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There 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 
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 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.
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The view from the Mandarin Restaurant
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:
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
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
After only just waving goodbye to the warmer days of 2025, summer 2026 is already shaping up nicely with Wychwood Festival dropping its first big name.
Indie legends Kaiser Chiefs will headline Saturday night, 30th May, bringing their riotous energy (pun very much intended) to Cheltenham Racecourse for the festival’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
After its biggest-ever year in 2025, Wychwood is well and truly cemented as the Cotswolds’ ultimate summer curtain-raiser. Each year, thousands flock to the Racecourse for three glorious days of music, comedy, family fun and a few pints under the sun, and 2026 looks set to raise the bar yet again.
Headlining in the shadows of Cleeve Hill, the Kaiser Chiefs will belt out all the big ones; ‘Ruby’, ‘I Predict a Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ and ‘Never Miss a Beat’. Expect frontman Ricky Wilson to charm the crowd with his trademark energy and quick wit, as one of Britain’s best-loved live bands take centre stage once more.
It’s a fitting choice for a festival that knows exactly how to get a field full of families, friends and free spirits singing together. Following a record-breaking 2025 featuring Doves, James, Shed Seven and more, Wychwood has proved itself to be the little festival that punches well above its weight.
Festival Director Graeme Merifield couldn’t be more excited:
“After such an incredible milestone year in 2025, we wanted to come back with something really special. Kaiser Chiefs know how to unite a crowd and bring pure joy to a festival field — it’s going to be a moment to remember.”
With half of all camping tickets already snapped up, under-10s going free, and unbeatable weekend ticket prices, it’s clear the Wychwood faithful are ready for another unforgettable weekend.
So, dust off your wellies, gather the gang and prepare to raise a glass to 20 years of one of the friendliest, most feel-good festivals in the country.
Wychwood Festival 2026 takes place 29th–31st May at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Priority tickets are available from 10am, Thursday 16th October, before the general sale at 10am Friday 17th October.
www.wychwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets
Indie legends Kaiser Chiefs will headline Saturday night, 30th May, bringing their riotous energy (pun very much intended) to Cheltenham Racecourse for the festival’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
After its biggest-ever year in 2025, Wychwood is well and truly cemented as the Cotswolds’ ultimate summer curtain-raiser. Each year, thousands flock to the Racecourse for three glorious days of music, comedy, family fun and a few pints under the sun, and 2026 looks set to raise the bar yet again.
Headlining in the shadows of Cleeve Hill, the Kaiser Chiefs will belt out all the big ones; ‘Ruby’, ‘I Predict a Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ and ‘Never Miss a Beat’. Expect frontman Ricky Wilson to charm the crowd with his trademark energy and quick wit, as one of Britain’s best-loved live bands take centre stage once more.
It’s a fitting choice for a festival that knows exactly how to get a field full of families, friends and free spirits singing together. Following a record-breaking 2025 featuring Doves, James, Shed Seven and more, Wychwood has proved itself to be the little festival that punches well above its weight.
Festival Director Graeme Merifield couldn’t be more excited:
“After such an incredible milestone year in 2025, we wanted to come back with something really special. Kaiser Chiefs know how to unite a crowd and bring pure joy to a festival field — it’s going to be a moment to remember.”
With half of all camping tickets already snapped up, under-10s going free, and unbeatable weekend ticket prices, it’s clear the Wychwood faithful are ready for another unforgettable weekend.
So, dust off your wellies, gather the gang and prepare to raise a glass to 20 years of one of the friendliest, most feel-good festivals in the country.
Wychwood Festival 2026 takes place 29th–31st May at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Priority tickets are available from 10am, Thursday 16th October, before the general sale at 10am Friday 17th October.
www.wychwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets
There’s a certain sort of man who seems carved from Pennant Sandstone itself; tough. reliable and, perhaps just a touch stubborn. Lewis Ludlow fits that mould perfectly.
Gloucester Rugby’s longest-serving captain of the professional era, for more than a decade, he has been the heartbeat of Kingsholm: a player built on grit, graft, and a deep pride in the cherry and white. From leading his club through highs and heartbreaks to becoming only the fifth man in history to captain England on his Test debut, Ludlow has always led with honesty, humility, and an unrelenting work rate.
These days, though, his competitive streak has found a new arena. When he’s not charging into rucks, Ludlow can be found tinkering with old Land Rovers, preferably those with more character than comfort, or leading on his young daughter around the pony ring, where it turns out his appetite for silverware remains entirely undiminished.
From Twickenham to tailgates, from The Shed to the stable yard, it’s clear that leadership, loyalty and a little friendly competition run deep in the Ludlow household.
Gloucester Rugby’s longest-serving captain of the professional era, for more than a decade, he has been the heartbeat of Kingsholm: a player built on grit, graft, and a deep pride in the cherry and white. From leading his club through highs and heartbreaks to becoming only the fifth man in history to captain England on his Test debut, Ludlow has always led with honesty, humility, and an unrelenting work rate.
These days, though, his competitive streak has found a new arena. When he’s not charging into rucks, Ludlow can be found tinkering with old Land Rovers, preferably those with more character than comfort, or leading on his young daughter around the pony ring, where it turns out his appetite for silverware remains entirely undiminished.
From Twickenham to tailgates, from The Shed to the stable yard, it’s clear that leadership, loyalty and a little friendly competition run deep in the Ludlow household.
"My toughest moment by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND"
How has it felt running out at Kingsholm without the captain’s armband? Does it feel different?
Running out at Kingsholm is always the most incredible feeling ever, whether you are captain or not. It’s daunting because of the pressure, but you also know that if you give everything you’ve got, you’ve got a whole city backing you which is unlike anywhere else!
You’ve been with Gloucester for over a decade now, does Kingsholm still give you the same buzz as it did when you first ran out there?
It’s my 13th year this year, and it gets better every season. I’m very close to 250 games, but that feeling of warming up and running past The Shed is something that just keeps getting better!
Captaining Gloucester is a big responsibility, did you see yourself as a natural leader, or is it something you had to consciously grow into?
I’ve always captained teams. I like the responsibility of leading and the pressure that comes with it. I’m not afraid to take the flak if things go wrong either. However, being a full-time captain definitely took some growing into. When I went to England, it was different again, captaining a team where you’re trying to bring together the best of the best from 12 different teams.
What was the hardest lesson leadership taught you that people wouldn’t expect?
The hardest lesson was that a lot of the time it might not be your fault, but you're the one in the firing line and that is both really hard and a privilege at the same time. It also taught me that sometimes you have to have brutal conversations with good mates to get the best out of them!
What was your approach in bringing together different personalities in the squad and make them pull in the same direction?
At first, I tried treating everyone the same, but I quickly realised that doesn’t work. You have to get to know individuals and find our what makes them tick and what motivates them. I always tried to be as approachable and helpful as possible to make sure everyone was happy. A happy player is a good, committed player.
What’s one lesson about leadership you wish you’d known five years ago?
Five years ago, I wish I’d known it’s okay to lean on others around you. And, that sometimes, less is more!
How do you personally handle the weight of expectation, not just from fans, but from yourself?
The expectations I put on myself are always the biggest. I deal with that by making sure I do everything in my power to leave no detail or stone unturned, so that come game day I can lead by example.
What was your toughest and proudest moment as captain?
My toughest by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND. On the field, it was when we lost nine games in a row. Everything felt like it was against us. Proudest was either lifting the Prem Cup trophy at Kingsholm, something I always wanted to do, or, getting to have my kids on the pitch with me when we were applauding the crowd. Both are very special.
Running out at Kingsholm is always the most incredible feeling ever, whether you are captain or not. It’s daunting because of the pressure, but you also know that if you give everything you’ve got, you’ve got a whole city backing you which is unlike anywhere else!
You’ve been with Gloucester for over a decade now, does Kingsholm still give you the same buzz as it did when you first ran out there?
It’s my 13th year this year, and it gets better every season. I’m very close to 250 games, but that feeling of warming up and running past The Shed is something that just keeps getting better!
Captaining Gloucester is a big responsibility, did you see yourself as a natural leader, or is it something you had to consciously grow into?
I’ve always captained teams. I like the responsibility of leading and the pressure that comes with it. I’m not afraid to take the flak if things go wrong either. However, being a full-time captain definitely took some growing into. When I went to England, it was different again, captaining a team where you’re trying to bring together the best of the best from 12 different teams.
What was the hardest lesson leadership taught you that people wouldn’t expect?
The hardest lesson was that a lot of the time it might not be your fault, but you're the one in the firing line and that is both really hard and a privilege at the same time. It also taught me that sometimes you have to have brutal conversations with good mates to get the best out of them!
What was your approach in bringing together different personalities in the squad and make them pull in the same direction?
At first, I tried treating everyone the same, but I quickly realised that doesn’t work. You have to get to know individuals and find our what makes them tick and what motivates them. I always tried to be as approachable and helpful as possible to make sure everyone was happy. A happy player is a good, committed player.
What’s one lesson about leadership you wish you’d known five years ago?
Five years ago, I wish I’d known it’s okay to lean on others around you. And, that sometimes, less is more!
How do you personally handle the weight of expectation, not just from fans, but from yourself?
The expectations I put on myself are always the biggest. I deal with that by making sure I do everything in my power to leave no detail or stone unturned, so that come game day I can lead by example.
What was your toughest and proudest moment as captain?
My toughest by far was having to tell the team that my good mate Ed Slater had been diagnosed with MND. On the field, it was when we lost nine games in a row. Everything felt like it was against us. Proudest was either lifting the Prem Cup trophy at Kingsholm, something I always wanted to do, or, getting to have my kids on the pitch with me when we were applauding the crowd. Both are very special.
"Don’t be a lunatic all the time. "Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname!"
When your teammates talk about you years from now, what do you hope they’ll say about how you led them?
I hope my teammates will say I led them with uncompromising energy, always from the front, and that I’d put my body on the line for any of them and for the team.
Who were the players or coaching staff you leaned on as a captain?
I learned to lean on a lot of people, but the key ones would have to be Ed Slater, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Harris, Tomos Williams, Trevor Woodman, Dom Waldouck, and of course the boss - Skivs.
