Celebrate 150th anniversary of Cheltenham’s most famous son

Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham is coming alive with music, crafts and a pop-up play-lab this September 2024 to celebrate the genius of musician Gustav Holst.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
Cheltenham is celebrating the 150th birthday of Gustav Holst with a community party in Imperial Gardens.

Join a free community event, The Holst 150 Birthday Party, on Saturday 21 September 2024, in Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham to celebrate the 150th birthday of the town’s famous composer, Gustav Holst.

Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic — or buy food and drink from one of the cafes and restaurants close to Imperial Square — while listening to music or taking part in an array of activities for all-ages. 

The party centres on the Mars music stage, with lively acts performing from 1pm to 6pm. An array of styles and genres, ranging from classical to folk, to the more experimental has been designed to keep everyone entertained.

From 2pm to 5pm a colourful art zone is packed with a host of activities to get stuck into.

Visitors can create Lyrebird sculptures and there's a chance to make a planet puppet, solar system garland or 3D decoration.

Art fans can add some flair to a collaborative portrait capturing Holst or ink up a Holst 150 poster to take home. 

A pop-up play-lab zone, will also embrace community collaboration, creative technology and art.

The event is funded by Cheltenham BID, Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Build Back Better Councillor Fund, Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham Arts Council, West Cheltenham Partnership, and The Honourable Company.

To find out more about the full lineup of events throughout the afternoon visit visitcheltenham.com.

Event

The Holst 150 Birthday Party

Dates

Saturday 21 September 2024

Times

1pm to 6pm

Admission

This is a free community event

In partnership with Cheltenham BID  |  cheltenhambid.co.uk

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