Leisure and culture news

A celebration of Inter Faith Week in Cheltenham

Different faith communities will come together once again from 12 to 19 November to mark National Inter Faith week.

Published on 6th November 2023

Pittville Pump Room closes temporarily, following routine maintenance checks

Essential work scheduled for ballroom
Published on 25th October 2023
World, European and British champion, Andy Lewis MBE leads sports event for young people

The day formed part of twin town youth exchange ‘peace camp’ for students from Cheltenham, Gottingen, Witttenberg and Torun.
Published on 11th August 2023
The NCLB Party in the Park, celebrating the FIFA Women’s World Cup through sports, music and technology takes place in Cheltenham for the first time!

This summer No Child Left Behind organises Party in the Park with a fun ‘world cup’ theme for local families.
Published on 7th August 2023
No Child Left Behind launches Summer of Play 2023

Fun day – 10am to 2pm, Wednesday 2nd August at Pittville Park
Published on 25th July 2023
Midsummer Fiesta cancelled due to bad weather forecast

Unfortunately, the difficult decision has been made to cancel tomorrow’s Midsummer Fiesta: Saturday 15 July, 12noon to 9pm, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham.
Published on 14th July 2023
Our story of culture and creativity

Cultural organisations from across Cheltenham have committed to working together as part of a new cultural strategy.
Published on 4th July 2023
Leisure for all – new #FeedCheltenham concession card launched

Discount offered to Cheltenham food bank clients for inclusive access
Published on 10th May 2023
My Voice – schools competition for Black History Month

Cheltenham Alliance for Race Equity is launching a competition in schools for Black History Month 2023.
Published on 2nd May 2023
Future of Cheltenham Paint Festival is looking bright as organiser and council work on plan for long-term sustainability

A long-term sustainable future for Cheltenham Paint Festival is being sought as part of a new partnership between the event’s organisers and the borough council.
Published on 12th April 2023
Council agree design concept for the refurbishment of the Montpellier Gardens public toilets

The final design includes Changing Places facilities, a new layout for existing male and female facilities, new family spaces and two gender neutral toilets.
Published on 6th April 2023
Get ready for the Coronation on Saturday 6 May

£30k funding available in Cheltenham for local good causes which will help create a legacy across three Coronation themes – inclusion, young people and biodiversity
Published on 20th March 2023
Preparations underway for the return of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival

The festival runs from Tuesday 14 March to Friday 17 March.
Published on 3rd March 2023
Council launches ‘war on wee’ campaign for March races

Residents and businesses asked for their expressions of interest in hydrophobic paint to deter public urination during racing festival.
Published on 10th February 2023
One Planet photography winners celebrate Cheltenham and Weihai 35th twinning anniversary

Mayor Cllr Sandra Holliday presented certificates to the winners and highly commended
Published on 1st February 2023
Cheltenham Observation Wheel returning for three weeks

Visitors will soon be able to experience ‘wheely’ wonderful birds-eye views over Cheltenham when the Observation Wheel returns this week to Imperial Gardens.
Published on 31st January 2023
Football kicks off this weekend at Burrow’s Field following improvements

Football will begin again at Burrow’s Playing Fields in Cheltenham from this Saturday, 7 January, following extensive works.
Published on 4th January 2023
Renovation breathes new life into Minster Gardens

Following an impressive and much needed renovation, St Mary’s Minster churchyard, now known as Minster Gardens, is open for the public to enjoy and will really come to life in the Spring.
Published on 20th December 2022
Ensuring a safe and well run November Meeting for Cheltenham

Arrangements for this weekend’s November races includes additional measures to ensure the impact of the event in the town is effectively managed.
Published on 10th November 2022
Cheltenham Christmas ice rink cancelled for 2022

Cheltenham Borough Council has today regrettably announced that the town will not be hosting a Christmas ice rink in 2022.
Published on 3rd November 2022
Spectacular festive ice rink returns for Cheltenham’s Christmas celebrations

Gloucestershire’s only all-weather ice rink returns for a second year, as part of a bumper programme of seasonal activities organised by partners around Cheltenham.
Published on 23rd September 2022
Members of the public welcome to attend Cheltenham proclamation

