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In our very humble opinion, The Big Feastival is the best weekend of the year. Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Alex James opens up his farm in Kingham to three days of music, food, drink and a huge number of people of all ages (literally) from all over the country. This year (again in our humble opinion) wasn’t the strongest main stage line up we have seen, particularly early afternoon and Saturday brought the sort of rain that makes you question your choices of spending a day in a field. Both, however, gave us a good excuse to go exploring, which is when Feastival tends to reveal itself. We found the brilliant Ines Rae and her indie pop in The Outpost and discovered just how much fun a silent disco can be, so much so we went back twice. Then there is the food, which is always at least half the reason to come. Killa Waffles made a welcome return after a three-year absence and their Killa Mac, fried chicken and mac and cheese in a waffle was once again completely ridiculous and completely brilliant at the same time. The birria tacos from The Bab Haus were as good as ever and Indian Street Kebabs, Poor Boys and Only Jerkin remain firmly in the Feastival staples category. The highlight, though, came from Ko:te. Their Steak & Fritz (flat iron steak with chimichurri and fries) was already a very good idea, and adding some extra prawns seemed like a better one. We ate it mid afternoon on a table by The Outpost bar with a glass of rose and beatbox legends Duke blasting out of the tent behind us. That moment in time pretty much sums Big Feastival up. It still to this day never fails to surprise us just how good the food is. These traders are producing truky incredible plates from temporary kitchens in the middle of a field, often with a big queues and the weather doing its best to hamper them. Yet the standard remains remarkably high all weekend. Pact Coffee provided the necessary caffeine to get each day started, while their espresso martinis were an equally effective way to finish the day. We managed to fill two of their loyalty cards across the weekend. The Little Margarita Truck was another excellent find in The Saloon area. There were plenty of musical highlights. Devon based brothers trio Tors were excellent and quite possibly our favourite of the weekend, as were White Lies and the wonderful Jerub. Red Rum Club brought their brass-infused indie to Sunday in the sunshine, while Freya Ridings has a voice that comfortably sits alongside that of Hannah Reid from London Grammar and Florence Welch. It is that good. Despite a few technical issues, Bastille delivered one of the best Feastival headline sets we have seen in years. If anything, the glitches added to it with Dan Smith taking to the piano and making the set feel all the more spontaneous. From opening with The Things We Lost in the Fire, to a stunning Dolly Parton tribute of Jolene and I Will Always Love You and closing, as they were always going to, with Pompeii was a fitting way to round off the weekend (although we still found time for some fried chicken and another half an hour in the silent disco!). Elsewhere, The Cheese Hub seemed permanently busy whenever we walked past, with Simon Pegg, DJ Spoony and Chris Stark all taking turns behind the decks. As with most festivals, there was no chance of getting to everything. Basement Jaxx and Rudimental played the main stage, Simon Rogan and Poppy O’Toole took over The Big Kitchen, while Joel Dommett and Harriet Kemsley brought the laughs in The Exchange. Barrioke returned for a singalong in The Outpost, with Inbetweeners favourites Joe Thomas and James Buckley also on the bill. And then there were the incredible dining experiences that we never manage to squeeze in. It was great to see local names doing serious business too. Burger legends Smiths even got one of their burgers onto the main stage on Saturday night after Mike Skinner of The Streets fancied a patty mid set. The Woozy Pig had hot dogs flying out all weekend, while Copper Lion Distillery served what we thought was the best gin spritz of the weekend. Normally, an event trying to appeal to everyone would be in danger of appealing to no one. Feastival breaks that mould. The food is brilliant, the atmosphere is hard to beat and even a drop of rain can be forgiven. Everything is pretty close to perfect and we absolutely love it. Which is why, come next August, we will be back to do it all again. bigfeastival.com      
