Gloucestershire festivals guide

Gloucestershire plays host to a festival dedicated to just about everything you could ever hope for. Grab your diary and check out SoGlos.com’s annual Gloucestershire festival highlights for the definitive guide.

The SoGlos.com team has dug deep into the online magazine’s archives and trawled hundreds of press releases to pick out the finest Gloucestershire festivals to grace the county on an annual basis.

In this guide you’ll find festivals organised by area, with subsections for Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury respectively, and then by month from January to December.

Cheltenham festivals guide

Festival: Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup
When: Annually in March
Expect to find: Huge hats and hundreds of hooves pounding Cheltenham’s historic racecourse over four days. This annual highlight of the horseracing calendar sees thousands of visitors place millions of pounds in bets and witness high-calibre racing stock battle it out for first place across the line.
SoGlos.com loves: The final day and sure highlight of the festival – the race for the coveted Cheltenham Gold Cup. A fantastic atmosphere, brimming with anticipation, with live music, entertainment and food ensuring racing fans return time and time again.
For more info: See Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup or telephone 0844 579 3003.

Festival: Prescott Bike Festival
When: Annually in April
Expect to find: Superbike champions testing their worth on Prescott’s famous track, leading motorcycle manufacturers showing off their latest models, classic car displays, a host of family entertainment and the chance to bid on some money-can’t-buy experiences. A brand new festival for 2011.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance to support the Severn Freewheelers, a volunteer-run local charity which provides emergency motorcycle delivery services to the local NHS and is responsible for moving vital medical supplies, and even frozen milk for premature babies, throughout Gloucestershire
For more info: See Prescott Bike Festival.

Festival: Cheltenham Jazz Festival
When: Annually in April/May
Expect to find: One of the most famous Cheltenham festivals, the Jazz Festival can be relied upon to showcase the cream of the jazz crop, as well as an eclectic array of performances from rising stars, music veterans and the region’s favourite DJs. The festival boasts a legion of loyal fans, who return time and time again for this exuberant event, which has certainly earned its reputation over the years.
SoGlos.com loves: Creative and innovative in style, and keen to embrace the contemporary, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is never afraid to be a little adventurous and shows a continued commitment to broadening the jazz fan base.
For more info: See Cheltenham Jazz Festival or telephone 0844 576 8970.

Festival: Lakefest
When: In May
Expect to find: In 2012 Croft Farm Waterpark will be taken over with a feast of live music, camping, family fun, local beers and ciders – with none other than established acts Levellers, Toploader, Chesney Hawkes and plenty of local talent gracing the stage.
SoGlos.com loves: Following on from a successful 2011 event, organisers have made a huge investment into the brand new Lakefest – providing Gloucestershire with a live music festival we hope to see become a firm fixture on the county’s annual calendar.
For more info: See Lakefest music festival in Tewkesbury or telephone (01684) 772321.

Festival: Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: A medley of dance, music, speech and drama as part of one of the town’s longest-running festivals – a mass celebration of the performing arts, with dramatic presentations, recitals and musical performances. The festival encourages competitors of all ages to get involved and spectators can enjoy a warm and energetic atmosphere throughout.
SoGlos.com loves: The festival has been running for more than 80 years and is still going strong –certainly helping put Cheltenham on the map as a place of notable cultural heritage.
For more info: See Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts or telephone (01242) 521621.

Festival: GWR Cotswold Festival of Steam
When: Annually in May/June
Expect to find: A must for rail enthusiasts and train spotters, this spectacular nine day event comprises everything train fans young and old could wish for – from static locomotive displays, to train rides and a wealth of history on the Great Western Railway.
SoGlos.com loves: From 2010, visitors can take a trip across the stunning Stanway Viaduct and experience the panoramic views it boasts, thanks to the recent refurbishment of the awe-inspiring structure.
For more info: See GWR Cotswold Festival of Steam or telephone (01242) 621405.

