Shakespeare’s elemental tale of survival and forgiveness. January 26-March 4, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, rsc.org.uk Alex Kingston is appearing in The Tempest at the RSC January 26-March 4 (Image: Wikipedia/Creative Commons)
The John Martyn Project A special project comprised of six artists coming together to celebrate the music of John Martyn. Friday, January 27, The Subscription Rooms, Stroud, GL5 1AE, thesubrooms.co.uk
The Sub Rooms in Stroud has another jam-packed programme of events this year (Image: Candia McKormack) Noble Jacks Hailed as the finest purveyors of folk-influenced Americana.
Saturday, January 28, Tetbury Goods Shed, shed-arts.co.uk FEBRUARY If walls could talk… a house history focus
Talks on aspects of house history and how to start your house history, plus family history and house history advice from the Gloucestershire Family History Society and a display of documents. Saturday, February 4, 1-4pm, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, GL1 3DW, heritagehub.org.uk Learn about all aspects of house history with Gloucestershire Archives (Image: Simon Gurney/Getty Images)
John Richardson: The Knitwit An entertaining evening out with the Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown team captain. Friday, February 10, Cheltenham Racecourse, thejockeyclub.co.uk
Katherine MacInnes Talk and Book Signing Using unprecedented access to family archives, the author retells the story of the race for the South Pole from the perspective of the women left behind. Saturday, February 4, 11am, WWT Slimbridge, wwt.org.uk
Great Expectations Follow the fortunes of Pip, a lonely orphan, from the windswept marshes of the Thames estuary to his adult life in London. February 14-18, St Mary de Crypt Church, Gloucester, therococoplayers.org.uk
Gloucester Folk Trail Folk musicians, artists, dancers and poets congregate in venues around the city for this annual event. February 17-19, visitgloucester.co.uk
The Folk of Gloucester on Westgate Street is just one of the venues for February’s Gloucester Folk Trail (Image: Candia McKormack)
Bygonz performing at Gloucester Folk Trail (Image: Candia McKormack) One Tonne of Fun
Lloyd Griffith brings his unique bag of stand-up and dubious impressions… all with a sprinkling of ‘incredible’ singing. Sunday, February 19, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk An Evening with Author & Print Maker – Angela Harding
The much-loved printmaker Angela Harding will be discussing her new book, ‘Wild Light’, which looks at 24 hours in nature through her lino cut prints and pen and ink drawings. Wednesday, February 22, Tetbury Goods Shed, shed-arts.co.uk Tweedy’s Musical Mayhem!
Having worked together on Giffords Circus, Tweedy, Mikey and James have decided to put on their own show… what could possibly go wrong? February 23-25, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk Join Tweedy for some Musical Mayhem at Everyman Theatre February 23-25 (Image: Thousand Word Media)
MARCH Telling Tales Talks on local authors, poets and their literature collections from Gloucestershire Archives, with a display of literary items held in Gloucestershire Archives.
Saturday, March 4, 1-4pm, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, GL1 3DW, heritagehub.org.uk Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World Kate Mosse OBE embarks on a theatre tour inspired by her best-selling book of the same name.
Thursday, March 2, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, chippingnortontheatre.com Tuesday, March 7, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre Saturday, March 18, Swan Theatre, Worcester, worcestertheatres.co.uk
Spring Yoga Retreat This retreat with Mel Skinner will invite you to slow down, and take time to observe and connect with the awakening life as we move into spring. March 3-5, Hawkwood College, Stroud, hawkwoodcollege.co.uk
Connect with nature as it awakens at Hawkwood College’s Spring Yoga Retreat (Image: hawkwoodcollege.co.uk) Forest Bathing Sharon Dunscombe of Forest Mind will be running various forest bathing sessions throughout the year.