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The Cheltenham Literature Festival returns from 9–18 October, bringing 10 days of books, big ideas and some very big names to town. This year’s festival promises more than 500 events, with a line-up that ranges from literary heavyweights and bestselling novelists to actors, broadcasters, comedians, politicians and cultural commentators. There’s also plenty for younger readers, with family events, school sessions and workshops running throughout the festival. Among the names appearing are Caitlin Moran, Mary Beard, Helen Fielding, Ian Rankin, Richard Osman, Robert Harris, Elif Shafak, Maggie O’Farrell, Michael Morpurgo, Simon Armitage, Mary Berry, Sandi Toksvig, Katherine Ryan, Russell T Davies, Lucy Worsley, David Olusoga and Meera Syal. There’s a strong showing from the worlds of television, comedy and music too, with appearances from Greg James, Fearne Cotton, Reece Shearsmith, Katherine Parkinson, Dave Rowntree and Craig Revel Horwood. The programme also makes room for some of the most interesting conversations happening beyond books. Expect politics, culture and current affairs alongside discussions about creativity, identity, history and the issues shaping life now. International voices feature prominently, with the festival continuing its theme of reading the world together. And, as ever, you don’t need a ticket for everything. Around 30 per cent of the programme is free, with drop-in events taking place across the Festival Village and around Cheltenham. The Snug, The Huddle and VOICEBOX will offer informal ways to get involved, while Times Radio will broadcast live from Times Square. For families, there are more than 70 events spanning books, animation, engineering, Aardman model making, football, fantasy and more. The Literature for Schools programme adds more than 50 author talks and careers events for pupils from reception to sixth form. The line-up in full: Alexei Sayle Andrew Child Andrew Davies Anneka Rice AP McCoy Ashley James Blake Morrison Boyd Hilton Caitlin Moran Cariad Lloyd Celia Imrie Charlie Higson Chris Woakes Craig Revel Horwood Dave Rowntree David Kynaston David Larbi David Olusoga David Szalay Deepika Chopra Elif Shafak Fearne Cotton Frank Cottrell-Boyce Frank Gardner Giles Yeo Greg James Greg Wise Gyles Brandreth Helen Fielding Helen Garner Hugo Rifkind Ian Botham Ian Hislop Ian Rankin Jack Edwards Jeffrey Archer Jill Dawson Joe Marler John Kampfner John Robins Julian Lloyd Webber Juliet Stevenson Justin Webb Katherine Parkinson Katherine Ryan Kathy Lette Lee Child Leigh Lawson Liz Earle Lucy Caldwell Lucy Porter Lucy Worsley Maggie Aderin Maggie O’Farrell Margaret Hodge Marina Hyde Mary Beard Mary Berry Mat Osman Matt Haig Meera Syal Mel Giedroyc Michael Morpurgo Michael Whitehall Nadia Murad Naomi Ishiguro Nigel Planer Philippa Perry Poorna Bell Prue Leith Rachel Parris Rachael Stirling Reece Shearsmith Richard Coles Richard Osman Robert Harris Robert Peston Russell T Davies Sajid Javid Samira Ahmed Sandi Toksvig Sarah Churchwell Sara Pascoe Sathnam Sanghera Sebastian Faulks Simon Armitage Susie Dent Tracy Borman Will Gompertz William Hague Yann Martel Guest curators: Candice Carty-Williams and Matt Arlidge. Family and young adult programme: Andy Day Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Harriet Muncaster Jodie Ounsley Katie Kirby Liz Pichon Maggie Aderin Michael Morpurgo Michael Rosen MC Grammar Nadia Shireen Rob Biddulph Russell Kane. You can find all the information here www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/literature-festival  Salon Privé has unveiled The White Collection for its 2026 edition, a thoughtfully curated display bringing together 20 of the world's most significant collector cars, united by one defining characteristic: their finish. Presented throughout the five-day event at Blenheim Palace, the exhibition explores the remarkable breadth of white in automotive design, from soft ivory and eggshell to luminous pearl and contemporary metallic tones. Rather than simply sharing a colour, each car reflects a distinct moment in automotive history, demonstrating how understated finishes have often adorned some of the most celebrated designs ever created. www.salonpriveconcours.com Among the highlights are the Lexus LFA, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Miura and the Aston Martin Valiant Prototype, alongside a carefully selected line-up spanning more than seven decades of automotive excellence, from 1955 through to 2026. Together, the collection offers a rare opportunity to experience an unusually cohesive group of landmark automobiles. Many have seldom been exhibited publicly, making The White Collection one of the defining installations of this year's Salon Privé. The first 10 vehicles confirmed for the display have now been announced, offering an early glimpse of a collection that celebrates not only rarity, but the enduring elegance of one of motoring's most quietly sophisticated palettes. 1. Lexus LFA One of the greatest Japanese supercars ever built, the 2011 Lexus LFA is renowned for its naturally aspirated V10 engine. Finished in Pearl White, it brings modern performance and precision to the Salon Privé White Collection.  2. Bugatti Veyron The 2008 Bugatti Veyron redefined the hypercar with record-breaking performance and engineering. Finished in White and Chrome, its striking two-tone appearance makes it one of the standout cars within the White Collection.  3. Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Widely regarded as one of Ferrari's most beautiful designs, the 1973 Dino 246 GTS combines elegant styling with open-top driving. Finished in Bianco Polo Park, it adds timeless Italian style to the all-white line-up.  4. Lamborghini Miura Often credited as the world's first supercar, the Lamborghini Miura changed automotive history with its revolutionary mid-engined layout. Finished in Bianco, this beautifully restored 1968 example is a fitting addition to this unique display.  5. Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster One of Porsche's earliest and most desirable sports cars, the 1955 356 Pre-A Speedster helped establish the marque's reputation around the world. Finished in Speedster White, it represents the origins of one of motoring's most celebrated manufacturers.  6. Aston Martin Valiant Prototype A rare opportunity to see the 2023 Aston Martin Valiant Prototype, which showcases Aston Martin's latest engineering and track-focused performance. Finished in White, it is set to bring cutting-edge British performance to the Salon Privé White Collection.  7. Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster Nicknamed the 'Baby Thunderbird', this 1963 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster is one of the most distinctive European sports cars of the early 1960s. Finished in Egg Shell White, it offers a charming contrast to the display’s super and hypercars.  8. Lamborghini Huracán STO Developed directly from Lamborghini's motorsport programme, the 2023 Huracán STO delivers race-inspired performance for the road. Finished in Bianco Monocerus, it combines aggressive styling with one of Lamborghini's most recognisable white paint finishes. A must-see!  9. Maserati 3500GT The 1961 Maserati 3500GT marked the brand's move into grand touring, combining elegant styling with refined performance. Finished in Bianco Eldorado, the Maserati brings classic Italian sixties sophistication to the line-up.  10. Radford 62-2 Coupé One of the newest cars in the collection, the 2026 Radford 62-2 Coupé blends modern engineering with inspiration drawn from the iconic Lotus Type 62 racers. Finished in White, it provides a contemporary interpretation of British coachbuilding tradition.  Cheltenham Racecourse launches new 'Favourite' Membership ahead of the National Hunt season14/7/2026 There is something wonderfully optimistic about this time of year. The summer still has a quite a lot of warmth left in it according to the forecasts, yet the mind has already wandered to crisp October mornings and the first sight of horses cantering to post in the shadows of Cleeve Hill and that unmistakable sense that another National Hunt season is stirring into life. The Showcase Meeting has always been the curtain-raiser, the first chapter of a story that stretches through winter, reaching its crescendo in March and leaving us counting the days until the next year's Festival to begin again. For those who want to be there every step of the way, Cheltenham Racecourse has unveiled a new way of belonging with the launch of its Favourite Membership. Designed for racegoers who measure the passing of the winter months not by calendars but by fixtures at Prestbury Park, the new membership offers admission to every one of Cheltenham's 16 racedays, placing members at the heart of the action from the opening roar of The Showcase to the final flagfall of the spring. It is a package that balances tradition with thoughtful modern touches. Every member receives a classic metal badge and membership card, the sort of keepsake that still carries a quiet sense of pride , alongside access to the Members Marquee and the ever-popular Istabraq Bar, giving familiar places to gather between races and debate fortunes won and lost over a Guinnes or two. The benefits continue away from the track too. Members receive reciprocal racedays at racecourses across the country, free admission to the ever-popular Official Festival Preview, digital editions of the Season Ahead and Festival Preview magazines, discounts in the racecourse gift shop, reduced prices on selected admission tickets for friends and family, complimentary parking at most fixtures and savings on Festival and November Saturday parking. Outside the Festival and November Saturday, Favourite Members can also enjoy exclusive access to the Central Grandstand seating, offering one of the finest vantage points from which to watch the action unfold. There is also a calendar of exclusive events included and created to bring members together throughout the year, from a Royal Ascot Parade Ring Picnic beneath the big screen, to a Christmas Racing Film Night celebrating some of the sport's most cherished stories, an invitation to the Official Festival Preview, and a supporters' day trip to Aintree's outstanding Thursday card during Grand National week. This new membership provides incredible value for money, securing you