<![CDATA[The Cotswolds Gentleman

<![CDATA[The Cotswolds Gentleman - NEWS]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:07:30 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[Dom Joly Brings Trigger Happy TV to Cheltenham]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:39:13 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/dom-joly-brings-trigger-happy-tv-to-cheltenhamA quarter of a century after Trigger Happy TV first unleashed its glorious chaos onto unsuspecting members of the public, the Cheltenham-born comedian is marking the milestone with a full-blown national celebration: a huge 100-date UK tour, honouring the hidden camera phenomenon that went on to sell to 80 countries and reshape modern comedy.

Before “viral” was a career path and before YouTube became the world’s stage, Joly was already out there creating the blueprint, armed with an absurdly large mobile phone, a suspicious number of squirrels, and a giant snail that somehow became national treasure status. His anarchic, intelligent style didn’t just define the early 2000s, it quietly set the tone for an entire generation of prank comedy and meme culture that followed.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of a major appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, where Joly hosted and performed at the Teenage Cancer Trust comedy night, curated by Robert Smith of The Cure. Sharing the bill with comedy royalty, he revived some of his best-loved characters to a rapturous response - proof, if any were needed, that the world still has an appetite for well-executed mischief.

Now, for the first time in decades, those characters are returning properly, live, in person, and with a few surprises. The Trigger Happy TV 25th Anniversary Tour promises behind-the-scenes stories, bloopers, unseen original footage and, perhaps most excitingly, brand-new material. Expect fresh tales of the Giant Snail’s painfully slow zebra-crossing journeys, Dom’s arrest while dressed as a KGB spy, and the long-running obsession with the elusive “grey squirrel.” And yes, the giant mobile phone will, inevitably, feature.

For Cheltenham, however, this isn’t just another tour date. It’s personal.

Joly has already been making waves locally with Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy, his cult comedy night at the fiercely independent Steam & Whistle. Approaching its one-year residency this April, it has become something of a town secret, the sort of thing people mention in lowered voices, usually followed by: “You’ll never get a ticket.”

The Trigger Happy tour arrives at the Parabola Arts Centre on Saturday 5th December 2026, and with its intimate atmosphere and famously fine acoustics, it’s the perfect venue for two hours of nostalgia, new material, and utter comedic mayhem.

While the tour spans 100 dates nationwide, the Cheltenham show is shaping up to be the jewel in the crown, a homecoming in every sense, and arguably the most anticipated night of the entire run.

As Joly himself puts it:

"I can’t believe it’s been twenty-five years since I first started shouting into a giant mobile phone. Trigger Happy TV changed my life, and bringing these characters back for a massive anniversary tour is a total blast. Cheltenham is my home, and while the SpeakeaZy at the Steam & Whistle has been incredible, bringing the full Trigger Happy chaos to the Parabola is going to be a level up. I can't wait to share some brand-new mayhem with my hometown audience."

For all the info and tickets, please visit www.domjoly.tv

]]><![CDATA[The Gym (Or: How I Accidentally Became One of Those People)]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:24:54 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-gym-or-how-i-accidentally-became-one-of-those-peopleI’m going to start with a something that sounds like the conclusion of a midlife crisis.

The gym saved my life.

It didn’t, of course. Not literally. Nobody dragged me out of a burning building and handed me a protein shake. But in a quieter, more British way, the kind of way where nothing is ever said out loud until you’ve made a joke about it first, it has genuinely changed my life. And for someone who used to view gyms as fluorescent torture chambers filled with men admiring themselves from every possible angle, that is saying something.

Before Christmas, I spent a month in Australia for a wedding and to see family, and for a couple of weeks I stayed on Manly Beach. If you’ve never been, Manly is essentially a postcard with abs. Everyone there is not only in ludicrous shape, but also infuriatingly happy. It’s hard to know whether the happiness comes from the exercise, the ocean, or simply the fact that their vitamin D levels are not in a permanent state of British deficiency.

Naturally, I started comparing it to the UK, where we spend most of winter looking like damp laundry left out overnight.

A friend summed it up perfectly.

“If you had your shirt off for seven months of the year, you’d be in good shape too.”

He’s right. The British climate isn’t built for visible abdominal muscles. It’s built for jumpers, coats, and pretending we don’t mind the drizzle. You can’t blame the average man in Cotswolds for not maintaining beach body standards when the closest thing we get to a heatwave is a slightly warm day in June that causes panic-buying of fans.

But there was something else happening in Australia that I didn’t fully appreciate until later.

Every morning I was up at 6am, walking to my favourite coffee spot (Little Legends, which I recommend if you ever find yourself on the other side of the world needing caffeine and a sense of purpose). Then I’d walk along the beach.

And the place was alive.

Surfers were already in the water, runners were flying past, volleyball games were underway, and there were people like me, the coffee walkers, strolling around as if this was the most normal thing in the world. It felt like everyone had collectively agreed that mornings were not something to endure, but something to use.

One dad stood on the sand whistling his son in from the sea.

“This is every morning,” he said, shaking his head. “I just can’t get him out the water. He’s meant to be going to school.”

I remember thinking how wonderful that is. Imagine your biggest parenting battle being that your child is too committed to surfing at sunrise.

I also kept hearing a phrase: think of the 5–9 rather than the 9–5. In other words: don’t let life be swallowed by work. Make your mornings count. Build something for yourself before the day begins.

I loved it. I felt inspired. Almost unbearably optimistic.

“That’s it,” I thought. “When I get home I’m going to be a morning person. I’ll go for runs. Walk the dog. Enjoy the early hours. Become one of those annoyingly productive people who have already ‘done loads’ before breakfast.”

Then we landed back in the UK in early December.

It was raining at Heathrow when we arrived and I don't think it stopped until the end of January. The mornings were dark, cold and cheerless. Not the romantic sort of cold either, more the kind that feels personal. The sort of weather that makes you question every decision you’ve ever made, including your choice of country that you live in.

There was no 5–9am. There was only 5–9pm, which was equally unpleasant and consisted mostly of eating dinner and wondering why I felt tired all the time.

However, just before Christmas, a new gym opened in Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s called SOMA, and it was set up by two friends of mine. SOMA feels less like a traditional gym and more like a very well-designed place that happens to involve exercise. Think quietly stylish Scandinavian wood, greenery, soft lighting. There’s a subtle club-like feel, but without the ego or intimidation that often comes with it. It’s welcoming, well-priced, and refreshingly unpretentious.

Now, I have never really been a gym person bar a few courtesy visits when my cousin used to own one near Winchcombe. I’ve always kept myself fairly active. I play padel, I walk the dog, and I play cricket, although cricket is a slightly questionable form of exercise given that most of it involves standing still for three hours and then suddenly sprinting in blind panic because the ball has gone somewhere unexpected.

But a gym? Not for me. In my mind, gyms were full of people kissing their biceps in the mirror and taking selfies with captions like “No days off”. I assumed it was all ego, sweat and strange noises.

I was very wrong.

I joined. It may have been the free Stow Town coffee (some of the best in the Cotswolds by the way) for members that finally tipped me over the edge. I’d love to say it was purely about self-improvement, but I am still British enough to be motivated by caffeine and mild perks.

At first, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. The machines looked like medieval torture devices designed by someone with a personal vendetta against hamstrings. I stuck to the safe options: bike, rower, lat pulldowns, pretty much anything where I couldn’t embarrass myself too publicly.

But over time I realised something. The gym wasn’t just about exercise. It was about routine. It was about discipline. And, unexpectedly, it was about mental health.

There’s something incredibly grounding about starting your day by doing something difficult on purpose. It clears your head. It resets your mood. And, strangely, it becomes addictive, not in a cult-like way, but in a “why do I feel better after this?” way.

SOMA talks a lot about community. Normally, when a business says that, it feels slightly twee. You imagine forced smiles and someone calling you “buddy” a bit too enthusiastically. But this is the opposite. It genuinely feels like a space built for its members, and in many ways, run by its members. People talk. People help. People encourage. Some have joined simply to meet others, which says a lot about modern life, and even more about the kind of environment SOMA has created.

The classes are brilliant (even though there was an ABBA-inspired spin class last week which sounds like double punishment), the atmosphere is relaxed, and best of all nobody looks at you like an idiot if you don’t know how a machine works. Quite the opposite. Someone will show you, without judgement, without ego, and without making you feel like you’ve just asked how to tie your shoelaces.

It’s been three months now and I never thought I’d say it, but I’m a gym goer. Not quite a gym nerd yet, but I’m dangerously close. I’ve also become that person who bores others to death with talk of distances, times, weights and personal bests. For that, I can only apologise. I haven’t properly started posting it on social media, but I fear it’s only a matter of time.

The truth is, it has changed my life, physically, yes, but mentally even more so. It’s gave me energy and focus during the darkest months of the year, and a sense of momentum when everything outside is grey and dank.

You don’t need to be fit to join a gym. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to take the first step and start. And, if I’m honest, I suspect there are rather a lot of people, like myself, who quietly assumed the gym simply isn’t for them. People who picture it as a world of lycra, loud grunting, and unspoken rules that everyone else seems to understand but them. So they don’t go. Or they mean to go. Or they go once, feel slightly out of place, and decide it’s not their scene. Which is a shame, because the truth is far less intimidating than it looks from the outside. Nobody really knows what they’re doing at the beginning, and most people are too busy trying to remember their own routine to worry about yours. It is, in fact, one of the rare places where you are allowed, even encouraged, to start exactly where you are.

And what’s surprised me most is how much more it offers than just fitness. There is something quietly powerful about having somewhere to go and doing something for no reason other than it makes you feel better afterwards. It’s difficult to overstate what that does for your mental health. It doesn’t solve everything, of course, but it smooths the edges. It clears the fog a little. And in a world where it’s remarkably easy to overthink everything, there’s something rather grounding about simply lifting something heavy, putting it back down again, and realising, for an hour at least, that things are a bit more straightforward than they felt before you arrived. It turns out that “never too late” isn’t just a polite sentiment; it’s actually true.

And if you happen to live in the North Cotswolds, you could do a lot worse than starting at SOMA. You may not end up looking like a Manly Beach surfer. But you might end up feeling like one.

Because as we head into a British summer, when your shirt might come off roughly five times, and three of those will be accidental, feeling good in your own skin is probably the closest thing we have to the Manly Beach lifestyle.

And honestly, that’s more than enough.

www.somaclub.co.uk

]]><![CDATA[Small Plates, Big Promise: LARDON to Launch at Elkstone Studios This Summer]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:44:24 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/small-plates-big-promise-lardon-to-launch-at-elkstone-studios-this-summerThere’s a new name to note for summer dining in the Cotswolds.

LARDON, a European-inspired small plates restaurant championing ingredient-led, wood-fired cooking, is set to open in early summer 2026 at Elkstone Studios, the beautifully curated destination nestled between Cirencester and Cheltenham.

Heading up the kitchen is Mikey Bain, formerly of Calcot Manor and Whatley Manor, bringing serious pedigree and a refined approach to bold, seasonal flavours. Leading front of house is Josh Newman, previously of No. 38 The Park (Lucky Onion Group), ensuring the service matches the ambition on the plate.

LARDON is the latest venture from the team behind two much-loved Cotswolds staples: KNEAD Bakery and Jesse Smith Butchers. Founders John & David Hawes and Kris Biggs are combining their passion for exceptional produce with a relaxed, modern dining experience rooted in European tradition.

Expect honest cooking, open fire, and plates designed for sharing — all set within one of the region’s most exciting lifestyle and hospitality developments.

For updates, follow @lardon_restaurant on Instagram or visit www.lardon-restaurant.com.

]]><![CDATA[The Quiet Genius of Guiting Power]]>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-quiet-genius-of-guiting-powerThere are villages in the Cotswolds that regularly change hands; Guiting Power is not really one of them.

Houses here do not so much come onto the market as quietly re-enter circulation. People wait for them, sometimes for years, not in the hopeful, weekly refreshing of Rightmove way of the modern buyer, but with the patience of someone who understands that certain places operate on their own terms. You don’t simply decide to move to Guiting Power. You are, eventually, allowed to.

It is not a place arranged for admiration, nor one that has been coaxed into prettiness by committee. Instead, it has carried on, through decades, through fashions, through the quiet churn of modern life, and in doing so has arrived at something far more convincing than charm. It feels intact. Neither preserved nor polished, just… working.

Guiting Power did not always appear so steadfast. The agricultural depression of the 1870s left the village reeling, and by the early 20th century many of its houses were in a sorry state. In the 1930s, Moya Davidson began quietly buying properties to ensure they remained homes for locals, and in 1958 Raymond Cochrane took on the estate, continuing the restorations she had begun. A slow, careful stewardship that still shapes the village today.

That sense of continuity is not accidental. Today, much of the village is held by the Guiting Manor Amenity Trust, which does something rather radical by modern standards: it looks after the place without trying to improve it beyond recognition. Houses rarely, if ever, come onto the open market, and many who live here have done so because their family have lived there for centuries, they've married someone in the village or by way of patience rather than purchase, joining waiting lists and taking their turn when it comes.

The Trust also runs the surrounding farm, employing locals and keeping the village tied, quite literally, to the land beneath it. There is something faintly old-fashioned in the arrangement, in the best possible sense; rents feeding into the estate, the estate sustaining the farm, the farm sustaining the village. It creates the impression, not entirely fanciful, that Guiting Power could carry on quite happily even if the rest of the world became a little less organised.

And then, at the end of harvest, the whole thing resolves itself in the most civilised way imaginable: a free supper at The Hollow Bottom for those who have worked the land. No speeches, no banners, just food, drink, and the quiet acknowledgement that effort has been made and appreciated.

The Hollow Bottom has, in recent months, remembered exactly what it is supposed to be. When Nathan Eades and Liam Goff took it over last July, they found, with a mixture of disbelief and opportunity, that much of the pub’s horse racing memorabilia had been unceremoniously discarded, sitting in a skip as though it were of no consequence whatsoever. They rescued it, returned it to the walls, and in doing so restored not just decoration but identity. No wonder, perhaps, that things had gone slightly off track before for its previous tenants.