Festival: Wychwood Music Festival
When: Annually in June
Expect to find: A family-friendly festival encompassing a multitude of performances from up-and-coming new acts to festival favourites. Children can get involved with dance and storytelling workshops or arty projects, and families can sit down to quirky cinematic screenings or have a chuckle at the comedians in attendance.
SoGlos.com loves: Wychwood Music Festival’s healing gardens, offering relaxing and therapeutic treatments to get you into the festival mood.
For more info: See Wychwood Festival or telephone (01993) 772580.

Festival: Cheltenham Science Festival
When: Annually in June
Expect to find: A fantastic event that has grown in stature over the past few years, attracting leading scientists and celebrity personalities to discuss cutting edge scientific innovations and ideas. Agreed to be one of the most prominent events of its kind worldwide, comprising of five days of passionate debate, and incorporating today’s most probing questions and forward-thinking experiments.
SoGlos.com loves: The festival’s knack for provoking lively discussion among visitors young and old, with its host of intriguing ideas and the very best science has to offer across the globe.
For more info: See Cheltenham Science Festival or telephone 0844 576 8970.

Festival: Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival
When: Annually in June
Expect to find: A guaranteed gastronomic gala, attracting thousands of visitors and featuring demonstrations from top chefs, wine experts and some of the region’s best suppliers of fine food, delectable drink and mass merriment.
SoGlos.com loves: The live acoustic, blues and jazz music while you chill out in the Cider Garden.
For more info: See Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival or telephone 0844 576 2210.

Festival: Cheltenham Music Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: A cacophony of sound for classical connoisseurs, served up among a range of orchestral ensembles, solo acts and group efforts, and boasting the freshest music of the genre with a dazzling programme of top acts to be expected year-on-year.
SoGlos.com loves: Class acts from all over the world, infusing contemporary ideas into classical styles and appealing to veteran classical fans and new ears alike. The festival demonstrates that this is a genre of music that is far from dead – with a continually growing audience.
For more info: See Cheltenham Music Festival or telephone 0844 576 8970.

Festival: Cheltenham Cricket Festival
When: Annually in July/August
Expect to find: One of the most successful cricket festivals in the world, and the most anticipated event on the Gloucestershire cricketing calendar, thousands of avid cricket spectators watch the county’s finest come up against teams from across the UK.
SoGlos.com loves: The opportunity for young people to get involved, with those fancying themselves as the next Freddie Flintoff able to take advantage of sessions with top coaches in the designated game zone area.
For more info: See Cheltenham Cricket Festival or telephone (0117) 9108010.

Festival: Greenbelt Festival
When: Annually in August
Expect to find: A bank holiday musical extravaganza full of live acts, family-friendly activities and stimulating talks courtesy of the country’s leading thinkers. Held at Cheltenham Racecourse, Greenbelt Festival is a cultural event with roots in the Christian tradition. While big name acts perform across five stages, spirituality and comedy can also be found in abundance and there’s a whole host of visual and performing arts in which to indulge.
SoGlos.com loves: Greenbelt is a festival that takes pride in its cultural, spiritual and political engagement – recently spearheading a campaign based around the Israel-Palestine conflict and also supporting those being exploited and oppressed overseas – so it’s more than just a chance to party.
For more info: See Greenbelt Festival or telephone 020 7374 2760.

Festival: Cheltenham Literature Festival
When: Annually in October
Expect to find: Spread over 10 days, and more than 400 fantastic events – writers of all kinds are drawn to this historic annual event. The prestigious festival has hosted a string of big literary names over the years, such as Toni Morrison, Ian Rankin, and Ruth Rendell, as well as entertainment veterans like Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir Roger Moore. The event typically includes a range of events, from talks and readings, to debates, interviews and workshops with politicians, journalists, writers and popular personalities.
SoGlos.com loves: Formed in 1949, the Cheltenham Literature Festival is the oldest of its kind worldwide and has earned itself a global renown.
For more info: See Cheltenham Literature Festival or telephone 0844 576 7979.