access in the heart of the action within the Club Enclosure. And as the countdown to The Showcase gathers pace and another National Hunt campaign edges ever closer, the membership feels aptly named. For those whose favourite place is beside the running rail, whose favourite sound is the Cheltenham Roar before the tapes go up in March and whose favourite season is almost upon us, it could prove to be exactly that. Enjoy access to all 16 racedays and save OVER 50% compared to booking individually. Adult: £379 Concession: £245 www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/membership-and-offers/annual/the-favourite-membership  Big Feastival has built a reputation as having arguably the finest street food line-up of any festival in the UK. Among the returning stars for 2026 are Bab Haus, Killa Waffle, Bourton-on-the-Water burger specialists Smiths, New Orleans-inspired Poor Boys and cult fried chicken favourites Chick 'N' Sours. There are some notable new arrivals too. Local barbecue heroes The Woozy Pig make their Big Feastival debut, while Hereford's award-winning burger royalty The Beefy Boys add even more class to an already stacked food line-up. The festival returns to Alex James' farm in Kingham from 28th to 30th August, with Basement Jaxx, The Streets, Bastille and Rudimental leading the music line-up, while Anna Haugh, Emily English, Poppy O'Toole and Tom Barnes headline a stellar programme of chefs and live cooking demonstrations. bigfeastival.com All the street food at Big Feastival 2026 Anna Mae’s Mac n Cheese Archie’s Toastie Shop Bab Haus Baba Side Fried BBQ Dept Beefy Boys Blondies Kitchen Burger and Beyond Chick N Sours Cotto El Pollote Game and Flames Griddle Guys Gully Jolly Hog Killa Waffles Ko:te Kolkati KraPow! Kuyas Dumplings Lil Watan Los Churros Amigos Made Of Dough Mandala Meat Market BBQ MyCookieDough Nanny Bill’s Nonna’s Tacos Oishī Don Only Jerkin’ Otis & Belle Paellaria Pleese Poor Boys Project D Sen Noods Smashing Plates Smiths of Bourton Tagine and Grill The Big Banh The Dragon Flame The Larder House The Woozy Pig Thyme & Tide Wholefood Heaven  What began as a promising new night out has rather swiftly become something closer to a local institution: an after-hours, close-quarters, high-voltage live show that feels like a chat show that’s escaped the studio, had a few drinks, and started telling the truth. Dom Joly’s SpeakeaZy is, in his own words, a “Cabaret of Curiosities”, though it’s less cabaret in the feathered sense, and more a thrilling, unpredictable collision of comedy, music, storytelling, and the occasional cultural hand grenade. It’s intimate, anarchic, and oddly elegant in its chaos. Like a dinner party where the guests are famous, the host is mischievous, and no one knows who’s coming until they arrive. And that, of course, is the whole point. The guest list remains strictly under lock and key, partly because it’s fun, partly because it’s maddening, and partly because if you announced it in advance you’d ruin the delicious, high-stakes gamble that audiences now seem addicted to. People come without knowing who they’ll see, and leave feeling faintly superior to everyone who stayed at home watching Netflix and pretending they enjoyed it. "Curating this show in my hometown has honestly been one of the highlights of my career," says Dom "I love bringing together people I admire; musicians, comedians, writers, and total wildcards. The joy is that nobody knows what’s coming next including me half the time!" Past nights have featured everyone from comedy heavyweights like Seann Walsh and Jenny Éclair, to musical favourites including James Walsh (Starsailor), Tom A Smith, Babybird, and The Bluetones. There have been moments of proper hilarity, unexpected tenderness, and the kind of off-script magic that only happens when nobody’s quite sure what’s coming next. It is, in short, the sort of live entertainment that reminds you why live entertainment exists. Here’s all you need to know. New Dates: Thursday 2nd July | Thursday 6th August | Thursday 3rd September Venue: The Steam & Whistle Where: 247 Gloucester Road, Cheltenham GL51 8NW Doors: 6.30pm Show starts: 7.30pm Seating: unreserved: arrive early for the best spots Artisan pizzas & bar from 4pm Last orders for whole pizzas: 6pm Pizza slices available from 6pm Tickets on sale now - domjoly.tv/dom-jolys-speakeazy   Photograph: James Bridle We are incredibly fortunate in the Cotswolds to have so many brilliant events right on our doorstep as summer arrives in full. From food festivals and flower shows to classic car gatherings, country fairs, circuses, and open-air cinema beneath the stars, the season offers endless excuses to step outside, gather with friends, and make the most of the long days and warm evenings. Here are 25 events to help you make the most of the Cotswolds outdoors this summer. JuneCHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2 - 7 JUNE • VARIOUS LOCATIONS In 2025, the Science Festival uncovered