Now, the pub feels entirely itself again. A free house in every sense, with beers named after horses and spirits that nod toward the village’s past without over doing it. During the Cheltenham Festival, it became something of an epicentre for the racing world, the bar packed as it was a couple of decades ago, this time celebrating local jockey Tom Bellamy's first Festival victory.

The pub also boasts six recently finished bedrooms that are all named after racecourses (of course they are), superb "double spud" Sunday roasts, and with summer on the horizon, a garden decking area with a boules pit and wonderful wooden shack bar. It is the sort of place where one drink becomes several, and several become an evening that just seems to have happened without anyone really noticing.

At the opposite end of the village, The Farmers Arms offers a slightly different proposition, but no less essential. Owned by Donnington Brewery, it is a proper pub in the most reassuring sense: honest food, good drink, and absolutely no desire to be anything other than what it is.

There is a piano in the corner, which is either charming or dangerous depending on who is playing it. There's a skittle alley that the village team uses with admirable seriousness, although standards fluctuate depending on the amount of beer consumed: for some, a sudden flourish; for others, a remarkable decline. If a player scores zero with all three balls, they will have to wear a remarkably warm beaver hat as if to mark the occasion. When the first two balls inevitably register nothing, teammates break into the chant of “BEAVER", hoping for the worst, cheering his failures as though they were triumphs.

If The Hollow Bottom hums with racing stories, The Farmers Arms anchors the everyday; steady, familiar, and exactly what you hope to find when you push open the door.

Village life, of course, is not sustained by pubs alone.

The Cotswold Guy has become something of a quiet success story, though not quite in the way outsiders imagine. Yes, it is occasionally mentioned in connection with David Beckham and his apparent fondness for the sausage rolls, but this is treated locally with a level of interest that might best be described as polite neutrality. One suspects there are residents who are either unimpressed or only vaguely aware of who David Beckham is.

The shop itself is far more interesting than any passing celebrity endorsement with exceptional coffee and brunch and lots of outstanding produce, from meat, veg and jars full of everything delicious. It took over from the village bakery, which is remembered with genuine affection and only the gentlest caveat that the bread was not its strongest point. Still, residents continued buying a loaf each week, supporting the business in the quiet English way that keeps small communities alive.

When The Cotswold Guy first opened, someone chalked “go away” on the wall, a bold if slightly unnecessary piece of feedback. Another villager was later seen attempting to scrub this off before the owner arrived, which feels like a perfect summary of rural conflict resolution: disagreement, followed swiftly by tidying up.

These days, the shop does excellent breakfasts and lunches alongside its produce, and has settled into the village as though it had always been there; a place to pick up something for supper or linger over coffee.

The post office performs a similar role, quietly indispensable and slightly underestimated until you realise how often you rely on it. It serves very good breakfasts, draws a steady stream of locals, and on most mornings will feature at least one cyclist in Lycra sitting outside with coffee, their bicycle leaning nearby like a patient accomplice. No one comments. This is England. We observe everything and mention nothing.

Beyond the buildings, there are walks that require nothing more than sensible shoes. Circular routes thread along Castlett Street or Tally Ho in the other direction. Dogs are optional and polite hellos to fellow walkers mandatory as you wander through countryside that feels untouched, unspoiled, and very much unconcerned with the rest of the world.

Life here is not dramatic, which is precisely its appeal.

Even its brush with notoriety, the infamous 1962 summer camp, is remembered more with a wry shake of the head than alarm. The British neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement had chosen the village as a meeting point for fascists from Europe and the U.S. Around a hundred villagers, led by publican Walter Morley, armed themselves with pitchforks, shotguns, and the kind of moral impatience only a small village can muster, marched to confront the intruders and send them on their way.

And then, as ever, things returned to normal.

Normal, in Guiting Power, means the village calendar: music festival, pantomime (where opening night is a spectacle, with the hall packed with villagers, friends, and relatives, ready to cheer, boo, or groan at the traditional jokes, while a few seasoned performers take delight in flouting the script), fireworks, dog show, the festive light switch-on, and a steady stream of other events that make village life feel far more lively than it has any right to be.

Spend time here and you begin to notice what isn’t present. There is little urgency (unless you're running late for Happy Hour at The Hollow), no sense of performance, no need to prove anything to anyone. People are simply getting on with things; running the farm, opening the shop, pulling pints, walking dogs, waiting, perhaps, for a coffee, to pick a child up from the hugely popular nursery, or for a house that might one day become available.

And in that absence of noise, something else becomes clear, this is a village still shaped by the people who live within it rather than those passing through.

With that you realise that what makes Guiting Power unique is not its beauty, though it has plenty of that, nor its history, though it has that too. It is the simple, increasingly rare fact that it works. Not loudly, not perfectly, but properly.

And in modern Britain, that is about as close to perfection as you are likely to find.

]]><![CDATA[Music Festival Guide 2026]]>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:44:42 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/music-festival-guide-2026

With the first hints of longer days upon us, it’s impossible not to start looking ahead to summer. The season of golden evenings, open-air stages and weekends that blur into one unforgettable soundtrack is almost within reach. Think cocktails and sunset sing-a-longs with friends as world-class artists light up some of the most beautiful festival settings in the country. Summer 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout, and we honestly can't wait.

The Big Feastival
28 - 30 August 2026
Kingham

With the 2026 Big Feastival line-up now live, yet another unforgettable long weekend of music, food and fun awaits us on Alex James’ idyllic Cotswolds farm during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Across three days you’ll be treated to headline sets from dance-pioneers Basement Jaxx, UK rap-poet favourite The Streets and indie-pop hitmakers Bastille, alongside an eclectic mix of artists including RUDIM3NTAL, Perrie, Doves, White Lies, Freya Ridings, Mimi Webb and The Coral, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.

But Big Feastival isn’t just about the beats, it’s a true celebration of flavour too, with acclaimed chefs and food experiences that have become just as legendary as the music. Expect chef demos, incredible street food and inventive culinary showcases that make grazing around the festival one of the highlights of the weekend.

Comedy lovers are also well-served, with live sets from names like Joel Dommett, Ivo Graham and Suzi Ruffell adding laughter to sun-soaked afternoons and balmy evenings

bigfeastival.com

Blenheim Palace Festival
27 June - 4 July
Woodstock

With the first-ever multi-day festival set to light up the Great Court at Blenheim Palace, summer in the Cotswolds just got a whole lot more exciting. On the music front, global superstars and beloved voices take centre stage, from the pop magic of Katy Perry and the smooth classics of Michael Bublé to the genre-defying sounds of Teddy Swims and the orchestral dance experience of Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, with Alanis Morissette bringing her anthemic catalogue to the stunning backdrop.

www.blenheimpalace.com

Wychwood Festival
29 - 31 May 2026
Cheltenham

Wychwood Festival will once again kick off the summer season in style when it returns to Cheltenham Racecourse for its landmark 20th edition this May, and this year’s celebration promises a quality mix of music, comedy and family‑friendly fun. Over three glorious days you’ll find headline energy from Craig David presents TS5, indie favourites Kaiser Chiefs and folk‑rock icons Levellers, alongside a wonderfully eclectic roster that includes Sophie Ellis‑Bextor, Feeder, The Pigeon Detectives, Boney M, The Horne Section and Newton Faulkner, plus plenty more across multiple stages.

Wychwood has long been beloved for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, pairing great live performances with everything from comedy spots and creative workshops to chilled out spaces and activities for all ages, making it the perfect weekend for friends, families and music lovers alike to toast the start of summer together.

wychwoodfestival.com

Wilderness
30 July - 2 August
Cornbury Park

Wilderness returns to the magical parkland of Cornbury Park, inviting music lovers to lose themselves in a weekend of brilliant live performances, world‑class food experiences and the festival’s signature blend of creativity and culture. The 2026 line‑up features electrifying headline sets from iconic pop‑dance outfit Scissor Sisters, genre‑bending innovators The Last Dinner Party and legendary DJ‑producer Carl Cox, alongside acclaimed electronic duo Soulwax, indie favourite Saint Etienne and cult‑cool songwriter Baxter Dury, with dancefloor heat from Groove Armada and a host of eclectic acts across the stages.

Feasting is taken seriously too, with celebrated culinary names and creative food offerings ensuring that long afternoons are as delicious as they are musical, while talks, comedy and immersive arts experiences add extra colour to four unforgettable summer days under the trees.

www.wildernessfestival.com

Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29 April – 4 May 2026
Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns to the heart of Cheltenham, celebrating three decades of bold music, brilliant performances and boundary‑crossing creativity, and this year’s line‑up is already sounding unforgettable. From stirring headline sets by Van Morrison, Jessie J and pop‑soul favourite Joss Stone and Jack Savoretti to the genre‑defying sounds of Lady Blackbird and jazz luminaries like Joshua Redman and Bill Frisell, the festival continues to blend world‑class talent with fresh voices and new collaborations. Alongside classic and contemporary jazz, you’ll find everything from orchestral tributes to Miles Davis to soulful UK jazz from artists such as Courtney Pine, Emma‑Jean Thackray and Blue Lab Beats, giving you six days of music that run the gamut from timeless to trailblazing.

www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/jazz-festival

Forest Live
24 - 28 June 2026
Westonbirt Arboretum

As summer unfolds across the Cotswolds and the woodlands of Westonbirt Arboretum come alive with greenery, Forest Live 2026 offers a magical way to enjoy long summer evenings with friends, music, food and laughter beneath the trees. This beloved outdoor series brings big‑name acts to one of England’s most beautiful natural stages, starting with dance‑floor legend Fatboy Slim and continuing with timeless anthems from Deacon Blue (with Lightning Seeds), reggae favourites UB40 feat. Ali Campbell (with Bitty McLean & Reggae Roast), pop icon Rick Astley (with The Lottery Winners) and closing with Richard Ashcroft alongside Tom Meighan & Apollo Junction, a line‑up that spans genres and generations under the canopy.

www.forestlive.com/westonbirtarboretum

2000 Trees
8 - 11 July 2026
Withington, Nr Cheltenham

2000 Trees returns this July, with Upcote Farm once again playing host to one of the UK’s most revered independent music celebrations; a weekend of raw energy, brilliant bands and unforgettable summer days and nights with friends. The 2026 line‑up is stacked with heavyweight names for fans of punk, indie and alternative rock, including Alkaline Trio, Pup, Superheaven, Glassjaw and Lambrini Girls, alongside raucous favourites like Cancer Bats, Bad Nerves, High Vis and Dinosaur Pile‑Up — plus a host of rising acts across multiple stages that make Trees a perfect showcase for both established and underground talent.

2000trees.co.uk

Shindig
21 - 24 May 2026
Malmesbury

As the May Bank Holiday approaches, Shindig Festival 2026 returns to the idyllic Charlton Park Estate with a vibrant and eclectic line‑up set to kickstart the UK festival season in style. Across multiple stages tucked into beautiful woodland and fields, expect sun‑soaked afternoons and late‑night grooves from standout names like punk‑funk crew Fat Dog, politically charge British punk rap duo Bob Vylan, genre‑blending innovators War, and heavyweight soundsystem favourites Mungo’s Hi‑Fi, MY BABY and Snapped Ankles, plus DJ‑led energy from the likes of Pola & Bryson, Stanton Warriors and Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy.

shindigfestival.co.uk

]]><![CDATA[The Cheltenham Festival: It Just Means Everything]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:29:23 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-cheltenham-festival-it-just-means-everythingThere are race meetings in the world that boast fatter prizes, brighter lights, perhaps even deeper pockets. Yet none of it touches the soul the way Cheltenham does. There is simply nowhere that presses so gently, so insistently, on the heart.

For those of us who live and work in the Cotswolds the Festival is more than four days in March, it is the heartbeat of a year. For pubs and restaurants, jockeys and trainers and anyone else within sight of the Prestbury Park grandstands or Cleeve Hill with an interest in horse racing, it is pretty much everything.

This year, perhaps more than most, it felt like Cheltenham had remembered exactly what it is supposed to be and something very old and very dear had returned. Not through sheer dominance or record-breaking feats, but through something far more meaningful: a week of firsts, of long waits and loyalty rewarded, and of local people realising dreams they had carried since childhood. For while the Irish cavalry arrived once more in their familiar battalions, the story of this Festival belonged, in many ways, to the Cotswolds themselves.

White Noise became a name etched into the Festival history books when winning the Mares' Novices' Hurdle on Thursday. This was a landmark moment for Mat Nicholls, his first Cheltenham Festival winner since joining Kim Bailey on the training licence. It was a long way from the teenager from Nottingham who began his journey in racing years ago, working as a stable lad for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Yet even the victory carried a deeper story in the saddle. Tom Bellamy is not a jockey who burst onto the scene with instant fanfare. He has built a career the old fashioned way: through patience, perseverance and an understanding that racing success rarely arrives overnight. He has had big days, but nothing compares to this.

Bellamy, a local lad, sponsored by the Hollow Bottom (a pub that has long been a gathering place for racing folk), said afterwards that he has waited his entire life for that moment. The joy was not just his, it was for all the people watching in the pub and most of the locals in the crowd at Cheltenham who climbed the hill with him.

If Bellamy’s victory felt like the arrival of something long hoped for, Richie McLernon’s win aboard Johnnywho for the O'Neill stable carried a different kind of emotion altogether. McLernon had last tasted Cheltenham Festival glory in 2014. Twelve years in racing can feel like a lifetime, especially when those years are punctuated by the injuries that are the unavoidable currency of riding racehorses.

Cheltenham has a way of demanding its dues before it ever grants its reward, and McLernon’s victory felt like justice finally catching up. All the broken bones, the long recoveries, the quiet doubts that another win at the Festival might never come fall away the instant you cross the line first. Even then, he paused to acknowledge the local NHS and surgeons who had seen him through his latest setback, a small reminder that triumph here is rarely won alone.