What advice have you given (or would you give) Tomos about the captaincy?
Do it your own way and just be yourself. That’s why you’re as good as you are!
If you could distil your approach to leadership into a single sentence, what would it be?
Don’t ask anything of others that you wouldn’t do yourself.
If your time as Gloucester captain was a playlist, what three songs would be on it and why?
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, purely for the fact that it was a crazy ride from start to finish. There was never a dull week!
All of the Lights by Kanye West. This was our walk-out song, and every time I hear it I get shivers down my spine.
Remember the Name by Fort Minor. I like the lyrics; they mean something, and hopefully people remember my time as captain!
If you could give your teenage self advice about leadership, what would it be?
Don’t be a lunatic all the time. “Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname! Sometimes sitting back and reflecting first gets a much better outcome.
How do you balance the intensity of professional rugby with family, friendships, and normal life?
A lot better now I’m not captain, haha! I try to switch off as much as I can. My kids help a lot with that. When I’m with them, I try my best not to do work stuff and to put them first. I think I’ve got a lot better at that. Friendship-wise, I’m lucky that a couple of my best mates are farmers who haven’t got a clue about rugby, so when we meet up, there’s no rugby chat whatsoever, which is nice sometimes!
We see you’re now a “Pony Dad”. Is family the best distraction and a good way of putting the sport into perspective?
I’m very much a horse dad which I love, although I’ve become hugely competitive with it! We’re hoping to get my daughter a HOYS-quality Dartmoor for lead rein next year, and I want to win everything! Family puts everything into perspective. Watching my daughter ride gives me as much pride as anything I’ve done on the pitch
You have a love for old Land Rovers. What drew you to this hobby, and how did it start?
My dad and grandad are both mechanics, and I’ve always loved Land Rovers. I was brought up in them! They’re easy to fix and can go anywhere. I’m obsessed, yeah.
Do you have a favourite Land Rover model or story from your restoration projects?
My favourite would be the Series 1. The simplicity of it and the fact it’s stood the test of time. I was lucky enough to own one that was the only 80” recovery model of its type, but I sadly had to sell it to fund our house build. One day I’ll get it back! I’m also a big fan of Discovery 1s and 2s. I’ve had loads!
What do the next five years look like in rugby? What do you hope to achieve?
If I’m still playing in five years, I’ll be very happy. I want to have had a testimonial at Gloucester, beat the all-time appearance record, and reach 300 caps. Then I could retire feeling like I’d achieved something. Along the way, a few more trophies at Kingsholm would be awesome too!
And finally! If you could leave a legacy beyond rugby, what would you want it to be?
If I could leave a legacy beyond rugby, it would be that I was a good bloke who helped anyone out and always cared about others before myself. If people had that perception of me, I’d be very happy.
Follow Lewis and Gloucester Rugby this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
I hope my teammates will say I led them with uncompromising energy, always from the front, and that I’d put my body on the line for any of them and for the team.
Who were the players or coaching staff you leaned on as a captain?
I learned to lean on a lot of people, but the key ones would have to be Ed Slater, Billy Twelvetrees, Chris Harris, Tomos Williams, Trevor Woodman, Dom Waldouck, and of course the boss - Skivs.
What advice have you given (or would you give) Tomos about the captaincy?
Do it your own way and just be yourself. That’s why you’re as good as you are!
If you could distil your approach to leadership into a single sentence, what would it be?
Don’t ask anything of others that you wouldn’t do yourself.
If your time as Gloucester captain was a playlist, what three songs would be on it and why?
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, purely for the fact that it was a crazy ride from start to finish. There was never a dull week!
All of the Lights by Kanye West. This was our walk-out song, and every time I hear it I get shivers down my spine.
Remember the Name by Fort Minor. I like the lyrics; they mean something, and hopefully people remember my time as captain!
If you could give your teenage self advice about leadership, what would it be?
Don’t be a lunatic all the time. “Captain Head Loss” was my old nickname! Sometimes sitting back and reflecting first gets a much better outcome.
How do you balance the intensity of professional rugby with family, friendships, and normal life?
A lot better now I’m not captain, haha! I try to switch off as much as I can. My kids help a lot with that. When I’m with them, I try my best not to do work stuff and to put them first. I think I’ve got a lot better at that. Friendship-wise, I’m lucky that a couple of my best mates are farmers who haven’t got a clue about rugby, so when we meet up, there’s no rugby chat whatsoever, which is nice sometimes!
We see you’re now a “Pony Dad”. Is family the best distraction and a good way of putting the sport into perspective?
I’m very much a horse dad which I love, although I’ve become hugely competitive with it! We’re hoping to get my daughter a HOYS-quality Dartmoor for lead rein next year, and I want to win everything! Family puts everything into perspective. Watching my daughter ride gives me as much pride as anything I’ve done on the pitch
You have a love for old Land Rovers. What drew you to this hobby, and how did it start?
My dad and grandad are both mechanics, and I’ve always loved Land Rovers. I was brought up in them! They’re easy to fix and can go anywhere. I’m obsessed, yeah.
Do you have a favourite Land Rover model or story from your restoration projects?
My favourite would be the Series 1. The simplicity of it and the fact it’s stood the test of time. I was lucky enough to own one that was the only 80” recovery model of its type, but I sadly had to sell it to fund our house build. One day I’ll get it back! I’m also a big fan of Discovery 1s and 2s. I’ve had loads!
What do the next five years look like in rugby? What do you hope to achieve?
If I’m still playing in five years, I’ll be very happy. I want to have had a testimonial at Gloucester, beat the all-time appearance record, and reach 300 caps. Then I could retire feeling like I’d achieved something. Along the way, a few more trophies at Kingsholm would be awesome too!
And finally! If you could leave a legacy beyond rugby, what would you want it to be?
If I could leave a legacy beyond rugby, it would be that I was a good bloke who helped anyone out and always cared about others before myself. If people had that perception of me, I’d be very happy.
Follow Lewis and Gloucester Rugby this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Nestled in village of Ewen, just a stone’s throw from Cirencester, The Wild Duck is preparing to make a much-anticipated return next spring. Once one of the area’s most beloved pubs before its closure in March 2019, the 16th-century coaching inn will soon reopen its doors under the expert care of Sam and Georgie Pearman, the duo behind the acclaimed Country Creatures collection.
Having breathed new life into the wonderful Double Red Duke and Mason’s Arms in Clanfield, The Wild Duck will become the third addition to their Cotswolds family, promising the same blend of warmth and quiet sophistication that has become their hallmark.
Originally the gardener’s cottage for nearby Ewen Manor, The Wild Duck is steeped in history and charm. Its latest chapter will see a full restoration that honours its past while reimagining it for a new generation of guests. Inside, Georgie Pearman will oversee the design of 20 beautiful new bedrooms, each thoughtfully created to reflect the inn’s rustic heritage with a contemporary Cotswold touch.
www.countrycreatures.com
Having breathed new life into the wonderful Double Red Duke and Mason’s Arms in Clanfield, The Wild Duck will become the third addition to their Cotswolds family, promising the same blend of warmth and quiet sophistication that has become their hallmark.
Originally the gardener’s cottage for nearby Ewen Manor, The Wild Duck is steeped in history and charm. Its latest chapter will see a full restoration that honours its past while reimagining it for a new generation of guests. Inside, Georgie Pearman will oversee the design of 20 beautiful new bedrooms, each thoughtfully created to reflect the inn’s rustic heritage with a contemporary Cotswold touch.
www.countrycreatures.com
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Cheltenham’s dining scene continues to evolve, and its latest addition brings something altogether new. COALHOUSE, a smokehouse and taproom created by chef-restaurateur Lewis Spencer and co-owned by Jay Rahman of Prithvi, promises to add depth, warmth and a touch of smoke to the town’s food landscape.
At its heart lies the philosophy of “Brew & Que”- the simple but irresistible idea of live-fire cooking paired with excellent local brews. The inspiration draws from the fire pits of the United States and the bold flavours of Mexico, but the execution will feel firmly rooted in Cheltenham.
Expect dishes led by the smoker; slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, flame-charred vegetables, each imbued with that unmistakable smokiness which only time and wood can achieve. This is food designed for sharing, generous in both flavour and spirit, with the emphasis on comfort rather than ceremony.
Alongside the food sits an equally important element: the taproom. The bar champions craft beers and ciders from local breweries, with a rotating selection designed to complement the food. A hoppy pale ale with ribs, perhaps, or a crisp cider to cut through the richness of tacos, each pairing is considered, without being overthought.
The atmosphere is intended to be lively and welcoming; less formal restaurant, more gathering place. Music, conversation and the comforting aroma of smoke will define the experience, creating somewhere to settle in for an evening with friends as much as to enjoy a quick bite and a pint.
With Spencer’s expertise in live-fire cooking and Rahman’s proven eye for creating standout dining destinations, COALHOUSE is set to become a distinctive new fixture in Cheltenham. A place where the focus is on flavour, sociability and craft – all the right ingredients for a restaurant the town will quickly make its own.
Where & when:
32-34 Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3NX
17.10.2025
At its heart lies the philosophy of “Brew & Que”- the simple but irresistible idea of live-fire cooking paired with excellent local brews. The inspiration draws from the fire pits of the United States and the bold flavours of Mexico, but the execution will feel firmly rooted in Cheltenham.
Expect dishes led by the smoker; slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, flame-charred vegetables, each imbued with that unmistakable smokiness which only time and wood can achieve. This is food designed for sharing, generous in both flavour and spirit, with the emphasis on comfort rather than ceremony.
Alongside the food sits an equally important element: the taproom. The bar champions craft beers and ciders from local breweries, with a rotating selection designed to complement the food. A hoppy pale ale with ribs, perhaps, or a crisp cider to cut through the richness of tacos, each pairing is considered, without being overthought.
The atmosphere is intended to be lively and welcoming; less formal restaurant, more gathering place. Music, conversation and the comforting aroma of smoke will define the experience, creating somewhere to settle in for an evening with friends as much as to enjoy a quick bite and a pint.