Following the proclamation of the new Sovereign in London today (Saturday 10 September), by the Accession Council, the Mayor will read the local proclamation tomorrow (Sunday 11 September).
Published on 10th September 2022
NCLB strike successful 80th sign up with Gloucestershire Football Association

Mayor backs latest sign up to No Child Left Behind community agreement, supporting the next generation in Cheltenham.
Published on 8th September 2022
Cheltenham Harrier breaks female 65s and over world record

Cheltenham and County Harrier, Jane Horder, has won gold yet again in the women’s over 65s 300m hurdles with a new world record of 52.33.
Published on 29th July 2022
A celebration of Cheltenham and Göttingen storytelling project

A beautifully illustrated bi-lingual English/German book of short stories was launched last night (Thursday 21 July 2022) at a reception event.
Published on 22nd July 2022
Cheltenham’s Midsummer Fiesta in Montpellier Gardens is back!

Saturday 2 July 2022, 12 noon to 9pm - Cheltenham’s biggest free community event, Midsummer Fiesta, is returning this year in the beautiful Montpellier Gardens.
Published on 17th June 2022
Falklands War 40th anniversary commemoration

On the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, we will remember all those impacted by the conflict at a commemoration service at 10.50am on Tuesday 14 June, at the War Memorial, Promenade.
Published on 8th June 2022
Ensuring Cheltenham race week ran smoothly

With record numbers of visitors to the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and an average 65,000 people attending on each of the four days, officers worked closely with partners to ensure everyone's safety.
Published on 23rd March 2022
New community fund launched to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

£50,000 available to local good causes.
Published on 18th March 2022
Cheltenham Paint Festival returns for 2022

Cheltenham Paint Festival is set to make a grand return this year.
Published on 4th March 2022
New 25 year lease for Cheltenham Saracen’s FC

Lease secures club’s future, so improvements to sport and community facilities can go ahead.
Published on 25th February 2022
Sochi Film Festival comes to Cheltenham and your support would mean the world

The Sochi International Film Festival Awards (SIFFA) is coming to Cheltenham in 2022. This is in celebration of the rescheduled 60th anniversary of our friendship link with Sochi Russia, which was established in 1959.
Published on 10th December 2021
Spectacular ice rink set to headline Cheltenham’s Christmas celebrations

Cheltenham Borough Council confirms go-ahead to help boost local economy this Christmas
Published on 15th October 2021
Burrow’s Field pitch improvement project - phase 1 complete

Phase one pitch improvement works to Burrow’s Field in Leckhampton have now been completed.
Published on 23rd September 2021
Feeling safe and enjoying our night time economy

Survey launches to understand safety concerns of women and girls.
Published on 5th August 2021
Youth workers out and about to meet and inspire Cheltenham’s young people

Youth workers from Inspire to Aspire CIC will be out on Cheltenham’s streets, engaging with young people as the school summer holidays begin.
Published on 21st July 2021
New boules court for Brizen

Local residents and boules enthusiasts can now enjoy a new boules/pentanque court at Brizen Recreation Field, off Up Hatherley Way, Cheltenham.
Published on 11th June 2021
Funding boost for Burrow’s Field improvement project

A large cash injection totalling £428k from the Football Foundation has been awarded to the Burrow’s Field project in Leckhampton, specifically for pitch and the pavilion improvements.
Published on 10th June 2021
Vote of confidence for Cheltenham evening and night-time economy - Purple Flag status awarded for fifth time

The recent easing of COVID restrictions and the reopening of hospitality venues across the UK has coincided with the news that Cheltenham has again retained Purple Flag status.
Published on 28th May 2021
Funding approved for pitch improvements at Burrows playing fields

£355,372 has now been approved for improvements to the playing fields at Burrows in Leckhampton, and is earmarked for essential levelling and drainage works to the football pitches.
Published on 22nd January 2021
Be nightsafe in Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s successful evening and night-time economy (pubs, bars and nightclubs remain closed unless serving as restaurants) is open for business following the end of lockdown two.
Published on 4th December 2020
Cheltenham to hold services for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day

Cheltenham will be holding the annual Remembrance Sunday and Armistice services to honour the sacrifice of those in both the First and Second World Wars, as well as those still serving in the armed forces today.
Published on 30th October 2020
Licensing committee allows August drive-in movies at Cheltenham Town FC

