With the anticipated return of Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Giffords Circus, as well as cracking Easter activities and days out for all ages, April is shaping up to be a busy month in Gloucestershire.
Discover 10 unmissable things to get in your diary this month, from dining at the latest foodie experience from the team behind The Scenic Supper, to tackling the tallest climbing challenge in Europe right here in the county.
Start ticking things off The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List
Featuring 100 ways to make magical memories with your loved ones in the county, the all-new Gloucestershire Family Bucket List is available now, with free printed guides to pick up at key locations across the county, as well as a handy digital version on SoGlos.
Encouraging families to get out and about in Gloucestershire, there's plenty for toddlers, teenagers and big kids to tick off – from beating the wall at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester, to heckling at the Easter panto at The Roses Theatre.
Don't forget to share your adventures with SoGlos on social media, using the hashtag #GlosFamilyBucketList – we'll share our favourites!
Take on Europe's tallest climbing challenge
For a challenge that's bound to get your adrenaline pumping, hit up the brand-new 270 Climbing Park when it opens its high ropes and activity tower on Saturday 8 April 2023.
Bringing the tallest outdoor high ropes course in the whole of Europe to Gloucestershire, expect five levels, two zip lines and a free-fall of 22 metres. It's so challenging that the top level has been dubbed 'Mission Impossible'!
Have an egg-cellent Easter in Gloucestershire
From cracking egg hunts to fun family activity trails, there’s heaps to keep Gloucestershire’s little bunnies happy during the Easter holidays, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April 2023.
Go on a wild duck chase at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, quacking the clues to solve this year's Easter trail; step onto the battlefield and experience the English Civil War at Berkeley Castle; and see little lambs, piglets and calves being born at the River Severn Fairy Trail – with SoGlos’s Easter guide covering all the highlights.
While for grown-ups, Gloucester Brewery's Easter Beer Festival promises a bank holiday weekend packed with good food, live entertainment and of course, beer!
See big names at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
The highly anticipated Cheltenham Jazz Festival is returning from Wednesday 26 April to Monday 1 May 2023, bringing the town to life with music from pop legends and up-and-coming jazz stars.
Gracing the stage this April are 'Grace Kelly' singer MIKA on Wednesday 26; Pop Idol icon Will Young on Friday 28; and Jake Bugg, right off the back of his sell-out tour, on Saturday 29. While fans can listen to music legend Van Morrison on Sunday 30 April 2023.
Dine at the new Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden
The latest venture from the team behind The Scenic Supper, Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden is bringing a brand-new dining experience to Cirencester Park, opening its doors to hungry guests for the first time on Friday 7 April 2023.
Championing fresh local produce, grown in its own kitchen garden or sourced within 25 miles of the restaurant, the exciting new venue serves breakfast, brunch and coffee daily, with an evening dinner service offering 'elevated style and service' from Thursday to Saturday.
Experience the magic of Giffords Circus
Presenting what it passionately describes as its 'most lavish show yet’, Giffords Circus is back on tour from Thursday 6 April 2023 – with the chance to see gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping costumes when Les Enfants du Paradis opens at Fennells Farm in Stroud.
Inspired by mid-19th century French romanticism, the evocative show features some of the most intriguing and awe-inspiring acts ever to be performed at Giffords Circus. Plus, dancing in the ring is back for the first time since 2019!
Visit William Morris's 'heaven on earth', Kelmscott Manor
One for William Morris fans, Kelmscott Manor is now open for its 2023 season – giving visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of the king of the Arts and Crafts movement at his summer retreat, near Lechlade.
Admire his finest works – with original tapestries borrowed from Andrew Lloyd Webber's collection on display, including the famous Holy Grail – and soak up some sunshine in the gorgeous gardens, with a lovely tearoom serving refreshments, too.
Experience this year's exhibition at Cotswold Sculpture Park
Open from Saturday 1 April 2023, the mesmerising Cotswold Sculpture Park showcases contemporary sculpture work in a stunning open-air setting near Cirencester – and comes highly recommended for a relaxing day out, whether you're in the market for a unique new art piece or not.
Voted SGGLA Art Gallery of the Year by SoGlos readers in 2022, the outdoor gallery showcases sculptures from a global cohort of over 70 artists, with everything for sale if you spot something that inspires you.
Browse Britain's biggest choice of art at Fresh: Art Fair
This month, Gloucestershire art lovers only need to travel as far as Cheltenham Racecourse to see the widest range of contemporary art outside of London, when Fresh: Art Fair returns from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 April 2023.
Described as 'no ordinary art fair', browse and buy artwork from 50 different galleries, with exciting up-and-coming talent exhibiting alongside some of the art world's biggest names – from Banksy to Picasso.
Spot classic cars at the Coleford Carnival of Transport
Local petrolheads can see vintage vehicles and impressive classic cars at Coleford’s 25th Carnival of Transport – with hundreds of exhibitors making their way to the Forest of Dean town on Monday 10 April 2023.
With plenty to delight car enthusiasts, from steam-powered engines to vintage military and service vehicles, the bank holiday extravaganza will also host trade stalls, food vendors and children's rides for a fun-filled day out.