With Spencer’s expertise in live-fire cooking and Rahman’s proven eye for creating standout dining destinations, COALHOUSE is set to become a distinctive new fixture in Cheltenham. A place where the focus is on flavour, sociability and craft – all the right ingredients for a restaurant the town will quickly make its own.
Where & when:
32-34 Clarence St, Cheltenham GL50 3NX
17.10.2025
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There are few places in English rugby that stir the senses quite like Kingsholm. The walk through Gloucester’s streets, the sea of Cherry & White scarves, the unmistakable chorus of the Shed. It is a matchday steeped in ritual. Yet, as the game evolves, so too does the way supporters choose to experience it. For those looking for something a little more polished than the traditional pint on the terrace, The Blindside has arrived to redefine hospitality at Kingsholm.
Tucked away at the very top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside is the newest members-only lounge at Gloucester Rugby. It is exclusive without being intimidating, smart without being stuffy, and above all, it feels like a place designed for people who love rugby but also enjoy the finer things in life.
Food plays a central role in setting the tone. Instead of stiff formal dining, The Blindside offers a relaxed spread of tapas-style dishes, created by the club’s in-house chefs using ingredients sourced locally within 40 miles of the stadium. It is food that reflects the Cotswolds’ larder; fresh, seasonal and brimming with flavour, but served in a way that suits the rhythm of matchday. Members can pick at plates before heading out to their seats and return after full-time to graze again while reliving the game’s highlights. It’s casual, sociable and celebratory, a dining style that mirrors the spirit of rugby itself.
Then there is the bar. At the heart of the lounge lies one of its most talked-about features: a self-pour station. The idea is simple but brilliant. Rather than queueing, members can pour their own pint of beer, cider or glass of wine, giving the experience a sense of fun and freedom. It’s hard not to enjoy the novelty of pulling your own pint as you debate the referee’s decisions or toast a last-minute try. For those who prefer something more traditional, the private bar is well stocked, with everything from local ales to Champagne. It is, in short, a bar that keeps pace with the occasion.
The Blindside itself is a space designed to be lived in. Contemporary interiors and comfortable seating create a relaxed, stylish environment that feels more like a Cotswolds private club than a stadium lounge. Pre-match, it is a calm retreat away from the bustle of the terraces; post-match, it transforms into a hub of energy and celebration. Hosted by legendary former Cherry & White James Forrester, the lounge carries with it an unmistakable link to the club’s proud heritage, ensuring members feel connected not just to the game unfolding on the pitch, but to the wider story of Gloucester Rugby.
What makes membership truly appealing is that it extends far beyond the lounge doors. Premium seating in the Malvern Tyres Stand offers superb views of the action, while additional benefits such as access to the Gloucester Rugby Business Club, priority entry into the England Rugby ticket ballot and the option to hire the lounge privately at discounted rates add real depth. It’s not simply a matchday treat but an ongoing connection to both the club and its community.
Perhaps the greatest triumph of The Blindside is the way it balances tradition with innovation. Rugby has always been about camaraderie, about standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers alike, united by the game. That essence is very much alive here. Yet, by adding stylish interiors, inventive dining and playful touches like the self-pour bar, The Blindside offers something new: a hospitality experience that feels fresh, modern and entirely at home in the Cotswolds.
For those who live and breathe the Cherry & White, The Blindside is more than just a lounge. It’s a place to savour the build-up, to relax in comfort, and to celebrate victories in style. It is rugby reimagined for today and a reminder that the best moments on matchday happen not just on the pitch, but in the spaces where supporters come together to share them.
Take a look - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
Tucked away at the very top of the Malvern Tyres Stand, The Blindside is the newest members-only lounge at Gloucester Rugby. It is exclusive without being intimidating, smart without being stuffy, and above all, it feels like a place designed for people who love rugby but also enjoy the finer things in life.
Food plays a central role in setting the tone. Instead of stiff formal dining, The Blindside offers a relaxed spread of tapas-style dishes, created by the club’s in-house chefs using ingredients sourced locally within 40 miles of the stadium. It is food that reflects the Cotswolds’ larder; fresh, seasonal and brimming with flavour, but served in a way that suits the rhythm of matchday. Members can pick at plates before heading out to their seats and return after full-time to graze again while reliving the game’s highlights. It’s casual, sociable and celebratory, a dining style that mirrors the spirit of rugby itself.
Then there is the bar. At the heart of the lounge lies one of its most talked-about features: a self-pour station. The idea is simple but brilliant. Rather than queueing, members can pour their own pint of beer, cider or glass of wine, giving the experience a sense of fun and freedom. It’s hard not to enjoy the novelty of pulling your own pint as you debate the referee’s decisions or toast a last-minute try. For those who prefer something more traditional, the private bar is well stocked, with everything from local ales to Champagne. It is, in short, a bar that keeps pace with the occasion.
The Blindside itself is a space designed to be lived in. Contemporary interiors and comfortable seating create a relaxed, stylish environment that feels more like a Cotswolds private club than a stadium lounge. Pre-match, it is a calm retreat away from the bustle of the terraces; post-match, it transforms into a hub of energy and celebration. Hosted by legendary former Cherry & White James Forrester, the lounge carries with it an unmistakable link to the club’s proud heritage, ensuring members feel connected not just to the game unfolding on the pitch, but to the wider story of Gloucester Rugby.
What makes membership truly appealing is that it extends far beyond the lounge doors. Premium seating in the Malvern Tyres Stand offers superb views of the action, while additional benefits such as access to the Gloucester Rugby Business Club, priority entry into the England Rugby ticket ballot and the option to hire the lounge privately at discounted rates add real depth. It’s not simply a matchday treat but an ongoing connection to both the club and its community.
Perhaps the greatest triumph of The Blindside is the way it balances tradition with innovation. Rugby has always been about camaraderie, about standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and strangers alike, united by the game. That essence is very much alive here. Yet, by adding stylish interiors, inventive dining and playful touches like the self-pour bar, The Blindside offers something new: a hospitality experience that feels fresh, modern and entirely at home in the Cotswolds.
For those who live and breathe the Cherry & White, The Blindside is more than just a lounge. It’s a place to savour the build-up, to relax in comfort, and to celebrate victories in style. It is rugby reimagined for today and a reminder that the best moments on matchday happen not just on the pitch, but in the spaces where supporters come together to share them.
Take a look - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/hospitality/blindside-membership
There are few spectacles in sport that can match Cheltenham in March. The Cheltenham Roar, the finest jump horses on earth, and enough tweed to upholster the Cotswolds twice over. Yet even the Home of Jump Racing knows that greatness isn’t achieved by standing still.
For 2025/26, Cheltenham Racecourse is sharpening its act once more, with a series of enhancements designed to ensure The Festival remains as memorable as it is magnificent.
“This is about evolution, not revolution,” says Chief Executive Guy Lavender, who has wasted no time in stamping his vision on Prestbury Park. “Our goal is simple: world-class racing at a world-class venue.”
Breathing Room, Not Bustling Crowds
This year’s Festival will welcome fewer racegoers each day – a deliberate reduction from 68,500 to 66,000. It may not sound dramatic, but anyone who has ever tried to elbow their way through a soggy bottleneck in Tattersalls will appreciate the difference. Space, after all, is a luxury.
Pints and Prosecco
In news guaranteed to bring a cheer almost as loud as the roar itself, the price of Guinness is going down. Yes, back to £7.50 a pint – a rare case of racing history repeating itself in the punter’s favour. Spirits follow suit with reductions of their own, and Prosecco joins the line-up for the first time for those looking to toast their winners in sparkling style.
Removal of Drinks Restrictions
After a successful trial run last season, Cheltenham has done the decent thing and lifted the final drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure for 2025/26. In short, you may now wander the course pint in hand without fear of being corralled. The change not only makes for a more civilised flow of racegoers (and shorter queues at the bar), but also restores a sense of freedom that pairs rather well with a Guinness. The only corners of the course where a glass remains unwelcome are those reserved for Officials.
New Homes for Old Favourites
Hospitality also gets a lift. The Tented Village will boast a new covered food court, while the Cottage Rake and Mill House bars are reborn as the stylish Prestbury View. The Green Grazer food hall will champion local produce – a nod to both sustainability and the Cotswolds’ rich culinary heritage.
Sharper Sound, Smarter Screens
Gone are the days of muffled commentary or squinting at the big screen. A state-of-the-art PA system promises crystal-clear race calls, while upgraded Racecourse TV will deliver more data, more insight, and more drama straight to your eyes and ears.
Ladies Day Returns
Wednesday of The Festival sees the return of Ladies Day for the first time since 2019. Think £10,000 in Style Awards prizes, fashion partnerships with Debenhams and Holland Cooper, and the sort of glamour that turns Cheltenham’s enclosures into catwalks with a soundtrack of hooves.
Value, From Ticket to Pillow
Cheltenham is also taking the sting out of logistics. Tickets once again start from £35 if booked early enough, with extended discount windows to keep costs sensible. The “Room to Race” initiative expands, working with more hotels to tackle the notorious Festival price hike.
Cheltenham is already the sport’s crown jewel. But Lavender’s direction makes clear that it intends to sparkle a little brighter each year. More space, sharper facilities, a cheaper pint, and the return of Ladies Day.
After all, The Festival isn’t just about four days of racing. It’s about four days of being part of something utterly, unmistakably special.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival
For 2025/26, Cheltenham Racecourse is sharpening its act once more, with a series of enhancements designed to ensure The Festival remains as memorable as it is magnificent.
“This is about evolution, not revolution,” says Chief Executive Guy Lavender, who has wasted no time in stamping his vision on Prestbury Park. “Our goal is simple: world-class racing at a world-class venue.”
Breathing Room, Not Bustling Crowds
This year’s Festival will welcome fewer racegoers each day – a deliberate reduction from 68,500 to 66,000. It may not sound dramatic, but anyone who has ever tried to elbow their way through a soggy bottleneck in Tattersalls will appreciate the difference. Space, after all, is a luxury.
Pints and Prosecco
In news guaranteed to bring a cheer almost as loud as the roar itself, the price of Guinness is going down. Yes, back to £7.50 a pint – a rare case of racing history repeating itself in the punter’s favour. Spirits follow suit with reductions of their own, and Prosecco joins the line-up for the first time for those looking to toast their winners in sparkling style.
