Light Up Cheltenham and the giant observation wheel are returning this February!

Cheltenham’s beautiful landmark buildings will be dramatically lit up to the delight of visitors in February 2020 as the spectacular Light Up Cheltenham returns for a third year.

Starting on the 1 February and finishing on 23 February, over 30 buildings and landmarks will be bathed in light with the stunning backdrop of the most complete Regency town in the UK.

Returning to launch Light Up Cheltenham, the incredible street theatre drumming group Spark! will amaze crowds once again during the launch night of this fantastic three week event. The town will also go red for Valentine’s weekend, marking the special occasion for those celebrating the day.

With half-term at the end of the three weeks, Light Up Cheltenham offers a brilliant free event for families to enjoy and a chance to see Cheltenham in a new light.

February’s Light Up Cheltenham will also see the return of a giant observation wheel in Imperial Gardens, giving visitors the chance to see the lights from another level. 

Alongside a self-guided tour which will be available to visitors, there will be a guided tour with local blue badge guides available to purchase for those looking for something a little different. The tour will take visitors through the town, offering insights into the hidden stories of Cheltenham and the buildings involved in the event.

Light Up Cheltenham has been organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) and follows the success of the event in February 2019.

Kevan Blackadder, Director of Cheltenham BID said of the event: “We are working to ensure that something is going on in the town throughout the year and have been praised for making February special with Light Up Cheltenham.

“The combination of the floodlit buildings and the observation wheel went very well last year and we’re delighted it is returning again this year.”

Everything you need to know about Light Up Cheltenham

Dates: Starting on the 1 February and finishing on 23 February.  A great experience to enjoy over the February half term holidays and the perfect way for couples to enjoy Valentines Day. 

Observation wheel timings:  Mon-Thurs 3-9pm, Friday 3-10pm, Saturday 11-10pm and Sunday 12-9pm. Half term (Mon-Fri) 12-9pm with the normal 10pm closure on Friday & Saturday. The wheel will close at 8pm on Sunday 23.

Observation wheel prices: Adult ticket will be £6, child under 1.4m £5 and a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children under 1.4m) £18. The wheel rotates a minimum of 3 times.  Click here for everything you need to know about the observation wheel at Light Up Cheltenham.

Opening night celebration with Spark! 1 February: The event will run from 5:15-6:15pm. Starting at The Brewery Quarter (outside Nandos) and finishing at Imperial Square. Click here for everything you need to know about the Light Up Cheltenham launch event. 

Express your interest: Register your interest in Light Up Cheltenham via our Facebook event to be kept informed about any extra activities, promotions and giveaways. 

Follow the self guided tour: Click on the images below to download the PDF of the self guided tour.