The two-hour sessions cost GBP20 pp, including refreshments in the woods. Call Sharon on 07798 654959 or visit forestmind.uk Saturday, March 4 (other dates available), Notgrove Estate, GL54 3BT
Soothe your mind and get closer to nature with a forest bathing session (Image: Getty Images)
Sharon Dunscombe of Forest Mind (Image: forestmind.uk) The Festival
Four extraordinary days – including Gold Cup Day – at the home of jump racing. March 14-17, Cheltenham Racecourse, thejockeyclub.co.uk The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (Image: thejockeyclub.co.uk)
Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation Nothing is off the menu in this frank, revealing and very funny all-new show. Wednesday, March 15, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk
Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation (Image: Creative Commons) Painswick Music Society Performance featuring Emma Johnson (clarinet), John Lenehan (piano), and Paul Clarvis (drums).
Saturday, March 18, 3pm, St Mary’s Church, Painswick, painswickmusicsoc.co.uk Julius Caesar Shakespeare’s political thriller exposes the ambiguous morality in trying to shift power.
March 18-April 8, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, rsc.org.uk J.S. Bach – St Matthew Passion
Concert with Cheltenham Bach Choir with the Musical and Amicable Society Baroque Orchestra. Saturday, March 25, 6.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey, cheltbachchoir.com Cheltenham Bach Choir (Image: cheltbachchoir.com)
APRIL Milk bottles and conkers – a focus on school days of the past The best days of your life?
Talks on aspects of past school and education in Gloucestershire, how to trace school records and ancestors with the Gloucestershire Family History Society and a display of school documents held in Gloucestershire Archives. Saturday, April 1, 1-4pm, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, GL1 3DW, heritagehub.org.uk Andoversford Races
A great day of steeple chases, point-to-point and pony racing. Sunday, April 2, andoversfordraces.co.uk Andoversford Races is on April 2 in 2023 (Image: Thousand Word Media)
The Rocky Horror Show Cheltenham boy Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, seen by over 30 million theatregoers. April 3-8, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk
CountryTastic An Easter holiday event to meet a wide range of animals and to learn more about the countryside. Thursday, April 6, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, countrytastic.co.uk
CountryTastic is back at the Three Counties Showground on April 6 (Image: countrytastic.co.uk) Giffords Circus Everyone’s favourite village-green circus returns to tour the Cotswolds and beyond.
April 6-October 1, 01453 800200, giffordscircus.com Follow Giffords Circus as it tours the villages of the Cotswolds in 2023 (Image: Andrew Rees) Gordon Buchanan
One of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, Gordon will be taking a look back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera. Tuesday, April 11, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, swindontheatres.co.uk Wildlife presenter and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan (Image: @gordonjbuchanan)
Gaydon Gathering This free event, which takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, has proved very popular with hundreds of vehicles turning up to enjoy an informal evening. Tuesday, April 11, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk
The Gaydon Gathering at the British Motor Museum (Image: britishmotormuseum.co.uk) April Meeting Two exciting days of racing at Prestbury Park.
April 19-20, Cheltenham Racecourse, thejockeyclub.co.uk The Stuart Singers: Let there be Music An evening of light and entertaining choral singing with the Stuart Singers, who have a reputation for their engaging manner and rapport with the audience.
Friday, April 21, Tetbury Goods Shed, shed-arts.co.uk A ‘Conscious & Curated’ Exhibition An exhibition of works by a collective of like-minded creatives championing sustainable interiors, in aid of The Stroud Women’s Refuge.
April 21-23, The Loft, Lewis & Wood, Woodchester Mill, GL5 5NN, email: [email protected] Cymbeline Shakespeare’s rare late romance tumbles from Rome to the hills of Wales, and teems with extraordinary fairytale characters.
April 22-May 27, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, rsc.org.uk Cheltenham Jazz Festival Celebrating all genres of jazz with a carefully curated mixture of international jazz icons, up-and-coming new artists and unique festival performances.
