Visit Cheltenham team’s top festival picks of the summer

The festival season has well and truly begun here in Cheltenham, The Festival Town. There are so many great events coming up to look forward to this summer, it’s impossible to choose just a handful of favourites!

But we here at Visit Cheltenham have tried our best to narrow it down, hand-picking a few of the festivals we’re most looking forward to in the coming months. Read on for the lowdown…

HELEN MOLE, HEAD OF PLACE MARKETING AND INWARD INVESTMENT

Cotswold Festival of Steam

The Cotswold Festival of Steam isn’t just a weekend outing; it’s a journey through time. A chance for my children to marvel at the steam engines of a bygone era. The smell of the coal, the chug of the tracks, whizzing past picturesque Cotswold countryside in vintage carriages. There’s just something magical about the whole weekend. Whether it’s twee charm or pure nostalgia, there’s a reason the Steam Festival won ‘Best Event in the Cotswolds’ in 2023. The festival arrives soon, on 25th May, so hurry and get your tickets now!  

LISA KOWALKOWSKI, DESTINATION MARKETING MANAGER

Wychwood Festival

Is an absolute gem. Frequent winners of the Best Family Festival, offering three full days of brilliant live music, comedy, activities, and workshops, with something on offer for all ages and interests. There is simply no better way to spend a summer weekend. It attracts some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet and is in the most glorious setting next to Cheltenham Racecourse with the backdrop of Cleeve Hill.

The line-up this year is truly the best yet. I can’t wait to party with my family and friends, whilst watching Texas, Sister Sledge & Corinne Bailey Rae on the main stage!

TARA SANCHEZ, COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER 

Cheltenham Science Festival

Every year the Cheltenham Science Festival promises an epic voyage of discovery, and they haven’t let me down yet. It's not just about indulging my own curiosity; it's about igniting that same sense of wonder in my daughter, and I love the way her eyes light up as we explore interactive exhibits, talks and experiments together. This year we can’t wait for the Bakineering in Space event as she’s quite a fan of baking and cookery programmes. Aerospace engineer and judge of Netflix’s Baking Impossible, Andrew Smyth explores the connections between everyday bakes and the extraordinary engineering that helps keep astronauts alive. It sounds like a great combination for both children and the grown-ups to enjoy!

HANNAH WARD, EVENTS MANAGER

Wimbledon Big Screen

As an active tennis player and avid watcher, Wimbledon is a highlight of the year for me. Although I would love to be courtside, strawberries and cream in hand, it’s simply not possible to attend every year. Luckily, the Wimbledon Big Screen in the Cheltenham Brewery Quarter is the next best thing. Soaking up the sun with a few friends amongst bustling venues and enthusiastic crowds, one can almost smell the freshly cut grass of the centre court and feel the electric fervour of the packed stadium. Then, once the matches are done and dusted, my friends and I can test our own competitive spirit at the nearby Flight Club, what’s not to like? 

STUART FIELDHOUSE, DESTINATION MARKETING OFFICER

2000Trees 

I attended the 2000Trees festival for the first time in 2022 and hope to make this my third year running. It's an intimate festival with a big attitude and some of the friendliest, most laid-back people you'll ever meet. For lovers of alternative music everywhere, there is something for everyone, from the intimate acoustic sessions of the forest stage to the rumbling fervour of the cave and jam-packed main stage shows. Dubbed by Kerrang Magazine as Britain's coolest festival, this one certainly lives up to its reputation.

Food & Drink Festival

As a keen home cook and lover of flavour, the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival is a highlight of the summer for me. Tasting thimbles of local gin and samples of tantalising culinary treats while wandering around Montpellier Parks in the sunshine, what could be better? This year there are wine tastings, cheese masterclasses and heaps of brilliant talks to look forward to. Just remember to keep an eye on how much you spend, as if you’re anything like me you’ll be walking out of there with an empty wallet!

HANNAH SMITH, MARKETING ASSISTANT APPRENTICE 

Cheltenham Paint Festival

I am looking forward to the Paint Festival and the fresh array of artists getting ready to show off their unique styles of artwork across Cheltenham. The paintings bring life to Cheltenham’s architecture, including areas that you may not have previously visited, and it’s a fantastic way to see new art and become inspired by the vibrant colours and unique paintings across the town. I am excited to see what they have in store.

Culture Fest

A festival I am less familiar with but equally excited about this summer is Culture Fest. Held in Pittville Pump Room, this unique festival is brought to Cheltenham by Lives of Colour and promises to be a brilliant party in the park filled with music, dancing, and delicious foods. A perfect escape from the everyday!

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