With hopes high for another heatwave, July is bursting with things to look forward to in Gloucestershire, covering everything from classical music concerts and medieval battle re-enactments to free foodie festivals.
SoGlos has scoured the county’s events calendar for 10 of the most unmissable things to do this month – whether you’re looking for family fun, or a night out with friends.
1. Wander through the famous Confetti Flower Field
One of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque highlights, the colourful Confetti Flower Field on the Wyke Manor Estate near Pershore is welcoming snap-happy visitors back from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 July 2022.
The pastel pink and vibrant purple flowers make an Insta-worthy backdrop for family photos, while those planning a wedding can even pick up some harvested petal confetti to throw on their big day.
2. Go to a concert at Cheltenham Music Festival
Filling the town with live classical music, Cheltenham Music Festival is returning on Friday 8 July 2022 – bringing a week of concerts and intimate performances to audiences in and around Cheltenham.
As well as world premieres from critically-acclaimed composers and performances from emerging talent, don’t miss Classical Mixtape for the most charming introduction to classical music – set in the atmospheric Gloucester Cathedral, with accessible ‘pay what you can’ pricing.
3. Prepare for battle at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
A must for history buffs and avid Game of Thrones fans, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is giving people the chance to step into the War of the Roses on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2022.
Choose to back Lancaster or York, as re-enactors charge onto the battlefield, recreating the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury; and get a taste for medieval life, browsing market stalls, trying your hand at archery or hitting the beer tent for a tankard or two.
4. See world-class flying displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the Royal International Air Tattoo, soaring back to RAF Fairford after a two-year hiatus on Friday 15 to Sunday 17 July 2022.
Visitors can expect to see hours of impressive aerial acrobatics each day, with opportunities to get close to all kinds of aircraft, too. Plus, there’s a new family enclosure, featuring kid-centric entertainment, a grassy area for picnics and private toilets with baby changing facilities.
5. Escape from reality at Fantasy Forest Festival
See Sudeley Castle transformed into an enchanted world of sci-fi, superheroes and mythical creatures when Fantasy Forest Festival comes to the Winchcombe landmark on Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 July 2022.
Fantasy fanatics can learn how to wield a lightsaber, make a wand or walk among Daleks; while Lord of the Rings fans can attend an Orc boot camp. With dressing up encouraged, the costume competition is not to be missed.
6. Visit the refurbished Wilson Art Gallery and Museum
Art-loving locals can finally get their culture fix at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, when the Cheltenham attraction reopens on Saturday 23 July 2022 – welcoming visitors back with a celebratory programme of events and activities.
Unveiling its £500,000 refurbishment, guests can grab a coffee in the brand-new arts café, explore the community gallery and artists’ studios, and take in The Wilson’s thought-provoking new exhibition about inclusivity and body positivity in the fashion industry.
7. See celebrity chefs at Gloucester Quays Food Festival
There’s lots on the menu for foodies to sink their teeth into at Gloucester Quays Food Festival on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2022 – with no admission fee and all demonstrations free to watch.
Hear from Michelin-starred chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, and this year’s MasterChef champ, Eddie Scott, in the cookery theatre; plus, chow down on street food, sip local beer and pick up artisan goodies to take home, with over 150 stalls and vendors to tantalise your tastebuds.
8. Watch all the Wimbledon action at The Brewery Quarter
Strawberries and Champagne at the ready! The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham is serving up a treat for tennis fans, broadcasting all the action from Wimbledon on a big screen – from the first match through to the nail-biting finals on Sunday 10 July 2022.
With the space transformed into a mini-Wimbledon village, spectators can relax on deckchairs, dig into Wimbledon-inspired menus from some of The Brewery Quarter’s restaurants and even pick up a racket, with free sample sessions from local tennis clubs like East Glos Club.
9. Pick up a bagel from Cheltenham’s latest lunch spot
Set to get mouths watering with its New York-style bagels, decadent doughnuts and freshly-baked goods, cult bakery The Steamhouse is opening in Cheltenham on Wednesday 13 July 2022.
Serving up what can only be described as lunch goals, local gastronomes can expect bagels packed with deli meats, cheese and fresh ingredients, with vegan and breakfast bagels on the menu, too.
10. Grab the popcorn for outdoor cinema in Gloucestershire
From starlit cinema nights to screenings at some of the county’s most striking attractions, there are plenty of chances for film fans to catch an open-air movie in Gloucestershire this July 2022.
Sing along to The Greatest Showman at Westonbirt Arboretum on Tuesday 12; tune in to Pitch Perfect at Cowley Manor on Thursday 14; and relive that ‘BIG mistake’ moment with Pretty Woman at Tewkesbury’s Puckrup Hall on Thursday 28 July 2022.