April 26-May 1, cheltenhamfestivals.com Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs from April 26 until May 1 in 2023 (Image: MacPhersonStevens) MAY
Badminton Horse Trials Prestigious five-day event held in the beautiful grounds of the Badminton Estate. May 4-8, badminton-horse.co.uk
Badminton Horse Trials (Image: Kit Houghton) Gaydon Land Rover Show Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of iconic Land Rover marque.
May 7-8, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk Gaydon Land Rover Show (Image: britishmotormuseum.co.uk ) RHS Malvern Spring Festival
Inspiring gardens, spectacular blooms and new zones and theatres for 2023. May 11-14, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, rhsmalvern.co.uk RHS Malvern Spring Festival (Image: Stuart Purfield)
Party in the City Free music festival featuring music of all genres in more than 30 venues, from samba on the streets to choirs in churches. May 12, bathfestivals.org.uk
NAFAS National Show: Florilegium The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies’ national show will be hosted by Gloucester Cathedral, with ‘The Big Flower Night’ on Friday, May 12. May 12-13, Gloucester Cathedral, nafas.org.uk
NAFAS National Show ‘Florilegium’ is coming to Gloucester Cathedral on May 12-13 (Image: Getty Images) The Cotswold Festival of Steam A glorious steam gala weekend organised by Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.
May 12-14, gwsr.com The glorious Cotswold Festival of Steam runs May 12-14 (Image: Jack Boskett) The Bath Festival
A celebration of some of the world’s best musicians, speakers and writers. May 12-21, bathfestivals.org.uk Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
The world’s longest-running play, and THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time. May 15-20, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk Ben Fogle – Wild
The broadcaster and adventurer shares stories of hope, possibility and positivity from his extraordinary encounters around the world. Tuesday, May 16, Cheltenham Town Hall, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Ben Fogle is coming to Cheltenham Town Hall on May 16 (Image: benfogle.com)
Winchcombe Walking Festival The award-winning Cotswolds walking festival. May 19-21, winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com
Abingdon Air and Country Show A great family day out, with up to 70 different types of aircraft, from helicopters to World War 2 fighters, as well as light and sport aircraft. Saturday, May 20, RAF Abingdon, OX13 6BX, abingdonairandcountry.co.uk
Chipping Campden Literature Festival The exciting and varied programme of this annual festival is a real treat for bookworms. May 22-27, campdenmayfestivals.co.uk
Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth In Conversation The founders of the seminal bands Talking Heads & Tom Tom Club will be talking about their illustrious careers, their life-long romance and stories from so many years in rock n roll. Thursday, May 25, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, ticketsource.co.uk/in-my-own-words
Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth In Conversation (Image: Creative Commons) Big Picture Festival An annual film festival, run by non-for-profit arts organisation Live & Local, that takes place in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.
The 2023 theme is ‘One World – Many Stories’. May 25-28, Stratford-upon-Avon, liveandlocal.org.uk Hay Festival
The annual literature and arts festival that surely needs no other explanation. May 25-June 4, Hay-on-Wye, hayfestival.com Lechlade Festival
The multi-award-winning family-friendly festival, set alongside the River Thames. May 26-28, lechladefestival.co.uk MG Centenary
Celebrate 100 years of MG in this special event at Gaydon. Saturday, May 27, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk MG Centenary at Gaydon, May 27 (Image: Getty Images)
Blenheim Palace Food Festival Indulge your passion for great food and drink with a host of top chefs and producers. May 27-29, blenheimpalace.com
Cheese Rolling Extreme Gloucestershire sport at its best. Monday, May 29, Cooper’s Hill, near Gloucester (check online closer to the time)
Longborough Festival Opera The 2023 season will include Wagner’s epic Gotterdammerung. May 29-August 3, Longborough, Moreton-in-March, lfo.org.uk
Longborough Festival Opera (Image: Matthew Williams-Ellis) JUNE Robert Dover’s Games
The 17th-century tradition returns with shin-kicking and other antics. Friday, June 2, olimpickgames.co.uk Shin-kicking is a traditional sport at Robert Dover’s Games (Image: olimpickgames.co.uk)
Wychwood A lively family festival with an exciting line-up of music, comedy, literature and workshops. June 2-4, Cheltenham Racecourse, wychwoodfestival.com
Want to work in heritage? Interested in heritage work? Find out how to become a qualified archivist, librarian, conservator, museum curator and many more associated professions, with local representatives and educational organisations.