Removal of Drinks Restrictions
After a successful trial run last season, Cheltenham has done the decent thing and lifted the final drinks restrictions in the Club Enclosure for 2025/26. In short, you may now wander the course pint in hand without fear of being corralled. The change not only makes for a more civilised flow of racegoers (and shorter queues at the bar), but also restores a sense of freedom that pairs rather well with a Guinness. The only corners of the course where a glass remains unwelcome are those reserved for Officials.
New Homes for Old Favourites
Hospitality also gets a lift. The Tented Village will boast a new covered food court, while the Cottage Rake and Mill House bars are reborn as the stylish Prestbury View. The Green Grazer food hall will champion local produce – a nod to both sustainability and the Cotswolds’ rich culinary heritage.
Sharper Sound, Smarter Screens
Gone are the days of muffled commentary or squinting at the big screen. A state-of-the-art PA system promises crystal-clear race calls, while upgraded Racecourse TV will deliver more data, more insight, and more drama straight to your eyes and ears.
Ladies Day Returns
Wednesday of The Festival sees the return of Ladies Day for the first time since 2019. Think £10,000 in Style Awards prizes, fashion partnerships with Debenhams and Holland Cooper, and the sort of glamour that turns Cheltenham’s enclosures into catwalks with a soundtrack of hooves.
Value, From Ticket to Pillow
Cheltenham is also taking the sting out of logistics. Tickets once again start from £35 if booked early enough, with extended discount windows to keep costs sensible. The “Room to Race” initiative expands, working with more hotels to tackle the notorious Festival price hike.
Cheltenham is already the sport’s crown jewel. But Lavender’s direction makes clear that it intends to sparkle a little brighter each year. More space, sharper facilities, a cheaper pint, and the return of Ladies Day.
After all, The Festival isn’t just about four days of racing. It’s about four days of being part of something utterly, unmistakably special.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham-festival
There is something about the turning of the leaves in the Cotswolds that makes a racing person’s pulse quicken. The mornings grow sharper, the gallops glisten with dew, and from every stable yard drifts that intoxicating mixture of steam, sweat and hope.
The Cotswolds has always been more than a backdrop: it is the very heartbeat of jump racing. Wander the lanes around Naunton or Guiting Power and you may well be passing future champions in the making, ears pricked against the autumn breeze. The names of past heroes are written into the very soil and on the walls at The Hollow Bottom, but the real joy is that each fresh season arrives bearing its own mysteries, its own cast of characters waiting to burst from unknowns to festival hopefuls. And how lucky we are that the Cotswolds, with its trainers of genius and horses of great promise, remains the stage upon which this marvellous old drama continues to unfold.
The wonderful Paul Ferguson has once again given us his 10 horses from local Cotswold yards to follow for the 2025/26 season.
Now in its 19th year of publication, Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow is an essential guide for any racing enthusiast and available to purchase now. It includes leading prospects for the season ahead, a focus on Irish contenders, views from leading jockeys and lots more. And most importantly, multiple winners are identified.
The Cotswolds has always been more than a backdrop: it is the very heartbeat of jump racing. Wander the lanes around Naunton or Guiting Power and you may well be passing future champions in the making, ears pricked against the autumn breeze. The names of past heroes are written into the very soil and on the walls at The Hollow Bottom, but the real joy is that each fresh season arrives bearing its own mysteries, its own cast of characters waiting to burst from unknowns to festival hopefuls. And how lucky we are that the Cotswolds, with its trainers of genius and horses of great promise, remains the stage upon which this marvellous old drama continues to unfold.
The wonderful Paul Ferguson has once again given us his 10 horses from local Cotswold yards to follow for the 2025/26 season.
Now in its 19th year of publication, Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow is an essential guide for any racing enthusiast and available to purchase now. It includes leading prospects for the season ahead, a focus on Irish contenders, views from leading jockeys and lots more. And most importantly, multiple winners are identified.
BILL JOYCE
Jonjo & AJ O'Neill
This year’s list is a little O’Neill-heavy, with five of the 10 selections trained by Jonjo & A J. I make no apologies, however, as I expect the training duo to enjoy a fruitful campaign and this Grade 2-winning novice hurdler can be expected to improve for the switch to fences this winter. A winner at Carlisle and in Sandown’s Winter Novices’ Hurdle, he started last season with a flourish and should develop into a Graded-class performer over fences. Whilst he is likely to start off over an intermediate trip, I would expect him to be back up to 3m or thereabouts before too long. He remains exciting and whilst testing ground might not be essential to him, he copes with it when others can’t.
HERON IN THE PARK
Tom George
Down on numbers in recent seasons, it is pleasing to see Tom George with another exciting prospect on his hands, in the shape of this imposing Walk In The Park mare. An impressive 9½-length maiden Point winner, she cost her current connections £280,000 at Cheltenham last December and duly started to repay that hefty sum when winning a Newbury bumper in fine style. A three-parts sister to former Welsh Champion Hurdle and Betfair Hurdle winner Glory And Fortune, the five-year-old looks capable of making her presence felt at a decent level in the mares’ novice hurdle division.
KAKA’S COUSIN
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
The first of three Point-to-Point recruits to have joined the Jackdaws Castle team, this five-year-old was actually in training with the O’Neills during the second half of last season but didn’t make it to the track due to drying ground in the spring. Runner-up to Clay Pigeons at Boulta last December on his second start (fell on debut), the winner went on to win a Point-to-Point bumper at Cork and this full-brother to Blue Baloo (winner of a bumper and over hurdles for Sandy Thomson) will carry the silks of Dan Walker (owner of Bill Joyce). Given that he is now five, I would expect him to go straight over hurdles.
LARGY GO
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
A four-year-old who made a winning debut in a maiden at Loughbrickland in March, he is by one of the sires of the moment in Poet’s Word and was bought for £305,000 at Aintree, on the back of a 2-length success. He moved well through that race and the front two pulled a long way clear in a quick time. He is now in the ownership of JP McManus.
MEETMEBYTHESEA
Ben Pauling
Won three times over hurdles last season for Ben Pauling and JP McManus, before finishing a close-up third in the EBF Final at Sandown, having looked the most likely winner when taking over on the run to the final flight. Up 5lb to a mark of 133 for that reversal, the five-year-old can be expected to make a big impact in the novice chase division. Pauling won Grade 1 novice chases with both The Jukebox Man and Handstands last season and whilst it would be asking a lot for the Watar gelding to reach those lofty heights, he can be expected to continue his upward trajectory after just four starts under Rules.
MISTER MEGGIT
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
A dual bumper winner the season before last, he made the perfect start to his hurdling career at Aintree last November, winning in a canter over 2m4f. Forced to miss the majority of the season, he returned to action at the Grand National meeting and despite a 146-day lay-off and his undoubted inexperience, he ran a huge race in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, looking all over the winner as he cruised to the front two out. A mistake at the last didn’t help but he tired quickly on the run-in, suggesting that the interrupted preparation might have caught up with him. With that in mind, I was a little surprised to see him take his chance at Perth just 19 days later and having never travelled, I would be happy to put a line through that performance. Now rated 136, he will be of interest in either staying handicap hurdles to begin with, or if he is sent straight over fences, as he remains a high-class prospect, capable of winning at a Graded level at some stage.
SIXMILEBRIDGE
Fergal O’Brien
Disappointed in the Baring Bingham at the Cheltenham Festival, he had earlier looked hugely promising when winning at Leicester and Huntingdon, before completing the hat-trick – at the expense of Potters Charm (another bright prospect from the area) – in the Classic Novices’ Hurdle on trials day. The six-year-old son of Affinisea finished runner-up in an Irish Point before joining Ben Pauling (moved to Fergal O’Brien last summer) and won a Sandown bumper impressively on his Rules debut back in February of last year. Set to go novice chasing, he looks to be another exciting recruit to the division and although he should stay 3m, I would expect him to start off over an intermediate trip.
UN SENS A LA VIE
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
A winner at the second attempt between the flags in Ireland, he created a really good impression when winning a Market Rasen bumper on decent ground, scampering right away from Espresso Milan, who wasn’t disgraced at the Punchestown Festival on his next start. The Twiston-Davies team resisted the temptation of running the five-year-old in Grade 2 company at Aintree and the son of Muhtathir can be expected to develop into a very nice novice hurdler this season. Given that the stable tends to hit the ground running, he could be one to note in the early part of the season.
MOSSY FEN COOLIO
Jonjo & AJ O’Neill
Another winning Irish Pointer, the son of Kayf Tara beat just two finishers at Tallow in February but did so in devastating fashion and recorded a very quick time in the process (fully 36 seconds quicker than Hitintheheadlines who won the four-year-old maiden on the same card and is now in the care of Dan Skelton). Already five, he is another who could embark on a hurdling campaign straight away and forms what appears to be a very strong team of exciting young horses at Jackdaws Castle.
VANDERPOEL
Ben Pauling
Another for the novice chase division, he is rated just 128 at present so is likely to reappear in a novices’ handicap. Pulled-up when last seen – in the Grade 2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso – he had earlier looked exciting in beating George’s Lad (won next time and now also rated 128) and Rubber Ball (won his next two and again, now rated 128) at Huntingdon, before defying a penalty in a weaker race at Ludlow. Still quite green last season, he will hopefully mature with experience and remains a horse of considerable potential.
Order Jumpers To Follow 2025-2026 here:
https://weatherbysshop.co.uk/collections/paul-fergusons-jumpers-to-follow
https://weatherbysshop.co.uk/collections/paul-fergusons-jumpers-to-follow
The nights draw in over Prestbury Park with a sense of anticipation that would warm the bones of the coldest soul. As the shadows lengthen across Cleeve Hill and the first breath of autumn mist curls over the paddocks, it can only mean one thing: the jumpers are back, and Cheltenham once more takes its place as the beating heart of the National Hunt game.
No other place stirs the spirit in quite the same way. Flat racing may have its silks and splendour, but the raw honesty of Cheltenham, the thunder of the hooves, muddy goggles, steam rising off a chaser’s flanks and the roar of a crowd is something that gets into the blood. The course is a theatre, and the drama played out upon its famous turf is nothing short of life itself: triumph, despair, courage, and above all, the sheer nobility of the horses.
