The biggest week in jump racing is almost upon us, with The Festival presented by Magners taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse from Tuesday 12 until Friday 15 March 2019.
Promising thrilling action, decadent dining experiences, and the opportunity to place bets on the hottest horses in modern racing, SoGlos has rounded up some of the most exciting experiences to get involved in this year.
1. The Orchard
The Orchard exclusive experience zone is new to Cheltenham for 2019, allowing those in the Club Enclosure, owners and trainers a fun and unique area in which to enjoy the racing.
Guests can enjoy exhibitions from Bentley Motors presenting the new Continental GT Convertible, Magners cider’s ‘Ciderland’, Boodles jewellery, a beauty lounge from John Lewis and Partners, and delicious tipples from the team at Nyetimber sparkling English wine.
The Orchard is also home to the new Gin and Jazz bar, where racegoers can enjoy quality musical performances throughout the day.
2. The Shopping Village
Boasting more than 70 stands, Cheltenham Festival’s Shopping Village is the ideal destination for unique fashion finds.
Showcasing a range of homeware, stylish tweed, stunning millinery and the opportunity to meet the people behind some of the country’s best-known designer brands, including Holland Cooper clothing, Beatrice Von Tresckow, Butler Stuart and Cotswold Grey.
3. Final Flight Bar
If you’re not ready for the party to end after the last race, The Final Flight Bar is the ideal destination to continue your celebrations (or commiserations!)
Open until 7.30pm every day of The Festival, access to The Final Flight Bar must be booked in advance, with prices starting at £45.
Guests can enjoy a premium bar, with dance floor, live music performances from Chip Shop Boys and The Wickermen, and television screens showing the racing all afternoon.
4. Hospitality packages
Offering fabulous views of the racecourse, delicious dining and a luxurious environment to relax over some magnificent racing, Cheltenham Racecourse offers an array of hospitality packages. From fine dining in Chez Roux, through to the more relaxed Horse and Groom pub, there’s an experience to suit all tastes.
Why not enjoy a day in the Champions Walk Restaurant opposite the horse walk, and spoil yourself with a champagne reception, charcuterie selection, four-bowl taster menu, pudding club dessert table, cheese table, afternoon tea and complimentary bar. Prices start at £500 and include a club admission ticket, car parking pass, official race card and access to a betting service, allowing guests to enjoy a truly indulgent and relaxing racing experience.
Alternatively, try the Theatre@ The Festival restaurant, providing award-winning pan Asian dining from the premium third floor suites, which also offer unrivalled views of the final furlongs.
Hospitality packages in this restaurant include a table for the day, breakfast bites, pre-lunch cocktails and champagne, a three-course pan Asian lunch, afternoon sweet and savoury tea and a complementary bar. Prices start at £700 and also include everything you need to enjoy a luxurious racing experience.
5. Race Day Essentials Packages
Get the most out of your day at Cheltenham by booking a package that ensures you’re set up for a fabulous day.
The Raceday Essentials Package includes an enclosure ticket, a £9 voucher to spend on food and refreshments, a race card voucher, and £10 of betting vouchers to spend once you’ve got those all-important tips!
Prices start at £59 for an entrance ticket to the Best Mate enclosure, offering an atmosphere like no other, and go up to £104 if you’d like to experience a more premium view from the Club enclosure.
6. #ColourMeMarch Competition
Get involved in Cheltenham Festival’s #ColourMeMarch competition for 2019. For the first time ever, this year’s competition is open to both men and women who add a splash of colour to their outfits on Ladies Day at The Festival.
To enter, racegoers are encouraged to take a photo of their magnificent outfits during Ladies Day 2019, and post it to social media using the hashtag #ColourMeMarch.
Prizes for 2019 include a Mini One, an overnight spa package at The Lygon Arms, and a beauty and styling experience at John Lewis and Partners.
7. Gin and Jazz
Cheltenham’s Gin and Jazz bar is new for 2019. Located within the exclusive setting of The Orchard, tickets for this area start from £125, and provide access to high quality musical performances throughout each race day.
Alongside stunningly smooth jazz music from Sara Dowling, the lounge will also offer a huge range of gins from around the world.
This luxurious experience is only available to Club Enclosure badge holders or members, and availability is limited, so booking is advised.