For the O’Neills, the Festival became something almost sacred. Wilful delivered a second win for the yard, giving AJ O’Neill his first Cheltenham Festival winners as a trainer alongside his father Jonjo. And consider the scale. The O’Neills sent just seven runners to the Festival. Seven. Against the massive armies of Willie Mullins (74) and Gordon Elliott (51), that makes their two winners all the more extraordinary although incredibly fitting that forty years after the elder Jonjo guided Dawn Run to Gold Cup glory, the yard once again enjoyed huge success.

This time with brother Jonjo Jr in the saddle who, after the race, struggled to hide the emotion in his voice as he spoke about his father and brother, about the support they had given him and the long road that led to this moment. To repay that faith with a Festival winner, on the sport’s biggest stage, was clearly something more than a professional achievement, it was family. Moments like this are what make Cheltenham unique.

Meetmebythesea added another local note to the week when landing the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase for Naunton Downs-based trainer Ben Pauling, giving him his fifth Cheltenham Festival winner.

Amid the Irish dominance in recent years, for some yards it can sometimes feel like taking on a cavalry charge armed only with optimism. That is precisely why the victories of Bellamy, McLernon, the O’Neills, Pauling, and Bailey/Nicholls meant so much here in the Cotswolds. Every success is personal and every story is carried from the winner’s enclosure to celebrations at the local pubs and the stables where these horses are raised.

Still, for many who watched this year’s Festival unfold, the lasting memory might not be a single performance but a collective feeling that something special had returned. Perhaps it was the emotional weight of those first winners or the sight of familiar faces celebrating in the winner’s enclosure. Or perhaps it was simply the realisation that Cheltenham still holds the same magic it always has.

Every year there are voices suggesting that the Festival has lost its charm. Some prefer the idea of escaping to the sun, swapping the UK for beaches in Benidorm or Tenerife while the racing unfolds back home. Each to their own, of course. But those who chose that over Cheltenham this year missed something rather extraordinary. They missed the roar that greeted Tom Bellamy. They missed the raw emotion etched across Richie McLernon’s face and the pride over Mat Nicholls'. They missed the joy of the O’Neill family celebrating together.

And this year, as in all the best years, Cheltenham reminded us why it still matters. It's the place that justifies every early morning, every broken bone, every setback, and every dream. In racing, there is no place like it. Here, victory is sweeter, and every story more vivid, because the Cheltenham Festival, more than any other meeting, means absolutely everything.

Image: John Grossick

]]><![CDATA[The Cotswolds Gentleman’s Guide to Surviving Cheltenham Festival]]>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:10:54 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-cotswolds-gentlemans-guide-to-surviving-cheltenham-festivalEach March, the Cheltenham Festival arrives with the subtlety of a cavalry charge in tweed.

The horses are magnificent. The betting slips optimistic. And thousands of otherwise rational adults become expert armchair jockeys and trainers and fluent in ground conditions.

For four days, Cleeve Hill echoes with deafening roars, urgent bookmakers and voices insisting their horse “just needed another fifty yards".

To thrive rather than merely survive requires preparation.

This is that guide.

1. Dress for the Weather That Actually Exists

March in Gloucestershire is committed to unpredictability.

Bring layers.

Tweed is traditional. Waterproofing is advisable.

The secret is to appear as though you have just stepped off a country estate, while quietly knowing you are prepared for horizontal rain.

2. Guinness Is a Social Beverage

Official scientific consensus has not yet confirmed that Guinness tastes better at the Cheltenham Festival.

Bar Willie Mullins, it may be the most beloved thing to cross the Irish Sea during festival week.

It is the Festival’s unofficial diplomatic beverage; a pint that encourages conversation, softens racing disagreements, and allows strangers to share opinions without feeling any particular urgency to prove they are right.

Hold it. Enjoy it, and let the afternoon take its course.

3. Remember That Everyone Becomes a Racing Expert

Cheltenham has a curious social democracy.

Bankers discuss breeding lines with farmers. City lawyers explain hurdle technique to people who have actually ridden horses.

Smile politely. Nod. Return your attention to the racing.

4. Set a Budget Before You Start Betting

Only bet what you can afford to lose and don't not chase losses.

The 20/1 shot that “definitely had something about it” is not responsible for your savings account.

Festival optimism is a beautiful thing. Financial regret is less so

5. Wear Proper Shoes (This One Matters More Than You Think)

You may walk between the rails, the parade ring, the bar, and back again while wondering where the afternoon went.

You might easily reach 20,000 steps. You do not want to achieve this in footwear that believes comfort is a myth.

Festival racing is endurance sport. Dress accordingly.

6. The Horses And Jockeys Do Not Need Your Feedback

Shouting advice to jockeys is unnecessary.

The horses are elite athletes. They are already aware that there is a fence.

Your emotional investment is appreciated but operationally irrelevant.

7. Make Sure You Eat Breakfast

A Cheltenham afternoon begins long before the first race.

A proper breakfast is essential.

By all means, have a pint of Guinness with it if tradition demands.

The Festival is an endurance sport and requires good stamina and a full belly.

8. Visit the Parade Ring (Highly Recommended)

Spend time near the parade and pre-parade rings before the races begin.

Stand quietly and watch the horses walk.

You will notice how big and powerful they are, yet how calm and graceful they appear when moving slowly across the paddock. These are extraordinary athletes who will steal your heart.

After the race, find you place to cheer in the winner, and applaud the runners up. The Festival is as much about appreciating extraordinary horses as it is about watching them compete.

9. Avoid the “Cheap Suit Festival Look”

Nobody wants to appear as though they have just left a minor legal hearing.

Tweed, countryside colours, or smart casual layers are preferred.

You are attending racing heritage, not a job interview.

10. Study the Form… Or Follow Your Heart

You can spend hours analysing racing statistics, or you can choose a horse because you like:

The colour
The number
The name
Or the vague feeling that it looks like a winner

At the Cheltenham Festival, any horse can win.

Expertise is optional, enjoyment is not.

11. Visit the Guinness Village

No visit to the Cheltenham Festival is complete without the annual pilgrimage to The Guinness Village.

People arrive as strangers and leave as temporary lifelong friends, and it's a place you should visit at least once.

Singing is expected. Dancing is encouraged. Musical accuracy is entirely irrelevant, and should the band play Mr Brightside, dignity may be abandoned in favour of enthusiasm.

12. Do Not Call It “Holland and Cooper”

You will see many people wearing beautiful tweed at the Cheltenham Festival.

The brand is usually Holland Cooper, founded by Jade Holland Cooper.

Not “Holland and Cooper”.

These small details matter in countryside fashion.

12. Get a Steak Sandwich

If hunger appears, proceed to the parade ring and locate Carbonis.

Their steak sandwich is not merely food, it is strategic Festival infrastructure.

The 5oz 30-day aged English ribeye in toasted sourdough with Dijon mayo and beetroot leaves exists to remind you that civilisation is possible even in March weather.

You will not regret it.

10pm-you will send gratitude.

13. Enter the Shopping Village With Caution

The shopping village is a carefully designed temptation zone.

You will see things you did not know you needed and will suddenly believe you have always wanted them. It happens every year.

The correct strategy is:

Admire.
Consider.
Buy something nice.
Support the small businesses inside.
Walk away feeling culturally enriched and slightly lighter in wallet weight.

Resistance is admirable but not required.

14. Above All, Appreciate the Horses

The true heroes of the Cheltenham Festival are not the betting slips, they are the horses.

The true success of the Cheltenham Festival is measured not in winnings alone, it is about witnessing athletic courage against gravity, the hill, and history.

It is found in conversations on the journey home, the memory of a race where a horse travelled like poetry, and the feeling that you've just witnessed greatness in equine form.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that... your (not entirely) essential guide to surviving the Cheltenham Festival.

The Cheltenham Festival is not about being the loudest person in the crowd, or the person who knows the most about form, breeding, or ground conditions. It is about standing in the March air watching extraordinary horses do extraordinary things. It is about horses jumping fences with grace and power, crowds rising in shared anticipation, and the countryside itself feeling momentarily alive with sport.

Come for the racing, stay for the atmosphere and celebrate the horses.

If your selections win, enjoy the moment. If they do not, remember that you have spent a day in the company of extraordinary athletes, good company, and one of Britain’s finest sporting events.

The Festival is not simply watched, it's experienced.

And that is why people return year after year.

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[You Should Probably Know About the Northern Cotswolds]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:02:16 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/you-should-probably-know-about-the-northern-cotswoldsLet’s be honest, the Cotswolds isn't exactly short of some incredible places to eat in some of its most popular towns. There’s The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold, Smiths in Bourton-on-the-Water and Juliet in Stroud. All brilliant. But push a little further north, in and around Shipston on Stour (don't squint) and you will stumble upon some of the region’s most exciting food that seems to slip under the radar. Quietly brilliant, exactly where you least expect it.

Take The Bower House, the sort of place that makes you wonder why more people haven’t stumbled off the beaten track sooner. Set in a handsome Georgian townhouse in the heart of Shipston on Stour, it feels like a proper neighbourhood restaurant with rooms; warm, elegant, and surprisingly ambitious. Under Head Chef Leo Kattou, menus rotate with the seasons and celebrate British ingredients with ingenuity and restraint, earning AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide recommendations and plenty of local admiration along the way.

Now, cross the road, figuratively, if not literally, and you’ll find Bastardo’s Trattoria. Born from the same creative minds (Richard Craven) behind the Michelin‑starred Royal Oak at Whatcote, it wears its Italian inspiration with a distinctly British twist: seasonal produce treated with bold flavour and just the right amount of irreverence. The kitchen is led by John Broughton, formerly Head Chef at the Royal Oak, while the menu is shaped by Craven, whose love of Italian cooking was forged during the early years of his career. Warm, buzzy, and effortlessly confident.

The town seems to be staging a culinary coup.

And while we're on the subject, we should talk about The Royal Oak at Whatcote. A rarity for the Cotswolds; a village pub with a Michelin star and the quiet confidence to use it without preening. Run by chef‑owner Richard Craven and his wife Solanche, this is proper country cooking with brains and heart. The menu shifts with the micro‑seasons, rooted in wild ingredients and local foragers, from game shot on nearby hills to vegetables and rare breeds sourced from neighbouring estates, all celebrated in dishes pared down to their best possible selves. The service, warm and unpretentious, makes you feel you’re in the hands of friends rather than critics, and that’s part of the magic.

Twelve minutes from Shipston is Whichford, one of those villages you could easily drive past without a second thought, which would be a mistake, because it is quietly blessed with not one but two reasons to stop. The Norman Knight (recently reopened under Matt and Katie Beamish of The Kingham Plough) sits comfortably on the village green, all low beams and flagstones, the reassuring heartbeat of a proper country pub and a good menu. Classic dishes are handled with care rather than fuss, making it the sort of place where you arrive for a pint and stay for supper without ever regretting the decision.

A short stroll away, The Straw Kitchen at Whichford Pottery offers something more intimate and quietly distinctive. Tucked inside the garden of a working pottery, it's unique, small, brilliant and somewhere that laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. Head Chef Christne Bottine creates a menu that is creative without being complicated, the setting charming without trying too hard, and the whole experience feels personal rather than performed.

Ten minutes in the other direction from Shipston, The Howard Arms in Ilmington feels like one of those places that has quietly mastered the art of being exactly what a Cotswold village pub should be. The food sits comfortably between classic British pub cooking and something a little more considered, with seasonal menus that avoid unnecessary complication. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and unhurried rather than showy especially with the fires roaring and a dog sitting by you feet in winter months.

In addition to these and, again, all within 10 minutes of Shipston you will find The Cherington that offers the reassuring warmth of a proper country pub, honest cooking and long, relaxed lunches. The Fuzzy Duck at Armscote that offers polished seasonal dishes that sit neatly between rustic charm and modern confidence. Meanwhile, Pit Kitchen brings open-fire energy and bold, flavour-forward cooking, proving the countryside can handle a little urban culinary attitude. Herd at Todenham Manor is a quietly confident arrival. The menu leans on farm-sourced meat and locally inspired produce, driven by chef Christopher Ellis in a unique tented restaurant on the farm.

in the northern Cotswolds — a wine, produce and pantry concept that feels less like a shop and more like an invitation to savour the region’s best ingredients, with thoughtful selections and seasonal discoveries that reward curiosity rather than hurry.

And to wash it down? The Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton does rather lovely things with gin and whisky that reward slow, appreciative sipping rather than hurried drinking. You can lose a morning or afternoon here with brunch or lunch in their Still House cafe. Beer wise, North Cotswold Brewery make proper country ales just outside Shipston that feel designed for worn wooden tables, late afternoon sunlight and conversations that wander pleasantly off topic. They don't offer tours, but you will find their ales behind the bar at many local pubs. Shagweaver is particularly good.

And there you have it, this edge of the Cotswolds has been quietly getting rather good at this food and drink lark. While other parts chase crowds and postcards, this is the Cotswolds many people may not have heard about which, in some way, is still part of its charm. If you enjoy eating well, drinking properly, and quietly knowing you’ve found somewhere rather good before the crowds catch on, this is a corner of the Cotswolds worth remembering.

Mentioned in this piece:

The Bower House
bower.house

Bastardo’s Trattoria
www.bastardostrattoria.co.uk

The Royal Oak, Whatcote
www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

The Norman Knight
thenormanknight.co.uk

The Straw Kitchen
www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen

The Howard Arms
howardarms.com

The Cherington
thecherington.co.uk

The Fuzzy Duck
www.fuzzyduckarmscote.com

Pit Kitchen
www.pitkitchen.co.uk

Herd
todenhammanorfarm.co.uk/herd

Cotswolds Distillery
www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

North Cotswold Brewery
www.northcotswoldbrewery.co.uk

]]><![CDATA[Cheltenham Festival 2026: All You Need To Know]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:05:50 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/cheltenham-festival-2026-all-you-need-to-knowThe Cheltenham Festival remains the pinnacle of the National Hunt season; four days where the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from Britain and Ireland meet at Prestbury Park for jump racing at its very best. If you are planning to attend in 2026, or simply want to follow the action properly, here is everything you need to know.