This season promises all the ingredients that makes Cheltenham the Mecca of our winter game. Old warriors return, new pretenders lie in wait, and the whispers from the gallops are enough to stir that delicious mixture of hope and doubt that keeps us coming back year after year.
The Showcase is the unfurling of the first page in Cheltenham’s great winter tale, the raising of the curtain on a season that will carry us from the mellow fruits of autumn through to the bursting daffodils of spring. On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025, the Home of Jump Racing will once more echo to the rolling percussion of galloping feet, the skipped heartbeats at the last obstacle and that unmistakable hum which only Cheltenham can conjure.
For many, this is less a return to a racecourse than a pilgrimage home. A mingling of fresh expectation and the fond familiarity of old friends reunited make The Showcase a tonic for the soul. Seven fiercely contested races on each day ensure the atmosphere is set ablaze from the first fall of the starter’s flag. This is the first sip of the vintage to come, and it tastes all the sweeter for having been missed all summer.
Friday is the true start of Cheltenham’s grand campaign, a day when form and anticipation walk arm in arm. It is a chance to reacquaint oneself with the greats of the sport, both equine and human, spot the seedlings of future stars, and enjoy that first tantalising glimpse of the narratives that will carry us through the season ahead. The form book may remain light, but the air itself feels heavy with promise.
Another seven races await us on Saturday, each offering not only fierce competition but early clues as to who might flourish throughout the winter months. These are the first brushstrokes on the season’s canvas, painted in mud, muscle, and courage
When the last race is run, The Centaur awaits, where the band Mojo will bring proceedings to a rousing close with songs that lift the heart and loosen the voice, ensuring the day ends in full chorus.
Younger race-goers can enjoy a fun activation zone, where they'll have the chance to ride around the home of jump racing with the ultimate VR experience and have their photograph taken with the Gold Cup, and as is now a Cheltenham tradition outside of the Festival, under-18s race free.
The Showcase is no mere meeting. It is the ignition spark, the rekindling of the old flame and the long-awaited fanfare that announces: the jumpers are back, and all roads now lead to March. It is about more than just winners and losers, it's the thrill of the horses, the roar of the crowd and the clink of glasses among old friends. The curtain lifts, the play begins anew, and the great drama of another Cheltenham season is ready to be written.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE SHOWCASE
No other place stirs the spirit in quite the same way. Flat racing may have its silks and splendour, but the raw honesty of Cheltenham, the thunder of the hooves, muddy goggles, steam rising off a chaser’s flanks and the roar of a crowd is something that gets into the blood. The course is a theatre, and the drama played out upon its famous turf is nothing short of life itself: triumph, despair, courage, and above all, the sheer nobility of the horses.
This season promises all the ingredients that makes Cheltenham the Mecca of our winter game. Old warriors return, new pretenders lie in wait, and the whispers from the gallops are enough to stir that delicious mixture of hope and doubt that keeps us coming back year after year.
The Showcase is the unfurling of the first page in Cheltenham’s great winter tale, the raising of the curtain on a season that will carry us from the mellow fruits of autumn through to the bursting daffodils of spring. On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025, the Home of Jump Racing will once more echo to the rolling percussion of galloping feet, the skipped heartbeats at the last obstacle and that unmistakable hum which only Cheltenham can conjure.
For many, this is less a return to a racecourse than a pilgrimage home. A mingling of fresh expectation and the fond familiarity of old friends reunited make The Showcase a tonic for the soul. Seven fiercely contested races on each day ensure the atmosphere is set ablaze from the first fall of the starter’s flag. This is the first sip of the vintage to come, and it tastes all the sweeter for having been missed all summer.
Friday is the true start of Cheltenham’s grand campaign, a day when form and anticipation walk arm in arm. It is a chance to reacquaint oneself with the greats of the sport, both equine and human, spot the seedlings of future stars, and enjoy that first tantalising glimpse of the narratives that will carry us through the season ahead. The form book may remain light, but the air itself feels heavy with promise.
Another seven races await us on Saturday, each offering not only fierce competition but early clues as to who might flourish throughout the winter months. These are the first brushstrokes on the season’s canvas, painted in mud, muscle, and courage
When the last race is run, The Centaur awaits, where the band Mojo will bring proceedings to a rousing close with songs that lift the heart and loosen the voice, ensuring the day ends in full chorus.
Younger race-goers can enjoy a fun activation zone, where they'll have the chance to ride around the home of jump racing with the ultimate VR experience and have their photograph taken with the Gold Cup, and as is now a Cheltenham tradition outside of the Festival, under-18s race free.
The Showcase is no mere meeting. It is the ignition spark, the rekindling of the old flame and the long-awaited fanfare that announces: the jumpers are back, and all roads now lead to March. It is about more than just winners and losers, it's the thrill of the horses, the roar of the crowd and the clink of glasses among old friends. The curtain lifts, the play begins anew, and the great drama of another Cheltenham season is ready to be written.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE SHOWCASE
Cheltenham has never been short of cultural offerings, but every now and again something new comes along that immediately feels like it belongs. Since its launch in April, Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy has become one of the town’s most sought-after nights out. Part cabaret, part comedy, part live music, the monthly show has sold out every date so far, creating a buzz that has spread well beyond Gloucestershire.
Now, with summer behind us, Joly has confirmed the final three dates for 2025; Thursday 2nd October, Thursday 6th November, and Thursday 4th December, each hosted at The Steam & Whistle, Cheltenham’s newly refurbished Victorian pub by the station.
A Homegrown Hit
SpeakeaZy is very much Joly’s love letter to his hometown. Known nationally for the outrageous stunts of Trigger Happy TV, here he offers something more personal: an evening that blends sharp humour with live performances and candid conversations. Each night feels spontaneous and unrepeatable, with stories from Joly’s thirty years in showbusiness woven together with appearances from an eclectic line-up of guests.
The format is fluid. A typical show might feature Joly sharing tales from his travels, chatting with a guest about their own journey, then handing the stage over to a stand-up comic or a rising musician. The result is a night that feels intimate, informal, and brimming with character.
A Guest List Full of Surprises
The mystery surrounding the performers is part of the thrill. Audiences have already been treated to the anarchic humour of Seann Walsh, the sharp wit of Jenny Éclair, and the raw talent of Tom A. Smith, hailed by Elton John as a future star. Beyond that, the names remain under wraps, keeping anticipation high and speculation even higher.
The Steam & Whistle
The choice of venue has been central to the show’s success. The Steam & Whistle, a short walk from Cheltenham Spa station, offers an ideal backdrop with its atmospheric basement space for 200 guests. Intimate yet vibrant, it allows the audience to feel part of the action. The courtyard provides a place to gather before the show, while the artisan pizzas and excellent drinks menu have quickly become part of the experience.
Independent venues like this are rare, and SpeakeaZy makes full use of everything it has to offer. It is live entertainment at its most unfiltered, supported by a team who understand the value of keeping things local and distinctive.
Trigger Happy turns 25
2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of Trigger Happy TV, the hidden-camera series that first propelled Joly into the spotlight. To celebrate, he is taking a new Trigger Happy show on tour across the UK, with dates in London, Birmingham, and beyond.
Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy: Final 2025 Dates
Thursday 2nd October
Thursday 6th November
Thursday 4th December at
The Steam & Whistle, Cheltenham
TICKETS: https://www.domjoly.tv/dom-jolys-speakeazy
Artisan pizzas & bar from 5pm last pizza orders 6.50pm, show starts 7.30pm, bars stay open after the show. Please note seating is SpeakeaZy style, first come first serve so arrive early
Now, with summer behind us, Joly has confirmed the final three dates for 2025; Thursday 2nd October, Thursday 6th November, and Thursday 4th December, each hosted at The Steam & Whistle, Cheltenham’s newly refurbished Victorian pub by the station.
A Homegrown Hit
SpeakeaZy is very much Joly’s love letter to his hometown. Known nationally for the outrageous stunts of Trigger Happy TV, here he offers something more personal: an evening that blends sharp humour with live performances and candid conversations. Each night feels spontaneous and unrepeatable, with stories from Joly’s thirty years in showbusiness woven together with appearances from an eclectic line-up of guests.
The format is fluid. A typical show might feature Joly sharing tales from his travels, chatting with a guest about their own journey, then handing the stage over to a stand-up comic or a rising musician. The result is a night that feels intimate, informal, and brimming with character.
A Guest List Full of Surprises
The mystery surrounding the performers is part of the thrill. Audiences have already been treated to the anarchic humour of Seann Walsh, the sharp wit of Jenny Éclair, and the raw talent of Tom A. Smith, hailed by Elton John as a future star. Beyond that, the names remain under wraps, keeping anticipation high and speculation even higher.
The Steam & Whistle
The choice of venue has been central to the show’s success. The Steam & Whistle, a short walk from Cheltenham Spa station, offers an ideal backdrop with its atmospheric basement space for 200 guests. Intimate yet vibrant, it allows the audience to feel part of the action. The courtyard provides a place to gather before the show, while the artisan pizzas and excellent drinks menu have quickly become part of the experience.
Independent venues like this are rare, and SpeakeaZy makes full use of everything it has to offer. It is live entertainment at its most unfiltered, supported by a team who understand the value of keeping things local and distinctive.
Trigger Happy turns 25
2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of Trigger Happy TV, the hidden-camera series that first propelled Joly into the spotlight. To celebrate, he is taking a new Trigger Happy show on tour across the UK, with dates in London, Birmingham, and beyond.
Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy: Final 2025 Dates
Thursday 2nd October
Thursday 6th November
Thursday 4th December at
The Steam & Whistle, Cheltenham
TICKETS: https://www.domjoly.tv/dom-jolys-speakeazy
Artisan pizzas & bar from 5pm last pizza orders 6.50pm, show starts 7.30pm, bars stay open after the show. Please note seating is SpeakeaZy style, first come first serve so arrive early
As the Cotswolds dons its autumnal cloak, Cheltenham Racecourse readies itself for a season of thrills, spills and unforgettable drama.
