Looking for things to do in Gloucestershire this October? Get these events in the diary for a jam-packed start to the autumn.
Autumn is finally upon us, and with so many lovely events going on in Gloucestershire this October, we’ve handpicked our favourites to welcome the new season.
From food festivals to magical trails, this month really has a lot packed into it. So, don’t miss out on the eclectic mix of events Gloucestershire has to offer and start booking things into the calendar!
From Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October 2019, the 10-day celebration of literature, culture, and creativity, The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is back with a brilliant and diverse programme of events. From Helena Bonham Carter to Richard Curtis, Louis Theroux to Dermot O’Leary, there are events to suit all ages and tastes. Hear from Bake Off’s Nadiya Hussain and Queer Eye’s Tan France, visit Steve Backshall to hear about his adventures, or take the kids to The Magical World of Harry Potter to experience the sorting hat!
Foodies will be pleased to know that the Forest Showcase Food Festival is back for its 19th year, celebrating all things food, drink and art. Taste local beer, pick up delicious brownies, try handmade pork rolls, plus much more! With over 100 exhibitors, the Food Festival will be cooked up on the grounds of The Speech House Hotel on Sunday 6 October 2019.
With Halloween fast approaching, keep the kids entertained during half term at Dean Heritage Centre. With a whole host of activities going on, there’s sure to be a lot of spooktacular fun for everyone. Visit the haunted Forester’s Cottage and the wicked witches, wander through spooky Halloween trails, and get creative with pumpkin carving.
Visit the golden trees at Painswick Rococo Garden for its Autumn Festival from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 October 2019. The trail around the garden will display magnificent views – just make sure to get the camera ready! The Festival will also include tastings from the best of the harvest, and families will get the chance to bake an apple of the open fire, making a delightful autumnal day out.
Spend a day at the races at The Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse, taking place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October 2019. As the first event of a brand-new season of races, watch in awe as horses gallop to the finish line. Top trainers and owners will
be showcasing their promising stars of the season, so welcome the new jump season and head to the racecourse this October.
Coming to Everyman Theatre’s stage on Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 and Saturday 5 October 2019, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Watermill Theatre is a unique interpretation of the original play. With a magical musical twist, the cast will be singing songs by Nina Simone and Billie Holiday – an imaginative take on a Shakespearean classic.
A magical day for the whole family, Sudeley Castle is welcoming families to its enchanting event, taking place from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2019. With characters like Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White greeting visitors in the castle grounds, the event invites visitors to follow a magical trail around the gardens, where they’ll discover famous scenes from wonderful fairy tales.
Head to Gloucester Guildhall for its Underground Music Festival on Saturday 26 October 2019, a must for rock, punk and indie music fans. With a stellar line-up of up and coming alternative artists, the Festival has previously hosted the likes of Bastille, George Ezra and Lower Than Atlantis, before they became big names. Be in with the chance of discovering a new band and pre-book tickets now – which are free of charge.
Get into the Halloween spirit at Cotswold Farm Park’s Halloween Land, which is sure to keep the little ones entertained. Children can pick and decorate their own pumpkin, get their face painted with a spooky character, and get stuck in with a range of Halloween-themed activities. The event is running from Friday 25 October to Sunday 3 November, so don’t miss out on picking the best pumpkins this year!
For the last day of the season, Sandford Parks Lido is opening its doors to four-legged friends, who’ll be able to doggy-paddle to their hearts’ content in the pool. Taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October 2019, dogs and their owners are invited to splash about at this fun and adorable event, which requires a pre-purchased ticket to attend.
For plenty more ideas on what to do this October in Gloucestershire, head to soglos.com/events
By Amy Wright
© SoGlos
Friday 20 September 2019
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