What is the Cheltenham Festival?

The Festival is the championship meeting of National Hunt racing. Every division has its defining contest here, from the Champion Hurdle to the Gold Cup, and winning at Cheltenham defines careers - both equine and human.

Across four days - Champion Day, Ladies Day, St Patrick’s Thursday and Gold Cup Day - the meeting combines elite sport with an unmistakable atmosphere.

When is the Cheltenham Festival 2026?

The 2026 Festival runs from Tuesday 10th March to Friday 13th March 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Four days.

28 races. Countless stories.

The Showcase Races Each Day

Each day has a headline act. These are the two biggest races on each card:

Tuesday: Champion Day
Champion Hurdle
Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Wednesday: Ladies Day
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Thursday: St Patrick’s Thursday
Stayers' Hurdle
Ryanair Chase

Friday: Gold Cup Day
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

What Time Does Racing Start Each Day?

Gates open from 10:30am.

The first race is usually run at 1:20pm, with the final race around 5:20pm.

It is worth arriving early, particularly if you want to spend time exploring the course and around the parade ring before the opening race.

What Time Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?

The Gold Cup, the defining race of the week, is run at 4:00pm on Friday 13th March 2026. It is the moment the entire meeting builds towards.

Can I still buy tickets?

Yes, but it pays not to leave it too late as Tuesday and Friday often sell out.

You can purchase official tickets here - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival

Which Enclosure should I choose?

Cheltenham offers three main public enclosures:

Club Enclosure
The most premium general admission option. Access to the main grandstand, parade ring, winners’ enclosure and exclusive facilities.

Tattersalls Enclosure
Lively, sociable and well positioned near the finishing straight and Guinness Village. A popular choice.

Best Mate Enclosure
Opposite the main grandstand, offering excellent views of horses climbing the famous Cheltenham hill.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices at Cheltenham Racecourse vary depending on day and enclosure. General admission in the Tattersalls and Best Mate enclosures is more accessible, while the Club Enclosure commands a premium.

Gold Cup Day is the most expensive and in highest demand, often costing several times more than Tuesday or Wednesday. Hospitality packages, which include fine dining and reserved seating, are priced accordingly.

Which horses and Jockeys should I follow?

While final declarations will be confirmed closer to the meeting, several leading names are already prominent in ante-post discussion:

Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File and Haiti Couleurs are three you could look out for in the Gold Cup, however our eyes will be on The Jukebox Man for local trainer Ben Pauling.

Lossiemouth has a choice of two races, while we wait to see if Constitution Hill will run in the Champion Hurdle.

Potential superstars during the week include Old Park Star, The New Lion and Arkle favourite Lulamba.

Among jockeys, keep an eye on Paul Townend who rides for Willie Mullins who himself has dominated the Cheltenham Festival in recent years.

Closer to home, Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson, The Skelton brothers and Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones will be the ones to watch.

Cheltenham has a habit of elevating new stars, but proven Festival form always counts.

What Are the Food and Drink Options on Site?

The Festival caters to a wide range of tastes and there is something for everyone. Street-food vendors, coffee stands, and traditional pubs within the Guinness Village provide variety, while hospitality packages offer multiple-course meals and premium beverage selections.

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival has made several improvements to ensure that dining and refreshment on course are both convenient and enjoyable.

Meal Deals
Introduced this season, the Festival Meal Deal gives racegoers the chance to enjoy a hot main, a side, and a drink for £15 — excellent value for a substantial and satisfying meal between races.

It is available in the following locations:

Best Mate Enclosure

Kerb: gourmet burgers, pulled meats, and Greek mezze.

Tattersalls Enclosure

Sales Arena concession units: gourmet sausage, scampi & fries, steak baguettes, gourmet burgers, hog roast, and loaded fries.
Guinness Village concession units: venison burgers, duck wraps, Mexican street food, and traditional Irish street food.

Club Enclosure

Quevega’s
Vestey
The Feed Room

All of the above provide extensive seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal comfortably while watching the action unfold.

Three new bar areas introduced during the 2025 Festival remain key social hubs for 2026:

Winning Post Bar
Previously known as the Persian War, this bar is located in the Main Grandstand by the finishing post — ideal for toasting the day’s winners.

Home Straight Bar
Formerly the Winged Ox, situated in the heart of the Main Grandstand. A great spot for refreshments and atmosphere as races pass by.

Sales Arena Bar
Now featuring live music between races, adding energy and vibrancy to the Festival experience.

Can I have a bet on course?

The Festival is synonymous with betting. Bookmakers are positioned across all enclosures, from the parade ring to the grandstand. Many now offer cashless payment options alongside traditional cash betting. Mobile betting apps are widely used, and there is often expert advice available on course to guide newcomers.

What Else Can I Enjoy at the Festival?

Cheltenham is far more than the racing itself.

The Parade Ring
Arrive early and watch the horses before each race. The parade ring offers a close look at the contenders and a chance to assess condition, temperament and presence before they head to post.

Live Music
Across the course, particularly in the Guinness Village, live bands and Irish music create a lively post-racing atmosphere.

Shopping
The Shopping Village features countrywear, artisan goods, racing memorabilia and premium brands, ideal if you want to invest in something suitably Cotswold.

Can I Get Hospitality?

Yes, and it is highly recommended if you want a more refined experience.

Hospitality packages range from course-side restaurants to private boxes and premium marquees. Expect fine dining, dedicated betting facilities and excellent viewing areas. Early booking is essential.

What Should I Wear?

There is no official dress code, but Cheltenham style is part of the experience.

Think:

Tweed jackets or tailored overcoats (Holland Cooper)
Smart boots (Fairfax & Favor)
Seasonal layers (Schoffel quarter-zip/gilet)
Ties (Frank James)

March weather can be unpredictable. Sensible footwear is advised, particularly if you plan to do lots of walking between races.

What Happens If It Rains?

March in the Cotswolds can be unpredictable. Waterproofs, good footwear and layered clothing are advised. The racecourse is well-drained, and racing continues in wet weather. Hospitality marquees provide shelter, and bars and food outlets are designed to operate under any conditions. Cheltenham manages the elements well, allowing spectators to enjoy the Festival regardless of the sky.

What Is the Guinness Village?

The Guinness Village is a dedicated area within the Club Enclosure of the racecourse, known for live music, Irish hospitality and, naturally, plenty of Guinness.

It is one of the liveliest areas on course and one of the easiest places to get a drink quickly!

Can I Take My Drink Around the Course?

Yes, and the experience is now considerably more relaxed than in previous seasons.

Following successful trials during the 2024 and 2025 Festivals, Cheltenham Racecourse has lifted all remaining drinks restrictions within the Club Enclosure for the 2025/26 season.

In practical terms, this means racegoers in the Club Enclosure can move more freely around the course with their drinks in hand, whether heading to watch horses in the parade ring or stepping out to the grandstand to watch the race.

Does it get busy?

Yes, the Cheltenham Festival is inevitably a busy occasion, but there are measures in place to make the experience more comfortable.

For 2026, the overall capacity has been slightly reduced from 68,500 to 66,000 spectators per day. This change comes after careful consideration of racegoer feedback, with the aim of easing congestion and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for everyone. It remains a bustling event, but more spacious and comfortable than in previous years. Planning your arrival and knowing where to move on course will help you enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.

What Is the Prestbury Cup?

The Prestbury Cup is the informal competition between British and Irish trainers across all 28 Festival races. National pride is very much at stake.

Can I Meet Jockeys or Trainers?

Direct interaction is limited. The parade ring is the closest opportunity to see trainers and jockeys before and after races. Hospitality packages may include brief access to trainers’ areas, but autographs and personal interaction are rare during the event itself. Observing quietly and respectfully is the accepted custom.

Where Can I Watch the Cheltenham Festival?

Obviously, being at Cheltenham Racecourse is, without question, the best way to experience it.

If you cannot attend:

ITV provides free-to-air coverage of selected races and Racing TV offers full coverage of every race.

How Do I Get to the Cheltenham Festival?

By Car
Pre-book your car parking pass in advance, they sell out quickly.

Park & Ride
Official park and ride services operate throughout the Festival and are often the simplest option.

By Train
Cheltenham Spa station is well connected, with taxis and buses running to the racecourse.

Plan ahead is our best advice.

Where Should I Go After Racing?

Many racegoers walk from the course into Cheltenham town centre.

We recommend:

The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power is a proper racing pub with an amazing atmosphere. Live music each night, and if there is a local winner, this will be the place to be!

Dunkertons. Just outside Cheltenham with live music, a tap room and lots of street food options to refuel if needed

And finally, what Makes the Cheltenham Festival Different From Other Racing Events?

Cheltenham blends high-class National Hunt racing with a distinct atmosphere that is part sporting event, part social occasion. The combination of elite competition, packed enclosures, music, shopping, and social interaction makes it unique and nowhere else captures the same blend of prestige, challenge, and tradition.

For all the information and tickets, please visit the Cheltenham Racecourse website HERE.

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[Michelin Starred Restaurants in the Cotswolds in 2026]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:15:44 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/michelin-starred-restaurants-in-the-cotswolds-in-2026On Monday the 9th of February, the culinary world gathered in anticipation as the new MICHELIN Stars were revealed at the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, held at the Convention Centre in Dublin.

Here in the Cotswolds, we are pleased to report that five of our restaurants have once again retained their coveted one-star distinction, and here they are!

BYBROOK
THE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE

Among those continuing to shine is Bybrook, the quietly assured dining room within The Manor House in Castle Combe. Long regarded as one of the Cotswolds’ most accomplished tables, Bybrook combines heritage, precision and seasonality with effortless poise. Under the direction of Executive Chef Robert Potter, its Michelin-starred kitchen celebrates the best of British produce, thoughtfully sourced from local suppliers and the estate’s own gardens, and expressed through dishes of clarity, balance and restraint. Set against the backdrop of a 14th-century country house and rolling parkland, Bybrook exemplifies the enduring elegance and culinary confidence that define the very best of the Cotswolds.

www.exclusive.co.uk/bybrook

LUMIERE
CHELTENHAM

Lumiere continues to stand as one of the region’s most quietly confident dining rooms, where modern British cooking is shaped by clarity, seasonality and thoughtful craft. Led by husband-and-wife team Jon and Helen Howe, the Michelin-starred restaurant places ingredients at the centre of its philosophy, drawing on the finest British produce sourced from trusted farmers, fishermen and its own family-run farm. Since opening in 2009, Lumiere has earned national recognition for its refined yet innovative approach to fine dining, combining technical precision with warmth and understated elegance. It is a restaurant that reflects the contemporary spirit of the Cotswolds — rooted in provenance, guided by taste, and expressed with assured simplicity.

lumiererestaurant.co.uk

THE ROYAL OAK
WHATCOTE, NR SHIPSTON ON STOUR

On the northern tip of the Cotswolds, The Royal Oak at Whatcote exemplifies a rare and quietly compelling chapter in British dining; a Michelin‑starred village pub where history, terroir and ingenuity converge. Housed in a building whose roots reach back to the 12th century, this singular establishment has been transformed by chef‑patron Richard Craven and his wife Solanche into a destination that honours both its ancient walls and the rhythms of the land. Here, menus evolve with the micro‑seasons, drawing on wild, sustainably sourced ingredients and game from nearby woodlands to produce dishes of assured simplicity and vibrant expression. The experience is warm yet refined, rooted in community and guided by a deep respect for provenance, making The Royal Oak one of the Cotswolds’ most engaging and distinguished tables.

www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

THE DINING ROOM
WHATLEY MANOR

The Dining Room at Whatley Manor stands as a quietly compelling testament to contemporary British fine dining, where sustainability and seasonality are as integral to the experience as the dishes themselves. Under the stewardship of Executive Chef Ricki Weston, the kitchen celebrates local gardens, estate‑grown produce and a thoughtful, low‑waste ethos that honours both ingredient and land with gentle ingenuity. Evenings at The Dining Room unfold with a hint of theatre, beginning in the Drawing Room before guests are seated to savour menus that evolve with the seasons and reveal a thoughtful balance of technique and imagination. From refined tasting journeys to an inventive à la carte, the cuisine reflects a modern yet rooted approach, quietly affirming Whatley Manor’s place among the Cotswolds’ most distinguished culinary addresses.

www.whatleymanor.com/eat-drink/the-dining-room

LE CHAMPIGNON SAUVAGE
CHELTENHAM

Le Champignon Sauvage stands as a quietly revered institution, where nearly four decades of devotion to craft have shaped one of Britain’s most enduring fine‑dining experiences. Since opening in 1987, chef‑patron David Everitt‑Matthias and his wife Helen have tended this Michelin‑starred kitchen with unwavering diligence, blending classical French technique with a profound understanding of British terroir and seasonal abundance. Here, menus evolve with the rhythms of the countryside, turning foraged treasures and local produce into dishes of bold, nuanced character and refined sensibility. The dining room is intimate, unpretentious and reflects a philosophy that honours both ingredient and guest alike, making Le Champignon Sauvage a cherished jewel in Cheltenham's culinary crown.

www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk

Image from Lumiere in Cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[Cheltenham Jazz Festival Reveals 30th Anniversary Line-Up]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/cheltenham-jazz-festival-reveals-30th-anniversary-line-upCheltenham Jazz Festival returns from Wednesday 29 April to Monday 4 May 2026 for its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as one of Europe’s most distinguished celebrations of jazz and contemporary music. Across six days, the Festival will once again bring an eclectic programme of international headliners, leading jazz voices, innovative cross-genre artists and emerging UK talent to the town.