The crisp air carries the patter of hooves and the roars of well-heeled spectators, with every meeting offering the perfect balance of excitement and emotion, where silks flash across the turf and every finish tells a story.
THE SHOWCASE
24-25 OCTOBER 2025
THE NOVEMBER MEETING
14-16 NOVEMBER 2025
THE CHRISTMAS MEETING
12-13 DECEMBER 2025
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 JANUARY 2026
FESTIVAL TRIAL'S DAY
24 JANUARY 2026
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
10-13 MARCH 2026
THE APRIL MEETING
15-16 APRIL 2026
RACE NIGHT
1 MAY 2026
The crisp air carries the patter of hooves and the roars of well-heeled spectators, with every meeting offering the perfect balance of excitement and emotion, where silks flash across the turf and every finish tells a story.
THE SHOWCASE
24-25 OCTOBER 2025
THE NOVEMBER MEETING
14-16 NOVEMBER 2025
THE CHRISTMAS MEETING
12-13 DECEMBER 2025
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 JANUARY 2026
FESTIVAL TRIAL'S DAY
24 JANUARY 2026
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
10-13 MARCH 2026
THE APRIL MEETING
15-16 APRIL 2026
RACE NIGHT
1 MAY 2026
You can find information and tickets for each race meeting HERE.
Image: Matt Higgs
There are weekends that pass without incident, and then there are weekends that feel like they ought to be chiselled into the walls of the Cheese Hub as a reminder of why we endure the long English winter. The Big Feastival, once again, delivered the latter. Under skies that behaved themselves with uncharacteristic good manners, Alex James' farm became a sun-dappled playground for music, food, drink, and more happy faces than one field should reasonably contain. Quite simply, it was the best weekend of the year.
Friday got off to a start that was both nostalgic and effervescent. Scouting For Girls bounded onto the stage with the sort of energy that made you forget that their heyday had supposedly passed. They had the crowd onside instantly, and by the time Rizzle Kicks took over, the field was bouncing like it was 2011 all over again. The duo reminded us what pop-rap sounds like when it’s fun, cheeky, and completely unpretentious. It was a perfect opening salvo; big smiles, bigger choruses, and the first hint that this weekend was going to be special.
Saturday leaned into pure indie nostalgia. The Pigeon Detectives transported us back to 2007, when jeans were tighter, haircuts were sharper, and indie disco ruled the night. Their set was a joyful reminder that guitars, when deployed with enough northern swagger, are still capable of lifting a crowd to euphoric heights. Tom Walker followed, and if the Pigeons were all youthful abandon, Walker brought heart and heft. His voice soaring over the farm, rich and gravelly, commanding the sort of hushed reverence that only a proper singer-songwriter can conjure. Then came The Wombats, who brought chaos, colour, and choruses sharp enough to slice the night in two. It was the sort of set that demanded you dance, sing, and then immediately Google when they’re next touring. Faithless’ headline set was electric and was beautifully capped by a poignant tribute to maxi Jazz during “Insomnia” that turned the field into a mid-nineties dancefloor.
In among all of this, over in the Cheese Hub, James Buckley, Simon Pegg, and Woody Smith spun awesome DJ sets that felt like the ultimate afterparty in the middle of the day, chaotic and brilliant in equal measure.
The final day included Caity Baser, the rising star of pop, who brought a breezy confidence that felt perfectly pitched for a Sunday afternoon. Then, as the sun dipped low over the Cotswold hills, Travis took to the stage. There are moments at festivals that transcend the ordinary, and this was one of them. As Fran Healy’s voice floated across the fields with "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?", the irony was not lost, we’d been gifted pretty much flawless weather all weekend. It was spine-tingling, communal, and utterly unforgettable. To close, Alex James’ Britpop Classical wrapped the weekend with sweeping strings, guest appearances from some stars of the time, including a trip back in time with Parklife and Phil Daniels, and a celebration of the genre that made him famous. It was both tongue-in-cheek and grandiose, a fitting curtain call on a festival that understands how to end with style.
Of course, The Big Feastival is as much about food as it is music, and 2025 did not disappoint. Poor Boys’ shrimp and chicken mixed box was an unashamed crowd-pleaser among our group: smoky, spicy, crunchy, and entirely addictive. The Bab House won many a heart with their birria tacos, a messy, glorious indulgence which we waited all weekend to enjoy. Banquet 1415 brought a piece Argentina to the Cotswolds with their grilled meats, smoky and succulent in a way that would make a gaucho weep with pride. And then there were the burgers from local boys Smiths; juicy, towering creations that proved once again that simple can be incredibly delicious.
The drinks side of things was equally well covered. The Cotswolds Distillery kept us cool and just the right side of merry with their gin slushies. Cold, sharp, and refreshing, they were the unofficial currency of the weekend, clutched in both hands as we meandered back and forth to the main stage and street food stalls. It was the kind of drink that made you wonder why anyone ever bothers with lager.
But beyond the music, the food, and the drink, what really makes The Big Feastival the highlight of the year is its atmosphere. It is, quite simply, for everyone. Toddlers danced in ear defenders, parents swayed with gin in hand, teenagers screamed the words to songs that their parents had introduced them to last week, and the veterans of Glastonbury past nodded approvingly at how civilised the whole affair has become. It is joy distilled into a weekend, with the added bonus that it’s just ten minutes down the road for those of us lucky enough to call this part of the world home.
And that luck is not to be underestimated. For all the talk of acts and eats, the quiet hero of the weekend is Alex James himself. To open his farm, year after year, to tens of thousands of revellers, and to curate an event that manages to be both a world-class festival and a neighbourly gathering, is no small feat. We should be grateful, not just for the music and the food, but for the spirit of generosity and community that underpins it all. Without him, our August bank holiday would be infinitely poorer.
So, what can be said of The Big Feastival 2025? That it was sunlit, spirited, and satisfying in every possible way. That it reminded us why festivals matter: because they bring us together, make us dance, feed us well, and send us home happier than when we arrived. It was, in short, everything you’d hope for from the best weekend of the year. And until next August rolls around, we’ll all be quietly humming Wombats choruses, craving birria tacos, and wondering if gin slushies can be made at home.
Early Bird tickets for Big Feastival 2026 are on sale now - bigfeastival.com
 Poor Boys mixed box courtesy of Big Eats Global |  The Bab House Birria Tacos courtesy of Big Eats Global |
Image courtesy of Matt Higgs
Reigning Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season, Tomos Williams, has been appointed Club Captain for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Director of Rugby George Skivington has confirmed.
Since arriving from Cardiff Rugby last summer, the Welsh international has been nothing short of transformative in Cherry & White. His superb debut season not only earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, but also a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour to Australia.
Commanding the game from half-back, Williams was central to Gloucester’s attacking renaissance, orchestrating play with authority while producing flashes of individual brilliance. Off the pitch, his professionalism and leadership qualities have equally impressed the Kingsholm coaching staff.
Supporting him in the role will be Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, both of whom made their senior debuts for England this summer.
Reflecting on the honour, Williams said:
"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club. When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also paid tribute to outgoing captain Lewis Ludlow, who led the side for more than five seasons:
"Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five and a half seasons. He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain."
"Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves. Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right."
Follow Gloucester this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Since arriving from Cardiff Rugby last summer, the Welsh international has been nothing short of transformative in Cherry & White. His superb debut season not only earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, but also a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour to Australia.
Commanding the game from half-back, Williams was central to Gloucester’s attacking renaissance, orchestrating play with authority while producing flashes of individual brilliance. Off the pitch, his professionalism and leadership qualities have equally impressed the Kingsholm coaching staff.
Supporting him in the role will be Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, both of whom made their senior debuts for England this summer.
Reflecting on the honour, Williams said:
"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club. When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also paid tribute to outgoing captain Lewis Ludlow, who led the side for more than five seasons:
"Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five and a half seasons. He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain."
"Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves. Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right."
Follow Gloucester this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
Image courtesy of Gloucester Rugby
Bourton on the Water is the sort of village that looks like it was designed to lull you into a false sense of calm, with the River Windush trickling obligingly under tiny bridges and where tourists clutch cameras and phones as though the scenery might vanish if unphotographed for the umpteenth time. However, if you go in the middle of summer it's anything but calm. It’s also, possibly, the last place you’d expect a burger that could outshine some of London’s finest. And yet, tucked into a modest side street, Smiths of Bourton has quietly been turning patties into an art form, proving that culinary audacity often thrives where you least expect it.
The story begins in 2020, when the world collectively paused and hospitality teetered on the brink. The Smith family’s tea room closed its doors, and the sensible thing would have been to wait it out. Instead, with a leap of faith and youthful confidence, the two brothers Theo and Seb did the brilliant thing: they started serving burgers to locals from the tiny kitchen. It was a survival tactic with swagger and Smiths as we know it today was born.
In less than five years, Smiths has gone from takeaway experiments to national recognition with a much bigger kitchen. Their “MR.P” burger scooped third place at the 2025 National Burger Awards, and they were crowned Best Burger in Gloucestershire. But accolades, as the brothers would happily tell you, are just frosting on a very juicy patty. The real magic is in their 'Passionate About Patties' ethos. That passion permeates everything that the restaurant has to offer, from the service, the music and the ever-evolving menu, turning every visit into a carefully orchestrated, indulgent experience.
This year, Smiths takes on yet another stage: The Big Feastival. For something that started with a handful of buns and a pinch of optimism, this is a remarkable step. The Big Feastival is one of the UK’s most celebrated food festivals. It’s a gathering of culinary talent from all over the UK and, for us, it's great to see a Cotswolds brand taking centre stage. As well as offering a selection of their classics, the pair have been working on the Big Feastival Stack; a one-off creation designed to wow both eyes and taste buds. It’s a burger that makes a statement without shouting and one every patty-loving Feastival-goer should try.
Yet awards, festivals, and viral Instagram reels and TikToks tell only half the story. Smiths is ultimately a tale of resilience and they continue to innovate and refine their product to be the best it can possibly be. From a crisis-born experiment to a nationally recognised brand, it’s powered by sheer determination, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubborn charm and every burger served is a testament to what happens when ambition meets craft, and when a tiny village kitchen refuses to be ordinary.
