The Holst 150th birthday party

Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, Saturday 29th March 2pm – 9.30pm

Celebrate Cheltenham’s most famous son, composer Gustav Holst at a day of fun activities and music at Pittville Pump Room this spring.

Be inspired by Holst’s artistic legacy, from his most famous work, The Planets, to more unusual pieces, such as his Indian-inspired operas, through a range of activities and music. From all-ages art and craft workshops to a string orchestra and dance, there will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout this special day.

The event is part of Holst’s 150th birthday celebrations (postponed from last September due to the torrential rain and flooding) and will also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Holst Victorian House. Cheltenham's period home museum where visitors can experience the life and times of this beloved composer.

The event is FREE from 2pm to 5.30pm. Tickets for the evening concert are only £5 per seat (under 18s free) from 7.30 to 9.30pm (doors open at 7pm). All proceeds will go towards securing the future of the Holst Victorian House for the next 50 years and beyond!

The activities throughout the day are drop-in, there is no need to book. Please follow the link below to purchase your ticket. Tickets will also be available on the door.

www.holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/what’s on

The Holst Victorian House will also extend its opening hours for the day, 10am-6pm, to enable the public to make the most of both venues. As an extra special treat, the admission price for adults to the Museum for the whole day will be only £1.50 (children free)!

Afternoon programme

ART ZONE 2pm-5.30pm

Make, Create – arts and crafts for all ages. Free – just drop in!

Lyrebird Sculptures

Create your own beautiful Lyrebird sculpture to decorate both indoor and outdoor spaces with artist Imogen Harvey Lewis. Inspired by the stunning Australian lyrebird that Holst’s friend, Louise Dyer, used as a motif for her company, The Lyrebird Press.

Paper Planets

Using paper and card, come and make a planet puppet, solar system garland or 3D decoration with local crafter and creative workshop host Helen Nightingale.

Giant Holst Doodle

Something magical happens when we draw together. Join in no matter your age and see where your imagination takes you as participants create a collaborative portrait capturing Holst and his music, led by artist Gemma Hastilow.

Letterpress Poster

Ink up your own Holst 150 poster to take away with you. With Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-operative. A super souvenir of the day!

MARS STAGE

A concert of diverse performances from Indian dance to improvisation. Free – just drop in from 2pm!

Evening Concert - £5 (under 18’s free) – doors open at 7pm

7:30   Gary Branch - solo piano

7.55   Montpellier Brass Ensemble

8:20   Interval

8:40  Charlton Kings Choral Society

9:00  Cheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra - Strings

9:20  Cheltenham Philharmonic, Strings and Charlton Kings Choral Society

9:30  FINISH 

Laura Kinnear, HVH Curator, said, ‘It’s wonderful to celebrate Holst’s 150th – and Holst Victorian House’s 50th – with a whole day of music and activities inspired by the composer. Holst is best known as a composer, but he was also a devoted teacher and believed in bringing the community together through music and art. We think he’d approve of the day and be proud of the town honouring him this way.

We are grateful to the musicians and artists who have made this special day possible through their music and creativity. We are also very appreciative of our amazing funders, without whom we couldn’t have scheduled such an extensive programme: Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council, West Cheltenham Partnership, Cheltenham Arts Council, The Honorary Company and Cheltenham North and Cheltenham Futures Rotary. ’

Councillor Paul Baker, Mayor of Cheltenham, said, ‘Gustav Holst is the most renowned person to have been born in Cheltenham – famous all over the world for ‘The Planets.’ It is fitting that a man who believed in bringing people together to create and make music is being celebrated in such a fun and accessible way.'

I would particularly like to congratulate and thank everyone who has been involved in putting together such a wonderful variety of events for all age groups to enjoy and participate in. It will be a most memorable day and a fitting tribute to remember and enjoy the accomplishments of one of Cheltenham’s most celebrated residents, Gustav Holst .’

Stephanie Belinfante, Conductor, Cheltenham Philharmonic, said, ‘Cheltenham Philharmonic was established in the late 19th century – just as Gustav Holst left the town to study at the Royal College of Music. This long history and its association with Lewis Hann, its first conductor who was a close friend of Holst, makes the orchestra the perfect fit for the Holst 150 Birthday Party finale. We can’t wait to share the stage with Charlton Kings Choral Society to perform ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ – one of Holst’s most popular and enduring works.’