Saturday, June 3, 1-4pm, Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, GL1 3DW, heritagehub.org.uk National Metro & Mini Show The one and only show celebrating these wonderful small British cars together.
Sunday, June 4, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk Cheltenham Science Festival Six days of scintillating science and cerebral experiments for the whole family.
June 6-11, cheltenhamfestivals.com KITE Household names from the world of literature, music, politics, art, culture, and comedy across seven unique stages in the grounds of a breath-taking Grade I-listed Palladian house.
June 9-11, Kirtlington Park, near Oxford, kitefestival.co.uk KITE is at Kirtlington Park in Oxfordshire, June 9-11 (Image: kitefestival.co.uk) Broadway Arts Festival
Ten days, 80+ diverse, creative and entertaining events of the highest quality in and around Broadway, including artBEAT on the village green, creative workshops, live music, plus a Supper Club and Ceilidh. June 9-18, broadwayartsfestival.com Jack Savoretti
The Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter performs at The National Arboretum as part of Forest Live. Saturday, June 10, Westonbirt Arboretum, forestryengland.uk Classic & Vintage Commercial Show
Take a nostalgic trip back to the roads of yesteryear and see hundreds of pre-2003 commercial vehicles. June 10-11, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk ‘Reread, Revisit, Rethink’ with Loyd Grossman
The distinguished art historian, travel writer and broadcaster reflects on places he thought he knew well, while continuing to find new and surprising insights. Sunday, June 11, 6.30pm, Cidermill Theatre, Chipping Campden, broadwayartsfestival.com Titanic The Musical
Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, this is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers. June 13-17, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk Lionel Richie at Blenheim
The 125 million-selling pop superstar will make his first trip to the UK since 2019 to perform at the Nocturne Live concert series, also featuring Ibiza Classics (June 14-18). June 14, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, nocturnelive.com Folklore & Fairytales
Soprano Laura Coppinger performs a recital, showing her remarkable talent in a classical programme that explores fables and folk song from across Europe Friday, June 16, 4.30pm, The Guildhouse Stanton, broadwayartsfestival.com Royal Three Counties Show
Returning to Malvern is this bumper crop of farming, food and family fun. June 16-18, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, royalthreecounties.co.uk Royal Three Counties Show (Image: royalthreecounties.co.uk)
Rat Pack Night with Lance Ellington & Band Join the legendary vocalist with his six-piece band for a journey of nostalgia through the music of Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, George Benson, Tony Bennett and many more. Saturday, June 17, 8pm, Marquee on the Village Green, Broadway, broadwayartsfestival.com
Shipston Proms A music-packed two-week festival in and around the South Warwickshire market town of Shipston-on-Stour, providing a platform for both local and international talent. June 17-July 1, shipstonproms.org
Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival The annual foodie fest returns, to include Chefs’ Kitchen, live music, street theatre stage, free wine talks/tastings, and an impressive range of exhibitors. June 23-25, Montpellier Gardens, cheltenhamfooddrinkfestival.co.uk
Blenheim Palace Flower Show The perfect place to discover your favourite plants, flowers and other garden goodies. June 23-25, blenheimflowershow.co.uk
Blenheim Palace Flower Show returns June 23-25 (Image: Richard Cave) Will Todd’s Mass in Blue and Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criola Performed by Cheltenham Bach Choir.