The bridges in Bourton on the Water will still get their fair share of photos, but we all know the real attraction is now served in a bun.
www.smithsofbourton.com
The story begins in 2020, when the world collectively paused and hospitality teetered on the brink. The Smith family’s tea room closed its doors, and the sensible thing would have been to wait it out. Instead, with a leap of faith and youthful confidence, the two brothers Theo and Seb did the brilliant thing: they started serving burgers to locals from the tiny kitchen. It was a survival tactic with swagger and Smiths as we know it today was born.
In less than five years, Smiths has gone from takeaway experiments to national recognition with a much bigger kitchen. Their “MR.P” burger scooped third place at the 2025 National Burger Awards, and they were crowned Best Burger in Gloucestershire. But accolades, as the brothers would happily tell you, are just frosting on a very juicy patty. The real magic is in their 'Passionate About Patties' ethos. That passion permeates everything that the restaurant has to offer, from the service, the music and the ever-evolving menu, turning every visit into a carefully orchestrated, indulgent experience.
This year, Smiths takes on yet another stage: The Big Feastival. For something that started with a handful of buns and a pinch of optimism, this is a remarkable step. The Big Feastival is one of the UK’s most celebrated food festivals. It’s a gathering of culinary talent from all over the UK and, for us, it's great to see a Cotswolds brand taking centre stage. As well as offering a selection of their classics, the pair have been working on the Big Feastival Stack; a one-off creation designed to wow both eyes and taste buds. It’s a burger that makes a statement without shouting and one every patty-loving Feastival-goer should try.
Yet awards, festivals, and viral Instagram reels and TikToks tell only half the story. Smiths is ultimately a tale of resilience and they continue to innovate and refine their product to be the best it can possibly be. From a crisis-born experiment to a nationally recognised brand, it’s powered by sheer determination, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubborn charm and every burger served is a testament to what happens when ambition meets craft, and when a tiny village kitchen refuses to be ordinary.
The bridges in Bourton on the Water will still get their fair share of photos, but we all know the real attraction is now served in a bun.
www.smithsofbourton.com
Photography: Katherine Williams
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This autumn, Cheltenham will once again become the beating heart of the literary world as The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns from 10 - 19 October. For ten days, more than four hundred events will fill the Regency town with the voices of celebrated novelists, poets, historians, political thinkers, chefs, comedians, actors and musicians, alongside the most exciting new talent in publishing. Now in its eighth decade, the Festival remains the world’s longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word. This year continues its Read the World theme, bringing together international voices both in person and online to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the reach of big tech and the fate of free press in Afghanistan to breakthroughs in longevity research and the shifting boundaries between sickness and health.
Familiar literary greats will share the stage with fresh and trailblazing voices. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will receive The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence and discuss her decade-in-the-making novel Dream Count. Ian McEwan will present his speculative new work What We Can Know, and audiences will hear from celebrated international authors including Sayaka Murata, Bora Chung and Andrew Walden. Closer to home, Richard Osman returns with the fifth instalment of The Thursday Murder Club, Mick Herron delivers another twist-laden spy story, and Jojo Moyes explores the chaos of family life in We All Live Here. The relaunch of the much-loved Big Read will unite book lovers around British-Cambodian author Kaliane Bradley’s acclaimed debut The Ministry of Time, while the Festival’s New Voices programme introduces this year’s most talked-about debuts and the ever-popular proof parties offer a tantalising preview of next year’s literary stars.
The Festival has always been about more than books, and this year is no exception. The Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s rooftop restaurant, will host dining experiences with Nigel Slater and Matt Tebbutt and an afternoon with The Times food critic and columnist Giles Coren and Esther Walker who will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea. Dunkertons Taproom will provide a lively mix of spoken word, music, tastings and debates. Art lovers can look forward to Martin Parr in conversation, David Shrigley’s singular take on creativity, and Andrew Graham-Dixon’s fresh insights into Vermeer. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Tudor intrigue with Tracy Borman, explore the legacy of D-Day with Max Hastings, or reflect on the Silk Roads with Peter Frankopan. The Times food critic and columist Giles Coren and Esther Walker will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea, where audiences can watch the couple's hilarious kitchen routine unfold.
For families, the Return to Wonderland programme will enchant visitors with free storytelling, arts and crafts and the chance to meet the Mad Hatter in celebration of 160 years of Alice in Wonderland. Comic workshops, a new Comic Corner and the youth-focused VOICEBOX stage, offering a free programme for audiences aged 18 to 30, reflect the Festival’s commitment to accessibility and inspiration across generations. Meanwhile, conversations on current affairs promise to be as lively as ever, with Nick Clegg, Jens Stoltenberg, Cass Sunstein and Saad Mohseni among those addressing AI, geopolitics, ageing, masculinity and media manipulation. The 10th anniversary of Brexit will be marked with reflections on the forces that shaped it, while debates on democracy, identity politics and the shifting global order will offer fresh perspectives.
Classic literature will be celebrated with events marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and reappraisals of D.H. Lawrence, while Michael Morpurgo reflects on a lifetime of storytelling. Amy Jeffs will blend live music, illustration and myth in a reimagining of British ballads. Food and drink will be woven throughout the programme, from Tim Siadatan’s Tuscan-inspired dinner with Amber Guinness to Julia Bradbury’s health-focused dining event, and from Indian culinary explorations with Roopa Gulati and Romy Gill to an artisan cheese and cider pairing with Michael Finnerty and Dunkertons’ Alistair Duncan.
Lifestyle events will see Katie Piper and Caroline Hirons discuss redefining beauty standards, Mary Portas share her retail revolution, and Carol Klein offer gardening wisdom. Sporting legends Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Mike Atherton and Ebony Rainford-Brent will reflect on their careers, while travel tales will come from Michael Palin’s journey through Venezuela and Sophie Elmhirst’s true story of love, shipwreck and survival. Memoir will be well represented, with Sebastian Faulks’ reflections on post-war Britain, Jung Chang’s long-awaited sequel to Wild Swans, and candid accounts from Penny Lancaster and Tulisa Contostavlos. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and her children will discuss music and identity, and Ed Davey will shed light on the realities of caregiving.
Science and nature will also have their moment, with Sir Tim Berners-Lee telling the story of the World Wide Web, Tim Spector exploring the benefits of fermented foods, and Lara Lewington and Charlotte Blease examining AI’s potential in healthcare. Nature lovers can enjoy Hamza Yassin’s wildlife adventures, Chloe Dalton’s lyrical Raising Hare, and Tristan Gooley’s guide to reading the natural world. Poetry will be celebrated through Simon Armitage’s first major collection in eight years, Billy Collins’ evening of wit and tenderness, and Antony Szmierek’s blend of spoken word and music. Entertainment will include live podcasts, comedy sets and music events, from Mark Kermode’s deep dive into film scores to punk retrospectives.
The town itself will transform during the Festival. Beyond ticketed events, over 30% of the programme is free, including locally sourced bookshop crawls, drop-in family activities in The Wild Wood, and live Times Radio broadcasts from the Festival Village. Visitors can browse the BBC Audiobooks tent, discover charitable initiatives in the Benefact Group Lounge, or simply soak up the atmosphere among fellow lovers of words. The Festival’s impact extends far beyond October, with its Literature for Schools programme inspiring over 12,000 pupils each year and a special 80th anniversary campaign aiming to bring cultural joy to 80,000 children, a target already halfway met.
Booking for the Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Thursday 28th August and public booking opens on Thursday 4th September.
www.cheltenhamfestivals.org
Read The Digital Brochure HERE
Familiar literary greats will share the stage with fresh and trailblazing voices. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will receive The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence and discuss her decade-in-the-making novel Dream Count. Ian McEwan will present his speculative new work What We Can Know, and audiences will hear from celebrated international authors including Sayaka Murata, Bora Chung and Andrew Walden. Closer to home, Richard Osman returns with the fifth instalment of The Thursday Murder Club, Mick Herron delivers another twist-laden spy story, and Jojo Moyes explores the chaos of family life in We All Live Here. The relaunch of the much-loved Big Read will unite book lovers around British-Cambodian author Kaliane Bradley’s acclaimed debut The Ministry of Time, while the Festival’s New Voices programme introduces this year’s most talked-about debuts and the ever-popular proof parties offer a tantalising preview of next year’s literary stars.
The Festival has always been about more than books, and this year is no exception. The Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s rooftop restaurant, will host dining experiences with Nigel Slater and Matt Tebbutt and an afternoon with The Times food critic and columnist Giles Coren and Esther Walker who will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea. Dunkertons Taproom will provide a lively mix of spoken word, music, tastings and debates. Art lovers can look forward to Martin Parr in conversation, David Shrigley’s singular take on creativity, and Andrew Graham-Dixon’s fresh insights into Vermeer. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Tudor intrigue with Tracy Borman, explore the legacy of D-Day with Max Hastings, or reflect on the Silk Roads with Peter Frankopan. The Times food critic and columist Giles Coren and Esther Walker will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea, where audiences can watch the couple's hilarious kitchen routine unfold.
For families, the Return to Wonderland programme will enchant visitors with free storytelling, arts and crafts and the chance to meet the Mad Hatter in celebration of 160 years of Alice in Wonderland. Comic workshops, a new Comic Corner and the youth-focused VOICEBOX stage, offering a free programme for audiences aged 18 to 30, reflect the Festival’s commitment to accessibility and inspiration across generations. Meanwhile, conversations on current affairs promise to be as lively as ever, with Nick Clegg, Jens Stoltenberg, Cass Sunstein and Saad Mohseni among those addressing AI, geopolitics, ageing, masculinity and media manipulation. The 10th anniversary of Brexit will be marked with reflections on the forces that shaped it, while debates on democracy, identity politics and the shifting global order will offer fresh perspectives.
Classic literature will be celebrated with events marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and reappraisals of D.H. Lawrence, while Michael Morpurgo reflects on a lifetime of storytelling. Amy Jeffs will blend live music, illustration and myth in a reimagining of British ballads. Food and drink will be woven throughout the programme, from Tim Siadatan’s Tuscan-inspired dinner with Amber Guinness to Julia Bradbury’s health-focused dining event, and from Indian culinary explorations with Roopa Gulati and Romy Gill to an artisan cheese and cider pairing with Michael Finnerty and Dunkertons’ Alistair Duncan.