Thirty years young, the Festival reflects not only on a rich legacy of memorable performances but also on a clear-eyed view of the future. Its anniversary edition continues a long-standing tradition of artistic excellence, while welcoming new ideas, collaborations and voices that will shape the next chapter of jazz.

Central to this new chapter is the appointment of Corinne Bailey Rae as Guest Curator from 2026 to 2028. The double Grammy-winning artist succeeds Gregory Porter and joins the Festival in a year that also marks the 20th anniversary of her celebrated debut album. Bailey Rae will curate a series of specially commissioned performances and help guide the Festival’s artistic direction over the next three years, with her selections including Joss Stone, Lady Blackbird, Gotts Street Park, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Emma Jean-Thackray and Tinariwen.

The 2026 programme also honours the centenary of Miles Davis with Miles Davis Symphonic: Kind of Blue, presented by the Guy Barker Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra, featuring exclusive arrangements and guest performers in tribute to one of jazz’s most influential figures.

Headline performances at the Big Top will include Jessie J, Van Morrison, Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Joss Stone, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with special guests, 10cc, Jack Savoretti, Nigel Kennedy, ABC, Jalen Ngonda and James Morrison. The contemporary jazz programme welcomes artists such as Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Makaya McCraven and Lady Blackbird, alongside a strong representation of UK jazz and soul talent including Courtney Pine, Emma-Jean Thackray, Georgia Cécile, Blue Lab Beats and others.

New and returning venues across the Festival Village and town will host a diverse international and UK line-up, with the expanded DEYA Arena, the Dunkertons stage and the Parabola Arts Centre continuing to showcase adventurous programming and emerging talent. Alongside headline shows, the Festival will offer free events, family concerts, workshops, late-night sessions and performances across Cheltenham’s cultural venues.

Education and participation remain at the heart of the Festival’s mission, with year-round outreach through the Musicate programme, family-friendly events and opportunities for young people to encounter jazz in welcoming and inspiring settings.

As it enters its fourth decade, Cheltenham Jazz Festival remains both a celebration of tradition and a statement of intent, a place where world-class artists, bold ideas and new talent meet in one of England’s most graceful settings.

www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/jazz-festival

]]><![CDATA[Wychwood announce major wave of 2026 line-up]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:28:51 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/wychwood-announce-major-wave-of-2026-line-upWychwood Festival has unveiled a major wave of artists for its 20th anniversary celebration, as the beloved family-friendly event prepares to return to Cheltenham Racecourse from 29–31 May 2026.

Leading the celebrations, indie favourites Kaiser Chiefs will headline Saturday night, with legendary folk-punk outfit Levellers closing the festival on Sunday. Across the weekend, Wychwood will present its most expansive and diverse programme yet, featuring an impressive mix of established stars and crowd favourites including Feeder, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Boney M, The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner and Chesney Hawkes. Together with an array of emerging artists and unexpected additions, the lineup reflects the eclectic spirit that has defined Wychwood for two decades.

For the first time, the festival will extend to four days, opening on Thursday to offer festivalgoers an even longer weekend of music and camping. Dutty Moonshine Big Band will headline the inaugural Thursday evening, setting the tone for an extended anniversary celebration. With further acts and the Friday night headliner still to be announced, Wychwood 2026 is already shaping up to be its biggest edition to date.

The Sunday finale will see Levellers bring their distinctive catalogue of politically charged folk-punk to the Cotswolds, while Feeder’s anthemic alternative hits and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s infectious disco-pop promise standout moments across the weekend. Boney M will deliver a dose of disco nostalgia, complemented by singalong sets from The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner and Chesney Hawkes.

Beyond the headline names, the lineup features respected acts such as The South, The Subways, Dub Pistols, The Wedding Present and Tankus, alongside a new generation of artists including Adult DVD, Elles Bailey, Pale Blue Eyes, Bloodworm, Hunny Buzz and Pia Rose. Continuing its commitment to local talent, Wychwood also welcomes Cheltenham band Nuns of the Tundra, whose debut album recently entered the UK Top 10.

Wychwood’s programme extends far beyond music. Returning favourites include The Horne Section, Shaun Williamson’s Barrioke and The Ogretones, alongside Hip Hop Karaoke, Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, 3 Daft Monkeys and Thrill Collins. The festival’s much-loved Comedy Tent will host nearly 20 comedians, led by Henning Wehn, with Patrick Monahan, Javier Jarquin, Jonny Awsum and Duncan Oakley among those confirmed.

Fresh from winning Family Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025, Wychwood continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s most welcoming festivals, offering an extensive programme of arts, workshops and family activities—free for children under 10. Set against the backdrop of the Prestbury Hills, it remains a defining start to the summer festival season and a cherished tradition for music lovers of all ages.

wychwoodfestival.com

]]><![CDATA[DEYA x Cheltenham Jazz Festival: Raising a Glass to Three Decades]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/deya-x-cheltenham-jazz-festival-raising-a-glass-to-three-decadesCheltenham Jazz Festival has announce a new three-year partnership with DEYA Brewery, launching in 2026 as the Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in fitting style with bold music, emerging talent and exceptional beer.

Marking a fresh chapter for one of the world’s most respected jazz festivals, the newly named DEYA Arena will take centre stage over the May Bank Holiday weekend, presenting a programme of genre-defying artists and high-energy performances in the heart of Montpellier Gardens.

To commemorate the partnership, DEYA will brew a limited-edition beer celebrating 30 years of Cheltenham Jazz Festival — a first for the Festival and a toast to its future. Festival-goers can also enjoy DEYA’s official bar in the standing venue, serving its acclaimed beers within an expanded 900-capacity Arena in the Festival Village.

Part of Cheltenham Festivals, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the world’s iconic jazz festivals, having launched in 1996 the Festival has welcomed some of the globe’s biggest stars and jazz legends including Van Morrison, Dionne Warwick, Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum. Last year saw David Gray, Roger Daltrey, Macy Gray and Lulu all take to the stage.

The full Festival line-up will be announced on 10 February at 10am.

Tickets go on general sale on 4 March, with Members’ access opening on 25 February. All tickets are available at cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz.

]]><![CDATA[Big Feastival Announce Full Line-Up]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:15:34 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/big-feastival-announce-full-line-upThe Big Feastival have announced their full line-up ahead of a weekend full of music, food and good times at Alex James' Farm in Kingham over the August Bank.

Rudimental, Perrie, Red Rum Club, Freya Ridings, The Coral, White Lies and Ms Dynamite are just some of the acts joining the earlier announced headliners, Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille.

On the food front, you will find Anna Haugh, Emily English, Poppy O'Toole and Tom Barnes + many more in The Big Kitchen.

Laughs will be supplied by Ciara O'Connor, Harriet Kemsley and The Scummy Mummies and Scott Bennett, with a huge list of entainment including the brilliant Barrioke with Shaun Williamson, Taskmaster Club and closer to home, Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park.

The festival takes place from 28-30 August, 2026.

You can find all the info and tickets here - bigfeastival.com

]]><![CDATA[The Cheltenham Festival: Four Magical Days That Tell Their Own Story]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:18:39 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-cheltenham-festival-four-magical-days-that-tell-their-own-storyThere are sporting occasions that reward the diligent follower, and there are those rarer gatherings that seem to belong to everyone. The Cheltenham Festival is both. Four days in March when a corner of the Cotswolds becomes the emotional capital of sport, where anticipation hangs in the air and the past, present and future of jump racing collide with a force that is impossible to ignore.

It is a place where time seems to slow yet the heart races, where Cleeve Hill itself feels complicit in the drama, rolling and rising in sympathy with what unfolds below. For those who have been, it lingers long after the last race is run. For those who haven’t, now is your time.

From the first morning murmur over breakfast in a local pub to the last on-course cheer as dusk settles, Cheltenham is not merely watched or attended; it is felt. The roar, that primal, unmistakable sound as the opening race begins, is less noise than release. It announces that Festival week has begun, that stories are about to be written, and that heroes, both human and equine, will emerge, whether expected or not.

Champion Day begins it all, and it does so with purpose. There is no gentle overture at Cheltenham. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle come back-to-back like a declaration of intent, speed and bravery laid bare before a crowd that has waited a year for this very moment. When the tape goes up for the Supreme, the roar travels along the grandstand, a tide of sound that lifts every heart in its path and into racing folklore once more. It is a sound that quickens the pulse, even of those who pretend to be immune.

At the heart of the day stands the Champion Hurdle, where reigning champions and aspiring greats meet on equal terms. It is a race that demands brilliance and bottle in equal measure. The question this year lingers tantalisingly: will Constitution Hill run and can he reclaim his crown and remind us of his extraordinary gifts? Cheltenham has little patience for reputation alone, but it is generous to those who answer its questions honestly.

Yet Champion Day is about more than the opening day at the festival. It is about reconnection, friends reunited in the Club Enclosure, conversations carried between the Orchard and Best Mate, the shared understanding that for these four days, life is measured in furlongs, hurdles and fences.

If Champion Day is raw energy, Ladies Day is refinement without restraint. It is a celebration of equine excellence framed by timeless grace and modern glamour. Fashion is not a sideshow but a ritual, an expression of pride and occasion. Silks shimmer on the course; tweed and tailoring gleam in the stands. It is Cheltenham at its most photogenic elegance, yet never superficial.

The racing, as ever, refuses to be overshadowed. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is speed and daring compressed into two breathtaking miles, while the Cross Country Chase offers a nod to endurance and tradition.

St Patrick’s Thursday shifts the axis of the Festival westward. Irish passion raises the rafters and the Prestbury Cup battle sharpens every cheer. The course becomes a sea of green, the Guinness flows freely in the Guinness Village, and music, live, joyful, unashamed, fills the spaces between races. It is a day of camaraderie and rivalry, of songs sung arm in arm and debates settled, at least temporarily, by what unfolds on the track.

At its core are races of deep significance: the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, contests that reward resilience and courage. Yet it was here, last year, that Cheltenham reminded us of its capacity for collective emotion. The victories of Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, in the shadow of the loss of Michael O’Sullivan was a script only Cheltenham could write.

Gold Cup Day arrives with a gravity all its own. The air is different, heavier, charged with expectation. This is the day that defines careers and crowns legends. The Cheltenham Gold Cup does not simply identify the best staying chaser of the moment; it places them in a lineage that stretches back over a century.

Can Galopin Des Champs reclaim his title and reinforce his place among the greats? Or will a new name be etched onto the roll of honour? Perhaps even one trained Cotswolds soil, like The Jukebox Man who will carry local hopes under the careful guidance of Ben Pauling. Cheltenham has always had time for a good story, especially one rooted in its own landscape.

And when the week is over, whether in triumph or defeat, there is release. Memories surface: Sprinter Sacre’s brave return in 2016, conquering doubt and injury to reclaim glory; Honeysuckle’s farewell in 2022, greeted by an ovation that felt like gratitude made audible, Rachael Blackmore raising an arm as if to acknowledge not just a win, but a journey shared. Which of this year’s heroes will be remembered in the same breath? Cheltenham has a way of turning moments into memories that refuse to fade.

Beyond the racing, Cheltenham lives and breathes all week. Live music spills from bars and temporary stages, laughter echoes long after the last race, and the Guinness Village becomes the most popular meeting point where strangers become friends. It is here, pint in hand, that races are relived and winning bets, and losing ones, embellished and the place where the thrill of doing it all again tomorrow is already stirring.

Cheltenham has way of pulling you back, year after year, to see which tale will emerge next. There is a magic here that cannot be planned, only experienced, and once you have lived it, you will find yourself counting the days until the roar begins again.

Tickets - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[Festival Trials Day: Cheltenham's Last Dance Before March]]>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:21:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/festival-trials-day-cheltenhams-last-dance-before-marchThere is a quiet electricity about Cheltenham Racecourse in late January, a sense that something both familiar and extraordinary is about to unfold. On Saturday, 24th January, Festival Trials Day arrives. The last dance at The Home of Jump Racing before those four days of extraordinary in March.

With eight races on the card, each contest is more than just a warm-up; it is a statement, a hint of what may come, a rehearsal for potential glory before the Irish come and try to spoil it. Some look to reaffirm their dominance, while bold newcomers seek to announce themselves to the racing world. Every leap over obstacles and every gallop up the hill carries with it the weight of possibility of stories yet to be told on the grandest stage of National Hunt racing.

This year’s occasion is made all the more poignant by the hosting of the 2026 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards. The charity, devoted to the welfare of retired racehorses, reminds us that the story of a horse does not end at the finish line, and that racing’s triumphs are inseparable from its responsibility and care.

When the last race has been run, don’t rush away. Head to the Centaur and enjoy an hour with Freeman, whose live performance of feel-good classics and crowd favourites provides the perfect coda to a day of Cheltenham magic, letting the fun linger just a little longer.

For us, Festival Trials Day is one of the very best days of racing at Cheltenham. Though it serves as the final curtain call before the festival, it refuses to be merely a rehearsal.

Gates Open: 10:30am
Raceday Preview: 11:50am
First Race: 12:05pm
Last Race: 4:10pm

Under 18s go free.

For all infor and tickets, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/festival-trials-day

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[A Gentleman’s Cotswolds Calendar: The Finest 50 Events of 2026]]>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/a-gentlemans-calendar-the-finest-events-of-2026

Image: Matt Higgs

There is something deeply satisfying about a year well planned. From the hum of a summer music festival drifting across open fields, to the theatre of a well-contested sporting fixture, 2026 promises a calendar rich in moments worth savouring.

This is a year for linen jackets and polished brogues, for early starts and late finishes, for weekends shaped by culture, competition and conviviality.

In this guide, we bring together the finest events of the year, from music, sport, heritage and the occasional indulgence, each chosen not for spectacle alone, but for character, craft and the pleasure of good company. Consider this your invitation to step out, lean in, and make the most of what lies ahead.