Sunday, June 25, 7.30pm, St Philip and St James Church, Leckhampton, GL50 2DL, cheltbachchoir.com Barn on the Farm
See the big music stars of the future in the intimate setting of Over’s barn before they hit the big time. June 29-July 2, Over Farm, barnonthefarm.co.uk JULY
Wythall Busfest@Gaydon The BMM is again partnering with the Transport Museum Wythall to bring over 100 vintage and modern buses from all across the country. Saturday, July 1, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Battle Proms Picnic Concert A summer spectacular with music, fireworks, and aerial parachute and Spitfire displays Saturday, July 1, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, blenheimpalace.com and battleproms.com
Battle Proms Picnic Concert comes to Blenheim Palace on July 1 (Image: battleproms.com) The Cotswold Show & Food Festival Founded by The Earl Bathurst in 1989, this country show is one of the most popular in the country.
July 1 & 2, Cirencester Park, cotswoldshow.co.uk 2000 Trees Music Festival Four days of good music, set in the Cotswold Hills, near Cheltenham.
Saturday headliner is Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes. July 6-9, twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
The largest free medieval re-enactment event in Europe. July 8 & 9, facebook.com/TewkesburyMedievalFestival Tewkesbury Medieval Festival: the largest free medieval re-enactment event in Europe (Image: Getty Images)
Cheltenham Music Festival Incredible venues filled with the finest classical music and more. July 8-15, cheltenhamfestivals.com
The Royal International Air Tattoo The world’s largest military air show, in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. July 14-16, RAF Fairford, airtattoo.com
RAF Red Arrows at RIAT (Image: Paul Drabot) Chalfest The Gloucestershire community music festival that punches above its weight.
July 21 & 22, Chalford, chalfest.co.uk Kaiser Chiefs The multi-platinum-selling band will be performing as part of Warwick Castle’s Within the Walls series.
Saturday, July 22, Warwick Castle, warwick-castle.com Old Ford Rally Anything pre-1995 with a Ford engine can be seen, including Anglias, Capris, Cortinas, Escorts, Fiestas, Granadas, Model Ts, Zephyrs and Zodiacs.
Sunday, July 23, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival The annual multi-venue music festival returns to the city.
July 24-30, visitgloucester.co.uk WOMAD The world music festival, founded by Peter Gabriel.
July 27-30, Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, womad.co.uk Three Counties Food Festival Featuring street food, artisan foods from across the region, guest TV chefs, plus plenty of foodie shopping opportunities.
July 29-30, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, threecountiesfoodfestival.com AUGUST Wilderness Festival
Wilderness returns with an extended weekend escape in the soul-nourishing landscape of Cornbury Park, with acts including The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, and Christine and the Queens. August 3-6, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, wildernessfestival.com It’s another top line-up at Cornbury Park’s Wilderness Festival (Image: wildernessfestival.com)
The Big Feastival More music and foodie treats on Alex James’s farm. August 25-27, Oxfordshire, thebigfeastival.com
Towersey Festival This well-established festival brings a mix of contemporary and traditional acts, with The Divine Comedy announced as one of the 2023 headliners. August, 25-28, The Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, towerseyfestival.com
The Divine Comedy will be headlining Towersey Festival in 2023 (Image: Kevin Westenberg) Gloucester Goes Retro One of the highlights in the city’s calendar, when over 500 classic vehicles fill the historic Gate Streets and Docks.
August 26, gloucestergoesretro.com
SEPTEMBER Moreton Show
One of the biggest one-day agricultural shows, set in the heart of the Cotswolds and full to the brim with exciting acts, such as the Shetland Pony Grand National, mid-air stunts and the Livestock Grand Parade. Saturday, September 2, moretonshow.co.uk Hook Norton’s heavy horses at Moreton Show (Image: moretonshow.co.uk)
Gloucester History Festival The annual festival, set in Blackfriars Priory and across the city, includes Gloucester Day, City Voices and Heritage Open Days. September 2-17, gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk
Dr Janina Ramirez: president of Gloucester History Festival (Image: Thousand Word Media) Moreton-in-Marsh Beer Festival Lots of real ale, great music and good food.