mind-blowing facts, from quantum tunnelling and the secrets of squid ink to the surprising truth that fish have legs and even what it takes to become a champion cheese chaser. We were joined by the likes of Brian Cox, Greg Foot, Maya Raichoora, Helen Czerski, Maddie Moate, Daze Aghaji, Robin Ince and more. 2026 is sure to be even bigger and better! TICKETS + INFO THE CHURCHILL CAR SHOW 14 JUNE • CHURCHILL VILLAGE GREEN A delightfully Cotswold affair, the Churchill Car Show returns to the village green of Churchill for a much-loved summer gathering of motoring charm and community spirit. From classic icons to modern supercars and one-off curiosities, the green becomes a living gallery of automotive design, set against the backdrop of an unhurried village day. Alongside the displays, expect a relaxed atmosphere of food, drink, family entertainment and local fundraising in support of local charities. TICKETS & INFO THE BLENHEIM PALACE FLOWER SHOW 19–21 JUNE • BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE A most elegant herald of the summer season, the Blenheim Palace Flower Show returns to the sweeping grounds of Britain’s grandest palace, where horticulture and heritage meet in suitably magnificent style. Across three days, the parkland is transformed into a world of colour and creativity, from the grandeur of the Floral Pavilion to the artistry of show gardens, specialist growers, and immersive displays that celebrate the very best of British gardening. TICKETS & INFO THE CHELTENHAM FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 19–21 JUNE • MONTPELLIER GARDENS, CHELTENHAM The Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival returns to the elegant surrounds of Montpellier Gardens, where the town’s Georgian grace provides a fitting backdrop for three days devoted to flavour, craft, and indulgence. Across the weekend, acclaimed chefs and local producers gather to present live cookery demonstrations, wine and spirit tastings, and a rich programme of talks and masterclasses, all set within a lively open-air market of artisan food and drink. From the aromas of street food drifting through the trees to the hum of the Festival Stage and the relaxed pleasure of sampling something new in good company, it is a celebration of the region’s culinary talent in its most generous form. TICKETS & INFO FOREST LIVE 24 - 28 JUNE • WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM Among the towering bark-clad giants of Westonbirt Arboretum, the beloved Forest Live series once again promises nights that feel half concert, half woodland enchantment. Richard Ashcroft will bring a voice shaped for open skies; Fatboy Slim will transform the forest floor into a glowing celebration; UB40 will drape the evening in reggae warmth; and Deacon Blue will add their blend of melody and melancholy. To hear such iconic artists beneath Westonbirt’s ancient canopy is not merely to attend a gig, it is to step into a shared moment suspended between leaves and stars. TICKETS + INFO BLENHEIM PALACE FESTIVAL 27 JUNE - 4 JULY • BLENHEIM PALACE A new jewel joins the summer crown with the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival, and it arrives with regal ambition. Neil Young, a master of songcraft whose music feels carved from wind and time, will stand before the palace’s grand façade. Alongside him, pop luminary Katy Perry brings technicolour spectacle, Pete Tong with his sun-soaked rhythms of Ibiza Classics, while Teddy Swims adds the velvet depth of a voice that seems to wrap itself around you. Global icon Alanis Morissette is the latest to be announced and will be joined by special guests Skunk Anansie for a summer evening destined to linger in the warm night air long after the final chord fades. Blenheim has long been a place for history; in 2026, it becomes a place for harmony too. TICKETS + INFO CHARLBURY BEER FESTIVAL 27 JUNE • CHARLBURY CRICKET CLUB The Charlbury Beer Festival returns on Saturday 27th June 2026, transforming the grounds of Charlbury Cricket Club into a cheerful celebration of great drink, good music, and local tradition. Expect 60 cask ales, 20+ craft beers, plus ciders, perries, wine, gin and Pimm’s, alongside excellent food (including veggie and vegan options). Run entirely by volunteers, the festival proudly raises funds for local and overseas causes, with live entertainment and the ever-popular World Aunt Sally Singles Championship adding a wonderfully English flourish to the day. TICKETS + INFO TOM JONES 28 JUNE • KINGHOLM STADIUM A voice that has long since become part of the British summer fabric returns to Gloucester as Sir Tom Jones takes to Kingsholm Stadium for a headline evening of unmistakable charm and enduring showmanship. As part of the Kingsholm Summer Series, the Welsh icon brings a catalogue spanning more than six decades — from early rhythm and blues to the unmistakable hits that have defined generations. TICKETS & INFO
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