Cotswolds festivals guide

Festival: Chipping Campden Literature Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: Evidence that the literature bug is spreading fast – Chipping Campden has enthusiastically jumped on the bookish bandwagon, aiming to provide the people of Gloucestershire with a further source of literary goodness as of 2010. Visitors can expect a celebration of the written word with talks, readings and workshops on the joy of reading and creative writing.
SoGlos.com loves: Set in an official Area of Outstanding Beauty, visitors will be able to take in the stunning architecture of this historic market town while nurturing their intellectual sides.
For more info: See Chipping Campden Literature Festival or telephone (01386) 840944.

Festival: Lechlade Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: Live music to satisfy a dizzy array of tastes (from ska and punk to jazz and belly dancing) spread over two stages on two days, not to mention kids entertainment, a real ale bar and a tasty hog roast.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance to soak up the sounds and sunshine on the banks of the river Thames, in stunning Cotswolds countryside.
For more info: See Lechlade Festival or telephone (01242) 579407.

Festival: Cirencester Beer Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: Hordes of ale-lovers all merrily sporting their favourite beer goggles and coming together for this annual spring bank holiday festival, which features a wide variety of real ales and cider. Also to be expected is a selection of live music providing the soundtrack for the weekend, and locally-produced fare to soak up those suds.
SoGlos.com loves: The stunning surrounds of the Royal Agricultural College provide the perfect backdrop for the beer-themed bash.
For more info: See Cirencester Beer Festival or telephone (01993) 771100.

Festival: Bledington Music Festival
When: Annually in June
Expect to find: Oodles of acts across three summer evenings at St Leonard’s Church in the pretty village of Bledington, including piano and organ duets made famous by Mozart, Chopin and Wagner. The festival accommodates a variety of musicians, from harpists and flautists, to string quartets and bagpipe players – organisers attribute the festival’s increasing popularity every year to a plethora of great performances from great acts.
SoGlos.com loves: To get local children interested in music and performance, the festival runs a very successful educational programme, during which a selection of artists get involved with a mini concert with the pupils of local primary schools.
For more info: See Bledington Music Festival or telephone (01608) 658669.

Festival: Cotswold Early Music Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: A celebration of classical and instrumental music, featuring compositions from the Baroque and Renaissance musical eras, and showcasing promising young classical musicians.
SoGlos.com loves: The Cotswold Early Music Festival is now in its 11th year and is enjoying a growing reputation due to consistently high quality performances each year.
For more info: See Cotswold Early Music Festival or telephone (01285) 654180.

Festival: Cotswold Beer Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: This annual sell-out event allows visitors to test out hundreds of local ales while relaxing in a friendly and jovial atmosphere. Here the equally anticipated new Champion Beer of Gloucestershire is announced, decided by a formidable panel of expert ale judges from the Campaign for Real Ale in Gloucestershire.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance for all county-dwellers to try the Champion Beer when this year’s winning beverage is installed in pubs and bars across Gloucestershire, for all to enjoy.
For more info: See Cotswold Beer Festival or telephone (01242) 239785.

Festival: Tetbury Food and Drink Festival
When: Annually in September
Expect to find: A variety of local produce courtesy of the region’s finest bakeries, cheese and honey-makers, vineyards, farms, smokehouses and mills. Tetbury’s businesses, restaurants and pubs jump at the opportunity to be involved with this popular event, meaning the very best in food and drink for all that attend.
SoGlos.com loves: For those that enjoy a tipple or two, Tetbury Food and Drink Festival also puts on wine and ale tasting, and green-fingered visitors have a much-coveted chance to visit the Prince of Wales’ Highgrove Gardens.
For more info: See Tetbury Food and Drink Festival or telephone (01666) 503552.

Forest of Dean festivals guide

Festival: Coleford Carnival of Transport
When: Annually in April
Expect to find: A free event organised by motoring enthusiasts, taking place on the streets of Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Hundreds of classic vehicles of all types and periods are displayed in the town centre, which is closed for the event. They include vintage cars, streetrods and military and commercial vehicles – so you may well end up taking a trip down memory lane and discovering your very first car or motorcycle.
SoGlos.com loves: Art exhibitions and craft shows, as well as a model railway exhibition also form part of this spring event, to cater for those with more creative interests.
For more info: See Coleford Carnival of Transport or telephone 07799 762647.