Lifestyle events will see Katie Piper and Caroline Hirons discuss redefining beauty standards, Mary Portas share her retail revolution, and Carol Klein offer gardening wisdom. Sporting legends Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Mike Atherton and Ebony Rainford-Brent will reflect on their careers, while travel tales will come from Michael Palin’s journey through Venezuela and Sophie Elmhirst’s true story of love, shipwreck and survival. Memoir will be well represented, with Sebastian Faulks’ reflections on post-war Britain, Jung Chang’s long-awaited sequel to Wild Swans, and candid accounts from Penny Lancaster and Tulisa Contostavlos. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and her children will discuss music and identity, and Ed Davey will shed light on the realities of caregiving.
Science and nature will also have their moment, with Sir Tim Berners-Lee telling the story of the World Wide Web, Tim Spector exploring the benefits of fermented foods, and Lara Lewington and Charlotte Blease examining AI’s potential in healthcare. Nature lovers can enjoy Hamza Yassin’s wildlife adventures, Chloe Dalton’s lyrical Raising Hare, and Tristan Gooley’s guide to reading the natural world. Poetry will be celebrated through Simon Armitage’s first major collection in eight years, Billy Collins’ evening of wit and tenderness, and Antony Szmierek’s blend of spoken word and music. Entertainment will include live podcasts, comedy sets and music events, from Mark Kermode’s deep dive into film scores to punk retrospectives.
The town itself will transform during the Festival. Beyond ticketed events, over 30% of the programme is free, including locally sourced bookshop crawls, drop-in family activities in The Wild Wood, and live Times Radio broadcasts from the Festival Village. Visitors can browse the BBC Audiobooks tent, discover charitable initiatives in the Benefact Group Lounge, or simply soak up the atmosphere among fellow lovers of words. The Festival’s impact extends far beyond October, with its Literature for Schools programme inspiring over 12,000 pupils each year and a special 80th anniversary campaign aiming to bring cultural joy to 80,000 children, a target already halfway met.
Booking for the Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Thursday 28th August and public booking opens on Thursday 4th September.
www.cheltenhamfestivals.org
Read The Digital Brochure HERE
Some places in the Cotswolds are so perfectly arranged you half expect to find a National Trust volunteer polishing the scones. The Straw Kitchen is not one of them.
This place is a delightful oddity in more ways than one. It feels like one of the Cotswolds' best-kept secrets that somehow everyone seems to knows about, and bar the pottery itself, the only neighbour of note is the Cotswolds Distillery a couple of miles down the road, which is a fine if your plans involve whisky before noon, but less immediately helpful when you’re seeking coffee, eggs and bacon.
In a world where cafés look like they’ve been born of a mood board, paint charts and week-long branding meetings, The Straw Kitchen laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. As you walk in from the car park, you are greeted by an artfully chaotic jumble of mismatched tables, chairs in a red-sided canopy tent stuck to the side of what looks like an old stone barn, half-hidden behind some plants tall enough to demand planning permission.
Walking into the barn, you are hit the waft of coffee like the opening bars of your favourite song, a kitchen alive with clatter and chatter and a much more rustic feel with wooden beams, panels and tables. The walls are a happy muddle of art that doesn’t match, books stacked on shelves that don’t care, clay pots keeping company with yet more books, and a few old tennis rackets which, for reasons I can’t explain, look like they’ve always lived there. It's like boho-chic experiment gone gloriously right and manages to feel both thrown together and utterly deliberate.
It was wonderfully busy and we found a small table next to an open window in the red tent. Just inside enough to be out of the direct sun of this third life-threatening heatwave of the summer, but outside enough to feel like we're not scared. The menus are all above the kitchen inside the barn so it's a case of taking enough photos on your phone to take back to the tables with you, while picking up your cutlery, napkins and bottle of organic tomato sauce on the way past.
The menu, thankfully, keeps things gloriously simple. A Paddock Farm bacon sarnie, homebaked toast, homemade beetroot relish and homegrown leaves (£7.50) or Paddock Farm eggs on toast (£6.50), again all homemade and a choice of poached, scrambled or fried. There are some extras you can add too.
I joined the queue behind someone who was still deciding when ordering and in front of a cyclist in full lycra from a table spandexed-clad gents in the garden, settled in for their mid-ride refuel. I will never fully understand the confidence with which a grown man will stroll into a civilised breakfast wearing cycling lycra, an outfit that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, and order scrambled eggs as though he’s in trousers. I ordered poached eggs on toast with added bacon (+£3.50) twice and two flat whites.
The flat white was, naturally, served in a Whichford Pottery mug. There’s something deeply pleasing about drinking from a vessel made just metres away, knowing you could wander in afterwards and take one home. The breakfast arrived, yes on a Whichford Pottery plate, with a couple of eggs ready for the runny yolk fork test with a pile of beautifully smoky thin-cut bacon and leaves on the side. Where breakfasts in the Cotswolds usually cost more than your first car, finding one for a tenner was as refreshing as the charm and character of our surroundings.
The pottery itself is just a short along the path through the middle of the vibrant garden, past the empty table that the cyclists vacated and dogs and humans sheltering under parasols and canopies. Shelves and tables are stacked with the cups and plates you just drank from and ate off and lots more you can buy, so don’t be surprised if you leave clutching a Whichford mug like it’s a trophy. There is an abundance of assorted garden pots too for any budding Monty Dons out there, with one designed in tribute to his old dog, Ned and handmade by the pottery.
We left with full stomachs, a new mug, and that contented feeling that comes from having spent a morning somewhere that matters to the people who run it. It's rare it is to find a place that manages to be both unpretentious and authentically warm. and one that wears its quirks like a badge of honour. It's a breakfast spot for those who want to be fed and not fussed over in a wonderfully unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere that’s welcoming without being twee.
If you like your breakfast with a bit of character, your coffee in a handmade mug, and the company of a crowd that’s equal parts dogs, cyclists, locals, and pottery pilgrims, then The Straw Kitchen is worth the detour, worth the time, and worth telling your friends about, though selfishly, you might also be tempted to keep it to yourself.
www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen
Whichford, Nr. Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5PG
Open: Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Closed: Sunday to Tuesday
This place is a delightful oddity in more ways than one. It feels like one of the Cotswolds' best-kept secrets that somehow everyone seems to knows about, and bar the pottery itself, the only neighbour of note is the Cotswolds Distillery a couple of miles down the road, which is a fine if your plans involve whisky before noon, but less immediately helpful when you’re seeking coffee, eggs and bacon.
In a world where cafés look like they’ve been born of a mood board, paint charts and week-long branding meetings, The Straw Kitchen laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. As you walk in from the car park, you are greeted by an artfully chaotic jumble of mismatched tables, chairs in a red-sided canopy tent stuck to the side of what looks like an old stone barn, half-hidden behind some plants tall enough to demand planning permission.
Walking into the barn, you are hit the waft of coffee like the opening bars of your favourite song, a kitchen alive with clatter and chatter and a much more rustic feel with wooden beams, panels and tables. The walls are a happy muddle of art that doesn’t match, books stacked on shelves that don’t care, clay pots keeping company with yet more books, and a few old tennis rackets which, for reasons I can’t explain, look like they’ve always lived there. It's like boho-chic experiment gone gloriously right and manages to feel both thrown together and utterly deliberate.
It was wonderfully busy and we found a small table next to an open window in the red tent. Just inside enough to be out of the direct sun of this third life-threatening heatwave of the summer, but outside enough to feel like we're not scared. The menus are all above the kitchen inside the barn so it's a case of taking enough photos on your phone to take back to the tables with you, while picking up your cutlery, napkins and bottle of organic tomato sauce on the way past.
The menu, thankfully, keeps things gloriously simple. A Paddock Farm bacon sarnie, homebaked toast, homemade beetroot relish and homegrown leaves (£7.50) or Paddock Farm eggs on toast (£6.50), again all homemade and a choice of poached, scrambled or fried. There are some extras you can add too.
I joined the queue behind someone who was still deciding when ordering and in front of a cyclist in full lycra from a table spandexed-clad gents in the garden, settled in for their mid-ride refuel. I will never fully understand the confidence with which a grown man will stroll into a civilised breakfast wearing cycling lycra, an outfit that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, and order scrambled eggs as though he’s in trousers. I ordered poached eggs on toast with added bacon (+£3.50) twice and two flat whites.
The flat white was, naturally, served in a Whichford Pottery mug. There’s something deeply pleasing about drinking from a vessel made just metres away, knowing you could wander in afterwards and take one home. The breakfast arrived, yes on a Whichford Pottery plate, with a couple of eggs ready for the runny yolk fork test with a pile of beautifully smoky thin-cut bacon and leaves on the side. Where breakfasts in the Cotswolds usually cost more than your first car, finding one for a tenner was as refreshing as the charm and character of our surroundings.
The pottery itself is just a short along the path through the middle of the vibrant garden, past the empty table that the cyclists vacated and dogs and humans sheltering under parasols and canopies. Shelves and tables are stacked with the cups and plates you just drank from and ate off and lots more you can buy, so don’t be surprised if you leave clutching a Whichford mug like it’s a trophy. There is an abundance of assorted garden pots too for any budding Monty Dons out there, with one designed in tribute to his old dog, Ned and handmade by the pottery.
We left with full stomachs, a new mug, and that contented feeling that comes from having spent a morning somewhere that matters to the people who run it. It's rare it is to find a place that manages to be both unpretentious and authentically warm. and one that wears its quirks like a badge of honour. It's a breakfast spot for those who want to be fed and not fussed over in a wonderfully unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere that’s welcoming without being twee.
If you like your breakfast with a bit of character, your coffee in a handmade mug, and the company of a crowd that’s equal parts dogs, cyclists, locals, and pottery pilgrims, then The Straw Kitchen is worth the detour, worth the time, and worth telling your friends about, though selfishly, you might also be tempted to keep it to yourself.
www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen
Whichford, Nr. Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5PG
Open: Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Closed: Sunday to Tuesday
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