JANUARY

GLOUCESTER v TOULON
SATURDAY 17 JANUARY • GLOUCESTER

Gloucester Rugby face a tough Champions Cup test as they host Toulon on Saturday, 17th January. With Kingsholm backing them, Gloucester will look to combine grit and flair against a star-studded Toulon side in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

TICKETS + INFO

GLOUCESTER v BATH
FRIDAY 23 JANUARY • GLOUCESTER

Gloucester Rugby host Bath at Kingsholm on Friday, 23rd January, as the West Country derby comes alive with a full house under the lights. It's a game that no Gloucester fan will want to miss, and one that will sell out very quickly!

TICKETS + INFO

BURNS NIGHT AT HIGHGROVE
SATURDAY 24 JANAURY

Don your best tartan and raise a toast to Scotland's national bard at our exclusive Burns Night Black Tie event at Highgrove. Classic Scottish traditions set the tone for an unforgettable evening, beginning with a beautifully curated four-course dinner. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared by Highgrove’s Orchard Room chefs, showcasing seasonal ingredients and refined flavours inspired by Scotland’s culinary heritage.

TICKETS + INFO

FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY AT CHELTENHAM
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

Excitement, anticipation and expectation is building. It is the final opportunity to see the sports protagonists go out to battle on Cheltenham Racecourse’s hallowed turf before the Cheltenham Festival. What horses will catch the eye before those four days of extraordinary in March, will we see returning champions defending their crown? Whilst anything can happen in March, Festival Trials day maybe able to give us a clearer picture.

TICKETS + INFO

COCKLEBARROW RACES
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY • ALDSWORTH

Cocklebarrow Races returns this January and is always a brilliant family day out, whatever the weather. Expect sensible tweeds, practical footwear, terrier and pony racing, tug of war and lots of familiar faces in the heated picnic tent.

TICKETS + INFO

MEN BEHAVING BADLY: THE PLAY
30 JANUARY - 7 MARCH • BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER

Four old friends and a wedding in the morning – what could possibly go wrong? London, 31st December, 1999. Gary’s clinging to his youth, Dorothy’s had enough, Deborah’s got a plan, and Tony’s…still Tony. When resolutions clash with revelations, the gang might just prove that the real millennium bug… is them.

TICKETS + INFO

FEBRUARY

DOM JOLY'S SPEAKEAZY
5 FEBRUARY • STEAM & WHISTLE CHELTENHAM

Dom’s Cabaret of Curiosities will have a late-night chat show vibe with guests, music & comedy. Dom wants to provide a unique, off-beat experience and the venue – The Steam and Whistle Pub and live venue opposite Cheltenham Spa station- ticks all the boxes. The idea is to have an evening that incorporates all of Joly’s interests- music, comedy, a bit of culture and a smattering of current affairs.

TICKETS + INFO

SIX NATIONS AT DUNKERTONS
7 FEBRUARY - 14 MARCH • DUNKERTONS

With all the England games screened live, there's nowhere better to watch the Six Nations thank at Dunkertons. Their Taproom will be open and pouring all of your organic cider favourites and Guinness, while enjoying some unreal street food.

Saturday 7th February England V Wales 16:40
Saturday 14th February England V Scotland 16:40
Saturday 21st February England V Ireland 14:10
Saturday 7th March England V Italy 16:40
Saturday 14th March England V France 20:10

TICKETS + INFO

BETH ORTON
12 FEBRUARY • GLOUCESTER GUILDHALL

English singer/songwriter Beth Orton has long been regarded as possessing one of the most unique and expressive voices in music – a voice that has grown evermore rich and wise over time.

With support from special guest Sam Amidon.

TICKETS + INFO

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
10 - 14 FEBRUARY • EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. The 1994 feature film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

TICKETS + INFO

GLOUCESTER V SALE SHARKS
20 FEBRUARY • KINGSHOLM

Round Nine of the Prem Rugby Cup on a Friday Night under lights at Kingsholm.

TICKETS + INFO

THE RADIOHEAD PROJECT
28 FEBRUARY • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

The Radiohead Project is a stunning live tribute show that celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time – Radiohead. With Mercury Prize wins and multiple Grammy awards, their music has shaped the sound of modern alternative rock.

TICKETS + INFO

MARCH

DOM JOLY'S SPEAKEAZY
5 MARCH • STEAM & WHISTLE CHELTENHAM

Dom’s Cabaret of Curiosities will have a late-night chat show vibe with guests, music & comedy. Dom wants to provide a unique, off-beat experience and the venue – The Steam and Whistle Pub and live venue opposite Cheltenham Spa station- ticks all the boxes. The idea is to have an evening that incorporates all of Joly’s interests- music, comedy, a bit of culture and a smattering of current affairs.

TICKETS + INFO

THE OFFICIAL CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
5 MARCH • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

The Official Cheltenham Festival Preview has for many years provided thousands of the racing fans with valuable information in advance of the biggest four days in jump racing.

This year’s event on Thursday 5 March 2026 will include a stellar panel, brought to you by Cheltenham's new event partner, William Hill.

TICKETS + INFO

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
10 - 13 MARCH • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

From the energy and thrill of Champion Day, to the stylish elegance of Ladies Day, every day at Cheltenham is charged with an electric atmosphere. St Patrick's Thursday brings the joy and spirit of the Emerald Isle to life while Gold Cup Day brings the festival to a close with unforgettable drama and glory.

TICKETS + INFO

GOLD CUP GALA LUNCH
13 MARCH • THE HOLLOW BOTTOM

If you're not heading to the course on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day then the next best place is the renowned racing pub, The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power.

The Gold Cup Gala Lunch will include a champagne cocktail or Guinness on arrival, followed by a stunning three-course lunch throughout the afternoon while the racing is shown live on the screens.

TICKETS + INFO

THE SLATER CUP
28 MARCH • VILLA PARK, BIRMINGHAM

Ok, so this is obviously not in the Cotswolds, but it's an incredibly important fixture. The Slater Cup, named after former Gloucester and Leicester lock Ed Slater who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022, is contested between the two teams every season across each home and away Gallagher PREM fixture.

This season, Gloucester’s leg of The Slater Cup will take place at Villa Park, Birmingham, with a capacity of over 40,000. The Cherry & Whites will join Saracens and Bristol as Clubs who will host a fixture away from their home stadium, as part of the ‘Big Game’ weekend, during Round 12 in March 2026.

TICKETS + INFO

APRIL

GIFFORDS CIRCUS
2 APRIL - 27 SEPTEMBER • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

A staple in a Cotswolds summer, Giffords Circus returns with Waterfield, a show chosen by Red and Cecil, children of founders Nell & Toti Gifford and inspired by the English countryside and the creatures that inhabit it. It will be their most ambitious show yet, with moments that make you hold your breath and acts that will have you watching through your fingers.

The show starts in Stroud, before visiting the likes of Sudeley Castle, Blenheim Palace and many other locations during the summer months.

TICKETS + INFO

SEB FONTAINE
3 APRIL • THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD

As dance music has matured, so too have the custodians that keep it vibrant. Anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the genre will know the name Seb Fontaine, the former BBC R1 selector who secured international acclaim as the movement exploded in the nineties and noughties.

TICKETS + INFO

CHELTENHAM POETRY FESTIVAL
9 - 10 APRIL • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Cheltenham Poetry Festival offers an annual 10-day programme of exciting live literature events each spring and a year-round online programme of workshops and poetry lounges. The 2026 addition will celebrates poetry's power to enchant, entrance, and transport its readers. It will feature exciting readings, workshops and talks lined up - all of which the organisers hope, will delight and inspire you.

TICKETS + INFO

THE APRIL MEETING
15 - 16 APRIL • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

The April Meeting is a wonderful two-day meeting on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April at the Home of Jump Racing. The Spring sunshine shining over the famous Cleeve Hill and hallowed Cheltenham turf is sure to put a spring in your step and provide a brilliant day out with high-quality racing.

TICKETS + INFO

FOR THE LOVE OF RUGBY
19 APRIL • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

Do you love rugby? Ben Youngs and Dan Cole do, and no men have played for England more times than them.

Newly retired, they’re taking their podcast to the stage, bringing you the best stories from across their careers. You can expect all the bits they’re too afraid to say in episodes, games, surprises and potentially a quiz. Why? For the love of the game.

TICKETS + INFO

CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL
29 APRIL - 4 MAY • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

With the likes of David Gray, Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Tom Walker, Macy Gray, Nubya Garcia on the line-up last year, we are very excited to see who will be coming to Cheltenham for the Jazz Festival in 2026!

TICKETS + INFO

MAY

MEADOW FEST
1 - 3 MAY • CORNBURY PARK

Meadow Fest heads to Cornbury Park with a line-up that reads like a love letter to British farming and golden-era indie with Cast, The Fratellis, Sleeper, and Reef filling the early-season air with riffs, nostalgia, and the kind of anthems best sung with friends under an open sky.

TICKETS + INFO

RACE NIGHT: FEATURING ONE NIGHT IN NASHVILLE
1 MAY • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

The curtain comes down on the 2025/26 season with Cheltenham’s only evening fixture, and this year, they're turning up the volume! After an action-packed evening of thrilling jump racing, the party continues with One Night in Nashville – the ultimate Country music experience.

TICKETS + INFO

BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS
6 - 10 MAY • BADMINTON

Across four days, the world’s top riders and their superb horses will be tested through the classic tri-phase challenge of dressage, cross-country and show jumping, drawing competitors and spectators from around the globe.

Beyond elite sport there’s a vibrant atmosphere with over 500 trade stands, excellent hospitality, and plenty of shopping and social experiences set in the beautiful parkland grounds of the Duke of Beaufort’s estate

TICKETS + INFO

NICK MOHAMMED IS MR SWALLOW: SHOW PONY
20 MAY • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

Star of The Celebrity Traitors, Taskmaster and Ted Lasso, Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow in the “deliriously enjoyable” (★★★★★ Guardian) Show Pony

TICKETS + INFO

BLENHEIM PALACE FOOD FESTIVAL
23 - 25 MAY • BLENHEIM PALACE

Get ready for a gastronomic extravaganza at Blenheim Palace Food Festival. Expect culinary thrills with a fantastic line-up of celebrity chefs and experts, amazing food and drink from gourmet delights to street food favourites, there will be something to tantalise every palate.

Hear from celebrity Michelin star chefs in the festival kitchen, showcasing their passion with live demos and Q&A's and taste a range of delicious delights from the carefully selected food stalls, serving cuisine from all around the world. You can also discover a myriad of artisan kitchenware traders, craft brewers, farm shops and more.

TICKETS + INFO

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL
29 - 31 MAY • CHELTENHAM RACECORSE

Cheltenham’s Wychwood Festival stirs up its usual magic on the racecourse, with the Kaiser Chiefs poised to deliver their trademark riot of energy. Few bands ignite a field quite like they do—big choruses, bigger smiles, and a feeling that summer has truly begun.

TICKETS + INFO

JUNE

CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL
2 - 7 JUNE • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

In 2025, the Science Festival uncovered mind-blowing facts, from quantum tunnelling and the secrets of squid ink to the surprising truth that fish have legs and even what it takes to become a champion cheese chaser. We were joined by the likes of Brian Cox, Greg Foot, Maya Raichoora, Helen Czerski, Maddie Moate, Daze Aghaji, Robin Ince and more. 2026 is sure to be even bigger and better!

TICKETS + INFO

A JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR
12 JUNE • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

Q The Music presents The James Bond Concert Spectacular, widely considered to be the finest performance of Bond music since the originals. Featuring all the hit title songs and some special cues from the scores, this is the most passionate, adrenaline-fueled and polished performance imaginable.

The evening will be hosted by Miss Moneypenny herself, who will guide you through the concert as compere, sharing the odd anecdote about her time in this legendary series.

TICKETS + INFO

FOREST LIVE
24 - 28 JUNE • WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Among the towering bark-clad giants of Westonbirt Arboretum, the beloved Forest Live series once again promises nights that feel half concert, half woodland enchantment. Richard Ashcroft will bring a voice shaped for open skies; Fatboy Slim will transform the forest floor into a glowing celebration; UB40 will drape the evening in reggae warmth; and Deacon Blue will add their blend of melody and melancholy. To hear such iconic artists beneath Westonbirt’s ancient canopy is not merely to attend a gig, it is to step into a shared moment suspended between leaves and stars.

TICKETS + INFO

BLENHEIM PALACE FESTIVAL
27 JUNE - 4 JULY • BLENHEIM PALACE

A new jewel joins the summer crown with the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival, and it arrives with regal ambition. Neil Young, a master of songcraft whose music feels carved from wind and time, will stand before the palace’s grand façade. Alongside him, pop luminary Katy Perry brings technicolour spectacle, Pete Tong with his sun-soaked rhythms of Ibiza Classics, while Teddy Swims adds the velvet depth of a voice that seems to wrap itself around you. Global icon Alanis Morissette is the latest to be announced and will be joined by special guests Skunk Anansie for a summer evening destined to linger in the warm night air long after the final chord fades. Blenheim has long been a place for history; in 2026, it becomes a place for harmony too.

TICKETS + INFO

JULY

CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
3 - 11 JULY • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Since 1945, Cheltenham Music Festival has proudly celebrated the love of classical music in the area. With a rich and diverse programme, the Festival brings together the world’s finest musicians alongside bold new voices shaping the future of classical music.

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2000 TREES
8 - 11 JULY • WITHINGTON, NR CHELTENHAM

A staple of the Cotswolds summer, 2000 Trees showcases a broad mix of rock, indie and alternative acts across multiple stages, blending established artists with exciting emerging talent. The first lineup announcement for 2026 features headline appearances from bands such as Alkaline Trio alongside performances by Glassjaw, PUP, Lambrini Girls, Dinosaur Pile-Up and many others.