Festival: Dean Fire and Wood Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: A range of displays and demonstrations take place as part of the veritable celebration of the natural, including chainsaw carvers sculpting with wood and fire, blacksmiths demonstrating their ancient craft and bow-makers revealing the art form behind weapon-making. The Dean Fire and Wood Festival also and provides ample opportunity to get involved in traditional activities such as chair-making and woodcarving,
SoGlos.com loves: The five acres of Forest land in which to turn a pole lathe or get involved in charcoal burning, the festival’s gorgeous surroundings make for a great family day out.
For more info: See Dean Fire and Wood Festival or telephone (01594) 822170.

Festival: Coleford Festival of Words
When: Annually in August
Expect to find: A sharing of laughter, creativity and knowledge with guest speakers, local authors, interactive workshops, live performances, poetry and storytelling. Budding writers also have the chance to pick up some useful tips from experts from across the field.
SoGlos.com loves: The fun-filled family events encouraging the young from across the Forest of Dean to dip into a book.
For more info: See Coleford Festival of Words or telephone (01594) 833334.

Festival: Joe Meek Festival
When: Annually in October
Expect to find: Newent dedicates an entire day of festivities to commemorating the life and times of legendary producer, and local boy, Joe Meek. The event seeks to celebrate the tone deaf musical marvel’s sounds of the 60s with a tribute concert, as well as stalls, refreshments, music and dancers. Meek memorabilia is also displayed for history enthusiasts and avid fans to absorb.
SoGlos.com loves: Festival organisers recruit a host of up and coming live acts and DJs to chip in to the event, all with their own individual take on Meek’s work.
For more info: See Joe Meek Festival or telephone (01531) 820245.

Gloucester festivals guide

Festival: Carducci Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: A series of free, high quality family concerts and performances, the festival focuses on the critically acclaimed Carducci Quartet – a contemporary quartet committed to bringing classical music to the younger generation. Each year the quartet is joined by a variety of classical virtuosos, all doing their bit to add to the festival’s superb reputation.
SoGlos.com loves: In accordance with the festival’s main aim of bringing classical music to young people, the fact that children and students attend the festival free of charge is commendable.
For more info: See Carducci Festival or telephone 08444 771000.

Festival: Hartpury Festival of Dressage
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: This highly-regarded international event is comprised of five days of exhilarating equestrian sports, showcasing the talents of top names from the world of dressage.
SoGlos.com loves: Visitors also have the opportunity to watch the para-equestrian dressage – with the British team having built up a fantastic reputation as the best in the business, taking the gold at every Paralympics and every World and European Championship since the sport began.
For more info: See Hartpury Festival of Dressage or telephone (01452) 702355.

Festival: Summer in Gloucester Festival
When: Annually in July/August
Expect to find: Gloucester’s annual carnival processions and fun fair – the best excuse to tuck into a toffee apple or two. The two week event also incorporates a mix of comedy performances, live music and street theatre, allowing visitors the opportunity to see the city at its cultural best. Many of the events, including art and craft exhibitions, cinema and theatre, are free and contribute to the lively and vibrant atmosphere visitors have come to expect from the event.
SoGlos.com loves: Still going after over 70 years, the annual carnival has become a real tradition for Gloucester, and has been integral in adding to the city’s cultural identity.
For more info: See Summer in Gloucester or telephone (01452) 396572.

Festival: Gloucester International Rhythm and Blues Festival
When: Annually in July/August
Expect to find: Local, national and international acts assembling in Gloucester for the International Rhythm and Blues Festival every year, in an effort to bring the melodies of the Mississippi Delta and beyond, right to Gloucester’s front door.
SoGlos.com loves: With both indoor and outdoor performances scheduled across the city, this event is a great way to spend a summer’s day – and if Deep South legends like Johnny Lee Hooker and BB King tend to float your boat, this event will be right up your street.
For more info: See Gloucester International Rhythm and Blues Festival or telephone (01452) 396572.