September 8 & 9, northcotswoldcamra.org.uk
Retro Truck Show An unmissable weekend show for modern classic truck fans.
September 9-10, British Motor Museum, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk In The Maker’s Hands – The Tools of our Trade The third Gloucestershire Guild ‘Crafts Alive’ five-day festival will be showing outstanding contemporary crafts inspired by Rodmarton.
Original work will be for sale, alongside guest exhibitors, demonstrations, workshops, talks, theatrical performances and delicious locally-made food and drinks. September 13-17, Rodmarton Manor, GL7 6PF, guildcrafts.org.uk/crafts-alive-at-rodmarton-manor The third Gloucestershire Guild ‘Crafts Alive’ festival is at Rodmarton Manor September 13-17 (Image: rodmarton-manor.co.uk)
Malvern Autumn Show A vibrant three-day celebration of food, gardening and nostalgia. September 22-24, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, malvernautumn.co.uk
Malvern Autumn Show, September 22-24 (Image: malvernautumn.co.uk) OCTOBER Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp’s Sunday Lunch
An evening with Cotswolds’ rock ‘n’ roll couple, reminiscing and performing rock classics. Sunday, October 1, Cheltenham Town Hall, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Literature Festival
The globally-renowned literature event set in a festival village in the heart of Cheltenham. October 6-15, cheltenhamfestivals.com Sister Act
The eagerly-anticipated Broadway and UK smash-hit musical is a tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music. October 16-28, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk Apple Day at The Folk
Featuring over 30 Gloucestershire apple varieties, free children’s activities, horse-drawn cider mill, live music and Morris dancing. Saturday, October 21, The Folk of Gloucester, Westgate Street, GL1 2PG, thefolkofgloucester.co.uk Apple Day at The Folk of Gloucester (Image: Candia McKormack)
NOVEMBER Stroud Book Festival A creative programme of high-quality, entertaining and thought-provoking events offering a range of more than 35 events for children and adults on a wide variety of subjects.
Past guests include Ali Smith, Kate Mosse, Lemn Sissay, Julia Donaldson, Bernardine Evaristo, Ian McEwan, Mary Portas, Kamal Ahmed, Rachel Joyce, Cath Kidston, Joanna Trollope and many more. November 8-12, stroudbookfestival.org.uk The Laurie Lee Prize panel at the 2022 Stroud Book Festival (Image: stroudbookfestival.org.uk)
Francis Rossi: Acoustic Greatest Hits The Status Quo legend takes up his acoustic guitar to perform a selection of well-known hits and previously not-performed-live-before tunes. Friday, November 10, Cheltenham Town Hall, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Rachmaninov – Vespers A concert by Cheltenham Bach Choir. Saturday, November 11, 7.30pm, Cirencester Parish Church, GL7 2NX, cheltbachchoir.com
Lulu: For the Record Join Lulu as she shares, for the first time, many untold stories recalling her experiences with the greats, from Elton John to Paul McCartney. Sunday, November 12, Cheltenham Town Hall, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
DECEMBER Birding for Beginners Get to grips with bird identification in the hides before enjoying a breakfast roll in the Kingfisher Kitchen.
Friday, December 1, 8am, WWT Slimbridge, wwt.org.uk Get to grips with bird identification at WWT Slimbridge (Image: Amy Alsop) A Christmas Cracker
A veritable feast of Christmas music, with Cheltenham Bach Choir. Saturday, December 16, 7.30pm, Cheltenham Town Hall, GL50 1QA, cheltbachchoir.com Mother Goose
Tweedy is back, but this time he’s playing a panto dame for the first time ever.
Not to be missed!
December 23-January 7, 2024, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, everymantheatre.org.uk