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WILDERNESS FESTIVAL
30 JULY - 2 AUGUST • CORNBURY PARK

Wilderness Presented By Audi 2026 is your gateway to a weekend of boundless escapism, daring adventures, and pure joy. We celebrate individuality, creativity, and the thrill of the unexpected. Whether you're seeking moments of serenity, bursts of energy, or a chance to discover new loves; Find Your Wild.

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CHELTENHAM 7s FESTIVAL
31 JULY - 1 AUGUST • NEWLANDS PARK, CHELTENHAM

An explosive weekend of music, fun, and unforgettable experiences. Featuring a range of competitions for Rugby, Netball, Dodgeball, and much more during the festival, with a huge line up of talented artists, bands and DJs.

The combination of sport and music is a truly unique experience which is not to be missed. You don’t have to be taking part in the sport, to be a part of this unique event. This is not just a sports festival, it is an inclusive festival. Ideal for festivalgoers, sport lovers and families. Bringing people together through music and sport.

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AUGUST

CHELTENHAM CRICKET FESTIVAL
8 - 24 AUGUST • CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

Cheltenham Cricket Festival returns to the stunning grounds of Cheltenham College for a bumper schedule of fixtures between Saturday 8th August to Friday 24 August 2026.

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BIG FEASTIVAL
28 - 30 AUGUST • KINGHAM

The best music, food and family weekend of the year returns to Alex James' Farm in Kingham on August Bank Holiday. This year’s early announcements include The Streets and Bastille with the full line-up dropping soon!

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SEPTEMBER

SALON PRIVE
2 - 6 SEPTEMBER • BLENHEIM PALACE

Get ready for five spectacular days of automotive excellence at Blenheim Palace. Following record‑breaking attendance in 2025, the 2026 edition will take place from Wednesday 2nd September to Sunday 6th September.

The Palace lawns will once again be transformed into a glamorous garden party, where extraordinary cars are showcased alongside fine dining, champagne bars and luxury shopping - creating an unforgettable celebration of style and innovation.

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CORNBURY HOUSE HORSE TRIALS
9 - 13 SEPTEMBER • CORNBURY PARK

An eventing experience set amongst the beautiful woodland of the Cotswolds’ most prestigious estate. Cornbury House Horse Trials is the ideal setting to see some of the the finest young horses and riders in the country competing in dressage, cross country and show jumping across five days in September.

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BLENHEIM PALACE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
17 - 20 SEPTEMBER • BLENHEIM PALACE

Get ready for an unforgettable experience this year at Blenheim Palace! Experience four days of exhilarating eventing, including Dressage, Cross Country, and Showjumping, set against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace – one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic venues.

TICKETS + INFO

OCTOBER

CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
9 - 18 OCTOBER • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s longest-running literature Festival, leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word. Each year we present the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats, high-profile speakers and inspiring thinkers.

TICKETS + INFO

THE SHOWCASE
TBC • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

The first meeting of the season at The Home of Jump Racing. Two days of great racing to get your heart pumping for the season ahead.

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CHARIOTS OF FIRE
20 -24 OCTOBER • EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

Two men. One Olympic dream. One running for faith. The other to prove his worth. Based on the multi-Oscar and BAFTA -winning film, Chariots of Fire is inspired by the extraordinary true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams as they strive for glory at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

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PHIL WANG: UH OH
23 OCTOBER • CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL

UH OH. Phil Wang’s back with a new stand-up show, and he’s older than ever before. He’s got a moustache now. It bristles with wisdom. His eyes shine with good humour. His shoulders groan under the weight of being the only cool millennial left. Everyone’s an idiot but him. Nice is out. Right is in. The vibe shift is real. Old Wang’s riding it.

TICKETS + INFO

FILM CHELT
30 OCTOBER - 8 NOVEMBER • VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Established in 2025, FilmChelt is an independent film festival, run by a not for profit charity bringing an exciting programme of films and events to the heart of Cheltenham.

TICKETS + INFO

NOVEMBER

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX: WORLD TOUR
4 NOVEMBER • THE CENTAUR, CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

After performing his smash-hit show ‘Horizons’ to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new tour world tour Emergence.

TICKETS + INFO

THE NOVEMBER MEETING
TBC • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

The weekend starts with Countryside Day, celebrating rural life and tradition alongside top-class sport, before diving into Super Saturday, where the energy is electric, racing reaches its peak against the stunning Cotswold hills, and the post-racing celebrations raise the roof. Finally, enjoy the community spirit of Carnival Sunday, where there's something for everyone to enjoy.

TICKETS + INFO

DECEMBER

THE CHRISTMAS MEETING
TBC • CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

Festivities start at Cheltenham for The Christmas Meeting. Don your finest Christmas jumper and enjoy two days of superb racing.

TICKETS + INFO

]]><![CDATA[New Year's Day at Cheltenham: A Glorious Start to 2026]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:36:10 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/new-years-day-at-cheltenham-a-glorious-start-to-2026There are days that creep upon us, timid and apologetic, and there are days that arrive with a trumpet call. New Year’s Day at Cheltenham Racecourse belongs firmly to the latter. Whether you rang out the old year with corks popping and shoes dancing long past midnight, or with a glass of something civilised, there is no finer way to greet 2026 than the thunder of hooves beneath Cleeve Hill.

For the New Year’s Eve party-goer, Cheltenham is the ultimate cure. Forget aspirin and apologies, all you need is fresh air that clears the head, racing that quickens the heart, and seven fiercely competitive contests to remind you that life, like jumping, is best taken head-on. For those who woke refreshed and righteous, it is simply a glorious continuation of celebration and a golden reward for restraint.

The racing is what Cheltenham does best. Seven fiercely competitive contests, peppered with Graded and Listed quality, provide clues and murmurs for the spring festivals to come.

Yet Cheltenham on New Year’s Day is more than sport, it's a big racing family gathering where the racecourse hums with music and merriment. In the Guinness Village, Cheltenham favourites LAMPA play before racing, between races and long after the last, filling the day with Irish classics and crowd-pleasing hits. It is the soundtrack to laughter, resolutions and raised glasses. Over in the Tattersalls Sales Arena, Richard James keeps spirits lifted between races before turning up the volume post-racing with a feel-good set guaranteed to warm even the chilliest January toes. And as dusk settles, the Centaur opens its doors to Tommy and The Fuse, whose acoustic melodies wrap the day in warmth and goodwill.

For families, New Year’s Day at Cheltenham is a place of genuine delight. The Family Fun Zone buzzes with laughter and colour: Phil The Elf’s Christmas Show brings giggles, magic, snow and a dash of mayhem; Party Peeps host interactive shows and an end-of-day disco; while face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatables, walking pet balloons, arts and crafts and more ensure young imaginations never rest.

For children over nine, there’s mini golf, VR equicisers, a rodeo rugby ball challenge and a treasure trove of arcade games.

Best of all, under 18s go free.

So come as you are, weary-eyed or well-rested. New Year’s Day racing at Cheltenham is not simply a fixture, it's a tradition, a tonic and a gathering of optimism, a celebration of sport, friends and family, and a reminder that the best way to begin a new year is not quietly, but gloriously.

For tickets and info, please visit - www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/new-years-day

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[West Country Derby Under Lights: Gloucester v Bath tickets on sale now!]]>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:13:08 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/west-country-derby-under-lights-gloucester-v-bath-tickets-on-sale-nowTickets for Gloucester Rugby’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath are officially on sale, and the call of Kingsholm is already beginning to stir.

On Friday 23 January, as the winter night settles over the city and the lights blaze into life, the West Country Derby will once again set hearts racing. It’s a fixture steeped in rivalry and a meeting of neighbours and old foes.

With junior tickets from just £10 and adult seats from £29, this is the perfect Christmas gift for any rugby lover out there, and a good excuse for some cherry and white wrapping paper to lay beneath the Christmas tree, knowing it holds the promise of a night that stirs the soul.

For the last three seasons this game has sold out in a roar, and this year promises no less.

Click HERE for tickets

ELEVATE YOU MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE

Hospitality for this game has now completely sold out.

Due to exceptional demand, Gloucester have launch an exclusive off-site hospitality experience at the brilliant Dr Foster’s restaurant in Gloucester Docks.

You can find all the details HERE.

In partnership with Gloucester Rugby
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

]]><![CDATA[The Christmas Meeting: Two Days of Festivities at the Home of Jump Racing]]>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:14:56 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-christmas-meeting-two-days-of-festivities-at-the-home-of-jump-racingThere is a certain alchemy to December in the Cotswolds, when the days shorten and the countryside seems to draw its winter cloak a little tighter. Frost gathers on hedgerows like a whispered promise, and chimneys send up their first lively curls of smoke. And right at the heart of this seasonal tapestry sits The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December, a weekend that, to many, is the true beginning of Christmas and a curtain-raiser to the festivities ahead.

Many arrive dressed for the occasion, proudly sporting Christmas jumpers, hats and festive finery, ready to embrace the season in style. For many businesses near and far, it is the perfect setting for a Christmas party with a difference.

On the track, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase remains the highlight on the course on the Friday, with horses and riders tackling Cheltenham’s famous banks and ditches.

Saturday unfolds with Grade 2 and Grade 3 contests, including fiercely competitive Cheltenham Festival trials. The JCB Triumph Hurdle trial and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle trial promise glimpses of potential Cheltenham Festival chances come March.

Across both days, festive touches add charm to every corner. The photobooth at the Vestey Bar captures memories and smiles, while the Festive Dress Competition encourages Christmas jumpers, antlers, hats, and all manner of seasonal flair. Prizes await the most spirited ensembles.

With under 18s admitted free, families can enjoy the spectacle together, and the whole racecourse feels like a great gathering of winter spirits, untied by horse racing and festive spirit.

For all the information and tickets, please click HERE.

]]><![CDATA[Looking Forward: The Music Set to Light Up the Cotswolds in 2026]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/looking-forward-the-music-set-to-light-up-the-cotswolds-in-2026As winter tightens its grip on the Cotswolds and festive lights flicker to life, our thoughts can't help but drift forward to gentler and warmer days. For all of us summer-loving folk, there is quiet optimism in the promise of a summer filled with long afternoons, cold drinks and sun-soaked fields. Summer 2026 is already taking shape with an exceptional line-up of artists already confirmed across some of our favourite festivals and magical open-air venues.

Over in Kingham, Big Feastival prepares to turn Alex James’ farm into a vibrant tapestry of flavour, family, and song. This year’s early announcements land with a satisfying thud with The Streets and Bastille set to headline. Imagine the poetry of Mike Skinner drifting over the fields at dusk, each lyric a wry smile shared with the crowd, while Bastille’s soaring choruses rise like warm thermals into the late-August air.

Among the towering bark-clad giants of Westonbirt Arboretum, the beloved Forest Live series once again promises nights that feel half concert, half woodland enchantment. Richard Ashcroft will bring a voice shaped for open skies; Fatboy Slim will transform the forest floor into a glowing celebration; UB40 will drape the evening in reggae warmth; and Deacon Blue will add their blend of melody and melancholy. To hear such iconic artists beneath Westonbirt’s ancient canopy is not merely to attend a gig, it is to step into a shared moment suspended between leaves and stars.

A new jewel joins the summer crown with the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival, and it arrives with regal ambition. Neil Young, a master of songcraft whose music feels carved from wind and time, will stand before the palace’s grand façade. Alongside him, pop luminary Katy Perry brings technicolour spectacle, Pete Tong with his sun-soaked rhythms of Ibiza Classics, while Teddy Swims adds the velvet depth of a voice that seems to wrap itself around you. Global icon Alanis Morissette is the latest to be announced and will be joined by special guests Skunk Anansie for a summer evening destined to linger in the warm night air long after the final chord fades. Blenheim has long been a place for history; in 2026, it becomes a place for harmony too.

Cheltenham’s Wychwood Festival stirs up its usual magic on the racecourse, with the Kaiser Chiefs poised to deliver their trademark riot of energy. Few bands ignite a field quite like they do—big choruses, bigger smiles, and a feeling that summer has truly begun.

And in May, Meadow Fest heads to Cornbury Park with a line-up that reads like a love letter to British farming and golden-era indie with Cast, The Fratellis, Sleeper, and Reef filling the early-season air with riffs, nostalgia, and the kind of anthems best sung with friends under an open sky.

So while winter may be settled in around us, take heart. Music, glorious, sun-drenched, heart-thumping music, is already on the horizon, ready to fill the our fields and forests with song, sunshine, and celebration. Even on the coldest December day, that promise is enough to warm the soul.

]]><![CDATA[The November Meeting: Where the countryside breathes, the track roars, and the heart of Cheltenham beats in unison]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:14:58 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-november-meeting-where-the-countryside-breathes-the-track-roars-and-the-heart-of-cheltenham-beats-in-unison

The November Meeting descends upon Cheltenham from Friday 14 - Sunday 16 November. Three days of passion, tradition, and unforgettable racing.

This is not merely a race meeting, but a rite of autumn. It's where the season truly finds its voice. The air is sharp with anticipation, the horses are fit, the trainers keen, and the talk on every tongue is of the battles to come. This is the first great skirmish of the campaign, the moment when the curtain rises on a new chapter of dreams, deeds, and destinies.

For those who know, there is no better weekend in racing. Three glorious days when Prestbury Park becomes the beating heart of the sport. It is a meeting steeped in spirit and substance, where champions are unearthed, stories are written, and the Cotswold hills themselves seem to lean in to listen.

Billed as Racing’s ultimate weekender, the curtain rises with Countryside Day, honouring rural life and the traditions that bind sport and countryside together. Then comes Super Saturday, the roaring crescendo of competition and celebration. The biggest day of the season so far, when talent meets theatre and the air fizzes with that unmistakable Cheltenham magic. Finally, Carnival Sunday brings warmth, laughter, and community with a softer rhythm to close a grand symphony.

Friday: Countryside Day

The weekend opens in true Cheltenham style, where rural tradition meets top-class sport. It is a celebration of the fields and fences that shaped this nation, of the people and pursuits that keep those roots alive.