Festival: Gloucester Tall Ships Festival
When: Annually in August
Expect to find: A festival held in celebration of Gloucester’s historic docks, one of Gloucester’s most popular attractions, to honour its trading era. The festival includes replica ships that accurately and impressively represent the original structures, family entertainment and much more.
SoGlos.com loves: The atmosphere of a bygone century, recreated with all the hustle and bustle of crews readying themselves to set sail and the promise of exotic voyages to unchartered territories – organisers really push the boat out to ensure maximum entertainment for visitors.
For more info: See Gloucester Tall Ships Festival or telephone (01452) 396572.

Festival: Three Choirs Festival
When: Annually in August – although in Gloucestershire every three years only.
Expect to find: The Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester choirs unite for this annual choral and orchestral event – which is held at Gloucester Cathedral and surrounding Gloucestershire venues every three years. Around 70 individual events make up the spectacular, meaning there’s something for all ages, and the Philharmonia Orchestra are regularly the guest orchestra in attendance.
SoGlos.com loves: This event is thought to be one of the oldest music festivals in the world, dating back to at least 1715.
For more info: See Three Choirs Festival or telephone (01452) 381638.

Stroud festivals guide

Festival: Stroud International Textile Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: With a reputation for innovation, Stroud International Textile Festival showcases the work of textile artists from around the world, and also provides a great springboard for talented new designers. Visitors can expect to find various tapestry exhibitions, and stunning embellished and printed textiles. Talks and lectures are also held about this age-old art.
SoGlos.com loves: The opportunity to purchase distinctive and fresh fashion pieces during the event, designed by local students and artists.
For more info: See Stroud International Textile Festival or telephone (01453) 808076.

Festival: SVA Site Festival
When: Annually in June
Expect to find: Stroud Valleys Artspace holds its annual festival of contemporary arts across Stroud every summer, with a view to providing an exciting programme of visual arts, performance, music, artist talks and workshops for all that attend. The festival provides a fantastic vehicle for new works, projects and exhibitions and visitors can expect to take in the work of over 470 artists across 76 local sites over the month-long celebration.
SoGlos.com loves: As part of the festival, the hugely popular Open Studios weekends allows visitors to peek into the working habitats of up to 100 local artists and craft workers.
For more info: See Stroud Site Festival or telephone (01453) 751440.

Festival: Wearable Art Painswick Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: Painswick’s streets closed for a full day of fun including Wearable Art fashion displays and catwalks, live music across three stages, plenty of stalls offering their wares and the opportunity to explore the beautiful village in the summer.
SoGlos.com loves: The chance for budding designers of all ages and abilities to get involved and enter the Wearable Art competition – judged by a high profile panel.
For more info: See Wearable Art Painswick Festival or telephone (01452) 810813.

Festival: Nibley Music Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: A diverse selection of live acts, from rock to bhangra and from funk to folk – with stalls galore for afternoon browsing and lots of fun family activities. There is inflatables for the kids, time to sample local real ale, and more than enough opportunity to munch on world food from as far apart as Thailand and Mexico.
SoGlos.com loves: Crazy crafts, circus skills and can-can dancing for those with a creative flair and a taste for performance.
For more info: See Nibley Music Festival or telephone 0870 2277750.

Festival: Frocester Beer Festival
When: Annually in August
Expect to find: A tremendously popular event which has been known to sell out within hours, the festival is held in the Frocester Cricket Club grounds and takes place every August bank holiday weekend. Boasting over 100 cask-conditioned real ales, wines, ciders, hot food and a lively programme of music, the event is a highlight of the festival calendar for many locals. Parking and camping are also available free of charge for those planning to stay for the duration.
SoGlos.com loves: Despite being located in a small hamlet near Stroud, the festival has proved a real success over the years and now attracts visitors from as far afield as Europe.
For more info: See Frocester Beer Festival for more information.

Festival: Stroud Fringe Festival
When: Annually in September
Expect to find: Stroud Fringe Festival has earned itself hordes of fans due to an eclectic mix of performers from multiple musical genres such as rock, indie, metal, hip hop, folk and country. A focus for the area’s cultural and artistic talent, street entertainers swarm around festival markets and buskers do their very best outside bars. There are plenty of visual arts to keep you entertained too, and a play area for those soon-to-be cultured kiddiewinks you’re sure to want to bring along to this family-friendly event.
SoGlos.com loves: The festival’s environmental conscience – organisers try to ensure the lowest possible carbon footprint and, located amid an efficient public transport system, they hope to encourage visitors to leave their cars at home.
For more info: See Stroud Fringe Festival

Festival: Stroud Food and Drink Festival
When: Annually in September
Expect to find: Every year Stroud puts on a super show of delectable local cuisine to tickle the taste buds of Gloucestershire’s most discerning residents, and even those with a critical palate on par with grumpy Gordon or judgemental Jamie commonly agree that the fare is pretty top notch. Stroud’s independent cafes, restaurants, markets and pubs come out on form for this foodie festival, to offer the region’s best traditional tuck as well as tasty treats inspired by places far, far away.
SoGlos.com loves: The organic cooking classes to be had by budding chefs, the mouth-watering selection of puddings on offer in the past, and who can forget the giant paella…
For more info: See Stroud Food and Drink Festival or telephone (01453) 762817.

Festival: Stroud Walking Festival
When: Annually in September
Expect to find: Those that enjoy a good old ramble seldom turn down a chance to explore the Gloucestershire countryside on foot during Stroud’s superb annual walking event. This festival is a must for expert hikers, but novices are equally welcomed and encouraged to join the merry band of seasoned strollers and fresh air junkies ready to make like the von Trapp family and head for the hills on a yearly basis. There are short walks for young families, or lengthy treks for hardcore walking enthusiasts, and it’s certainly a great way to bring people together.
SoGlos.com loves: Despite its status as a fairly new festival, this Stroud event has quickly become one of the biggest in Britain, giving walkers from all over the chance to traverse some of the county’s prettiest parts.
For more info: See Stroud Walking Festival or telephone (01453) 762817.

Tewkesbury festivals guide

Festival: Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival
When: Annually in May
Expect to find: A gourmet gastro-festival with a wealth of activities and entertainment on offer, as well as a fabulous range of food and drink. With demos from TV chefs and food experts, and samples of the region’s favourite produce such as asparagus, sausages, ciders and cheeses, visitors can expect a duly delectable day indeed. Organisers ensure plenty of games to keep children entertained and face-painting for all, as well as the chance to get creative with food.
SoGlos.com loves: Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival boasts over 60 purveyors of produce to be proud of, and of course also featured is the town’s famed Tewkesbury mustard.
For more info: See Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival or telephone (01684) 855040.

Festival: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
When: Annually in July
Expect to find: A spectacular event that sends history enthusiasts wild each summer, and which sees nail-biting battles recreated with skill and dexterity, jesters wowing audiences with magical tricks and a beer tent ensuring festival folk receive their fill of mead. Visitors can expect the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of medieval life, so prepare for trials and beheadings as well as sweet maidens and breathtaking battles. Youngsters have the opportunity to learn about medieval life, surrounded throughout the weekend by townspeople and soldiers going about their daily business – cooking over open fires and snoozing in their tents, just as they would have done before commencing battle.
SoGlos.com loves: The sight of 2000 brave warriors, archers and cannon-bearers re-enacting the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury as part of a series of magnificent combat displays.
For more info: See Tewkesbury Medieval Festival.

If you know of an annual Gloucestershire festival which deserves a place in SoGlos.com’s comprehensive guide, request an event listing for possible inclusion.

Amanda Nicholls
4 January 2011