Arrive early to the music of hounds and horn as local packs parade before racing, a stirring prelude to the action ahead. Then join the Preview Show live from the Winner’s Enclosure, where racing legends and sharp-eyed pundits share their thoughts, their tips, and a little inside knowledge on the afternoon’s runners.

Live Music on Friday

In the Guinness Village, Cheltenham favourites LAMPA return to lift the rafters; Irish tunes, anthems, and good cheer ringing out from first race to last. As the shadows lengthen, the celebrations continue with an hour of post-racing music, the perfect encore to a day at Jump racing’s spiritual home.

In The Centaur, Tommy and The Fuse provide a softer close; an hour of acoustic tunes, mellow and reflective, perfect for easing into the evening with good company and a glass in hand.

Super Saturday

If Friday is a nod to tradition, Saturday is a roar to the heavens. Super Saturday is the beating heart of the meeting, when the sport reaches its peak and the grand amphitheatre of Cheltenham thrums with life. The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes centre stage, the biggest race of the season so far, steeped in history and local pride. Claimed many a time by the shrewd hands of Cotswold trainers, this year could well see another local champion emerge.

Before the racing begins, the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade graces the Parade Ring, a moment of quiet dignity amid the anticipation. Here, former champions return not in competition, but in celebration of life after racing. Last year’s parade featured the likes of Bristol De Mai, Coneygree, and Pineau de Re, each one a name etched into racing folklore, each now thriving in a new arena.

Live Music on Super Saturday

As the light fades and the final cheers drift over the course, the celebration continues. The Guinness Village comes alive once more with LAMPA.

You can catch Richard James in the Tattersalls Sales Arena Bar between races and post racing. The latter set will sure to raise the roof.

Over in The Centaur, the afterparty continues with an hour of feel-good acoustic tunes that’ll have you swaying along and soaking up the last bits of what is sure to be a fantastic day.

Carnival Sunday

After the fire and frenzy of Saturday, Carnival Sunday arrives with a softer step but no less joy.

Offering top-class racing in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the day features six thrilling races, Shetland pony racing, and a lively mascot race, a programme designed to delight racegoers of every age. It is a true celebration of Cheltenham, the perfect finale to a weekend alive with sport and spirit.

The Shetland Pony Race

Tiny, spirited, and full of energy, the Shetland Pony Race returns at 12:10 on Sunday. A beloved highlight of The November Meeting, it thrills both children and adults alike. Ridden by promising young talent, each pint-sized competitor dashes for glory, and onlookers may just witness a future champion make their very first mark on Cheltenham’s turf.

Sue Ryder Mascot Race

Returning for 2025, the Sue Ryder Mascot Race brings Gloucestershire’s most spirited two-legged athletes together in a lively, good-hearted contest. Each mascot aims to raise £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Charity, supporting their vital hospice care and grief services. Who will claim the 2025 Mascot Cup and take the spoils in this fun, fiercely contested highlight of Carnival Sunday?

‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’

Cheltenham have teamed up with Cadburys for ‘The Cadbury Family Fun Zone’ and the fun includes:

Stage shows from Fool's Delight Circus
Flower crown and feather headdress making
Face painting and glitter tattoos
Party Peeps interactive shows and end-of-day disco
Inflatables
Walking pet balloons
Arts and crafts
Character meet and greet - meet the Minions, Freddo frog and The Sour Patch Kids

Live Music

Around the course, the festivities continue. Gather in the Guinness Village with a pint of Guinness, where traditional Irish melodies fill the air. While in the Tattersalls Sales Arena, Luke Gittins and Ash Smith lift the crowd with uplifting favourites, the soundtrack to a day that brims with life, laughter, and racing magic.

Under 18s Go Free

For younger racegoers, the welcome is generous with Under 18s going free. Children’s tickets can be reserved via the ticketing page, giving the next generation a chance to experience the thrill of a Cheltenham weekend alive with life, tradition, and exhilarating racing.

For tickets and any further information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-november-meeting

Elevate your day in The Mandarin Restaurant

The Mandarin has an easy warmth about it. It’s styled more country pub than a corporate hospitality suite; relaxed, comfortable, and pleasingly unpretentious. There are tables for singles or couples, larger ones for groups and booths for a slightly more private get together. Once seated, that table is yours for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. Wander out and about to watch the horses in the Parade Ring (literally just outside the door), drift around the course watching the races from the rails, or simply stay put with a glass of wine in hand and watch the races unfold on one of the screens around the restaurant or from its own outside viewing area. And the real magic? The three courses of lunch arriving precisely when you desire, allowing the afternoon to linger at your own pace.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[Dom Joly Brings “A Cabaret of Curiosities” Back to Cheltenham in 2026]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/dom-joly-brings-a-cabaret-of-curiosities-back-to-cheltenham-in-2026Cheltenham has always had a rich cultural pulse, but over the past year, one event has quietly become the town’s must-see secret: Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy. Equal parts cabaret, chat show, and late-night adventure, it’s an evening where music, comedy, and conversation collid, and where nothing is quite what you expect.

After a spectacular 2025, Dom Joly is back with the first SpeakeaZy dates of 2026: Thursday 15th January, Thursday 5th February, and Thursday 5th March at The Steam & Whistle. Tickets for these are on sale now.

Unlike most shows that chase the capital, SpeakeaZy was created in Cheltenham, for Cheltenham. “Curating this show in my hometown has been an absolute joy,” Joly says. “It’s thrilling to invite friends, artists, and heroes I admire to perform. I wanted to add something fresh to the town’s entertainment scene—and judging by the reaction, it’s worked!”

Every night is unique. SpeakeaZy blends tales from Dom’s three decades in showbusiness with live performances that range from the hilarious to the heartfelt. Previous guests have included stand-up icons Seann Walsh and Jenny Éclair, music from Babybird, The Bluetones, and Leisure Society, and rising stars like Tom A Smith, whom Elton John hailed as “a massive star for the future.” Local talent, too, shines on the SpeakeaZy stage, with artists such as Saint Senara bringing a distinctly Cotswolds flavour.

The show’s charm lies in its unpredictability. October’s edition featured The Rt. Hon. Alex Chalk KC, former Lord Chancellor and Cheltenham MP, delivering an unusually candid political tête-à-tête with a spirited audience. And Dom hints that 2026 will hold surprises for sports fans as well—analysis and stories you’ll never see on TV.

The venue, The Steam & Whistle, adds to the evening’s charm. Doors open at 4pm for artisan pizzas and drinks, with pizza slices available from 6pm, before the 7.30pm show. With a relaxed interval and a bar that stays open for post-show drinks, it’s the perfect night out for locals and visitors alike.

SpeakeaZy isn’t just a show, it’s a celebration of Cheltenham itself: intimate, exhilarating, and just a little bit mischievous. Whether you’re there for the music, the comedy, or just to see what might happen next, Dom Joly promises evenings you won’t forget.

Tickets for the January, February, and March dates are available HERE.

IMAGE CREDIT: NomadUK

]]><![CDATA[Review: The Mandarin Restaurant, Cheltenham Racecourse]]>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:16:20 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/review-the-mandarin-restaurant-cheltenham-racecourseWhether in October’s gold or March’s first green, there's always something special about a day at Cheltenham. The air has that unmistakable energy, a hum of excitement and murmur of anticipation before the first race that seems to roll off Cleeve Hill itself.

A crisp wind sweeps the course, bringing tweed back into fashion, and the faint threat of rain makes our booked hospitality in The Mandarin Restaurant feel all the more inviting.

The Mandarin has an easy warmth about it. It’s styled more country pub than a corporate hospitality suite; relaxed, comfortable, and pleasingly unpretentious. There are tables for singles or couples, larger ones for groups and booths for a slightly more private get together. Once seated, that table is yours for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. Wander out and about to watch the horses in the Parade Ring (literally just outside the door), drift around the course watching the races from the rails, or simply stay put with a glass of wine in hand and watch the races unfold on one of the screens around the restaurant or from its own outside viewing area. And the real magic? The three courses of lunch arriving precisely when you desire, allowing the afternoon to linger at your own pace.

Lunch began with our chosen starters, Salt and Pepper Squid and the Martell Double Gloucester Cheese Soufflé.

The squid arrived looking far smarter than squid really has any right to, laid out on a little bed of leaves, golden and glistening in all the right places. The coating was thin, crisp, and gave way to the tender flesh beneath. A few curls of pickled red chilli brought the right flicker of heat, just enough to wake it up without becoming too shouty. It was as close to impressive as a plate of squid ever gets.

The soufflé, meanwhile, was a triumph, both in look and taste. Light, airy, and beautifully soft, it carried the rich flavour of the cheese with effortless charm. The Stowford Press cider apple chutney lent a gentle sweetness that sang in harmony, while the toasted honey seeds offered a subtle crunch.

After taking in a race from the rails opposite the final hurdle, we strolled back to the restaurant for our mains.

The Supreme of English Chicken took us a little by surprise and quietly stole the show. The meat was perfectly tender, the tender stem broccoli made us feel better about ourselves and the potato dauphinoise added just the right creamy richness without feeling heavy. A Glastonbury Tor goat’s cheese bonbon offered a gentle tang, while the chimichurri brought a fresh lift that pulled it all together.

The 28-day aged Rib-Eye was equally impressive; bold, confident, and cooked rare, though you can, of course, request it more done if you prefer. Full of flavour, it was paired with thick-cut chips that were crisp, fluffy, and some of the best we’ve ever tasted. The onion rings were self-assured circles of crunch and the tomato added a gentle sweetness. But let’s be honest, the meat and chips were the stars here.

Throughout the afternoon, the restaurant carried an easy rhythm. Guests drifted in and out between races, there were cheers and groans from those watching the screens, and the sound of the Cheltenham crowd floated in from outside.

We shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (priced at £34.50 which we didn't think was actually too horrendous) that was bright, crisp, and perfectly pleasant. We're not entirely sure why The Mandarin doesn’t serve wine by the glass, but in the spirit of the day, the bottle was hardly a problem.

Dessert made a perfectly polite exit from the meal, but in the best possible way. The Selection of British Cheeses was just right with no huffing, puffing, or pretence, just cheese behaving exactly as it should. The Sticky Toffee Apple Pudding, meanwhile, was the sort of warm, gently sweet thing that makes you sigh in approval. The apple added a touch of balance, the honeycomb crisp added a different texture and a scoop of salted caramel ice cream melted lazily and eventually feel off its tower into the sauce.

All told, a lunch at The Mandarin is the sort of thing that quietly transforms a day at the races. You’re not just watching horses, you’re settling in, eating well, drinking something decent, and drifting in and out of the action without ever feeling hurried. It’s a clever way of elevating your raceday and the sort of indulgence that makes a day at Cheltenham even more enjoyable and entirely worth doing.

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/hospitality/restaurant-packages/the-mandarin-restaurant

Save 25% on the gate price for The November Meeting when you book by October 31st.

The view from the Mandarin Restaurant

In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

]]><![CDATA[The 745 Game: Three numbers. Three heroes. One fight.]]>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:24:23 GMThttps://www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/news/the-745-game-three-numbers-three-heroes-one-fight

On Sunday 9 November 2025, Kingsholm will ready itself for something far greater than rugby.

The 745 Game is a match that carries more weight than any result could measure. A fixture born from friendship, courage and hope will bring together legends of Rugby Union and Rugby League for a single cause that transcends sport. To call it a match would be to miss its heart. Two codes united under one purpose.

And at its core stand three numbers: 7, 4, and 5.
Three jerseys.
Three men.
Three lives touched by the same devastating diagnosis.

Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and Doddie Weir

It was a dream first shared by Burrow and Slater, who wanted to see their beloved sports come together in a hybrid contest that could raise awareness and funds for the fight against MND. Before Rob passed away in June 2024, aged just 41, the idea had already begun to take shape. His friend Ed, himself living with the disease, vowed that the dream would not fade and last November we saw the inaugural game take place at Headingley Rugby Stadium.

Yet this year’s game carries even deeper poignancy. Only recently, the rugby world learned that England legend Lewis Moody has also been diagnosed with MND. Another reminder, as if one were needed, of how cruel and indiscriminate the disease can be. But within that sorrow, the rugby community has responded with determination and unity, standing together to support those affected and to honour these men who have inspired so many.

The 745 Game will be unlike anything the rugby world has seen. A 13-a-side hybrid where the lines between Union and League blur beautifully; six forwards, seven backs, uncontested scrums, five-man lineouts, and a unique blend of tactics that call on the strengths of both codes. There will be five points for a try, two for a penalty, conversion and drop goal, and the rhythm of the match will change as teams cross halfway with unlimited tackles in their own half and just six once they attack.

Some of the players set to take part include some of the most recognisable names in rugby: Mike Tindall, Ben and Tom Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Hill, Joe Marler, Michael Lawrence, Jim Hamilton, Keith Senior, Richard Hibbard, and Jermaine McGillvary.

All proceeds from the 745 Game will be shared equally among three outstanding charities:

The Rob Burrow Discretionary Trust: Founded by Burrow and his family, it provides practical and emotional support to those living with MND, from essential equipment to care and family experiences.
The 4Ed Foundation: Created by Ed Slater, it provides grants to families living with MND, helping with home adaptations, medical equipment, holidays, and other forms of support.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation: Established by Doddie Weir, this foundation funds research, offers care grants, and ensures that no one affected by MND faces the disease alone.

Together, these charities provide vital support and practical assistance while raising awareness of the challenges presented by MND.

Rob Burrow's hope for the future was to live in a world where Motor Neurone Disease no longer exists, and each pass, tackle, and cheer from the stands is a reminder that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, it is one that can be fought together.

This is rugby stripped to its essence: camaraderie, respect, fight and courage.

The 745 Game
Sunday 9 November 2025 • Kick-off 17:40
Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
Live on TNT Sports 1 & discovery+

BUY TICKETS HERE

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​BYBROOKTHE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE

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BYBROOK
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