‘Break’, the first UK film to be premiered at a drive-in cinema will come to Cheltenham in August.
Published on 22nd July 2020
Cheltenham creates more space for shoppers and outside dining

Ahead of the reopening of cafes, pubs and restaurants this weekend, Cheltenham has begun to implement plans to create more space for outside dining and safe social distancing.
Published on 3rd July 2020
Cheltenham ready to re-open

Cheltenham is getting ready to welcome shoppers back into the town from Monday 15 June as many of its non-essential retailers prepare to re-open their doors.
Published on 11th June 2020
Planned gorse and grass burning on Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common

Essential work is needed on Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common to ensure that this valuable area of outstanding natural beauty is preserved and maintained for years to come.
Published on 27th May 2020
Some park facilities re-open to the public

Cheltenham Borough Council has re-opened some facilities in its parks and green spaces, in line with the latest government advice.
Published on 15th May 2020
Cheltenham keeps its Purple Flag award for the fourth year in a row

Cheltenham has successfully retained its Purple Flag award for the fourth consecutive year. The nationally recognised award is given to towns and cities that have an appealing, safe and welcoming evening and night-time economy.
Published on 3rd February 2020
Cheltenham’s tourism economy continues to flourish

Newly released figures have revealed that over the last year Cheltenham’s number of day visitors grew to 1.9 million – an increase of 7%.
Published on 11th December 2019
Benhall meadow creation scheme gets greenlight

Benhall open space is set to benefit from an area of wildflower planting following consultation with residents.
Published on 1st November 2019
Hooray, let’s play! ABC play area in Fairview gets a makeover

Children and families in Fairview now have a newly revamped play area to explore.
Published on 1st November 2019
Pittvile Park play area clean-up complete

The play area at Pittville Park was expected to temporarily close on 30 October but it will now stay open.
Published on 29th October 2019
Cheltenham’s Imperial Gardens and Sandford Park win gold!

Cheltenham’s beautiful gardens have triumphed again this year in the Heart of England in Bloom judging, with two prestigious Gold Park Awards for Imperial Gardens and Sandford Park.
Published on 24th October 2019
Building preservation notice for Barbara Hepworth sculpture ‘Theme and Variations’

This week, Cheltenham Borough Council issued a Building Preservation Notice (BPN) to protect the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture called ‘Theme and Variations’.
Published on 3rd October 2019
Cheltenham’s Promenade comes to life with international food, drink and craft street market

Official opening, 9am, Thursday 3 October
Published on 2nd October 2019
Sandford Parks Lido update

A constructive meeting was held yesterday (Wednesday 14 August) between Cheltenham Borough Council and Sandford Lido Trust members regarding future arrangements for this highly valued local amenity.
Published on 15th August 2019
Pigeon artwork takes flight in the heart of Cheltenham

Tomorrow (Thursday 18 July) will see pigeon finials from Cheltenham’s old sign posts go on display around Boots Corner.
Published on 17th July 2019
Cheltenham’s Midsummer fiesta returns to Montpellier Gardens and it’s bigger and better than ever!

Saturday 6 July 2019 12 noon to 9pm - Cheltenham’s favourite family fiesta takes place once again in the beautiful Montpellier Gardens.
Published on 26th June 2019
Trails to celebrate Cheltenham’s finest trees

A series of local tree trails have been designed to showcase some of Cheltenham’s most beautiful trees.
Published on 14th June 2019
Happy 80th Birthday to Hatherley Park

Join the celebration: 13 July, 1- 5pm
Published on 11th June 2019
A wheelie good time was had by all at the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling

Cheltenham Borough Council would like to say a huge thank you to all the clubs, groups, retailers and volunteers involved in the successful Cheltenham Festival of Cycling.
Published on 22nd May 2019
Volunteering opportunities for high profile summer events

Well known for its festivals and big family days out, Cheltenham’s organisers rely on enthusiastic and dedicated teams of volunteers to ensure these high profile events are successfully delivered.
Published on 10th May 2019
On your bike! Join us for a fun packed family day

A date for the diary! Sunday 19 May 2019 at Pittville Park, 10am – 5pm.
Published on 8th May 2019
Bid on Cheltenham’s historic signage

After directing tourists and locals through the town centre for many years, Cheltenham’s traditional pedestrian signs, which have been in storage since the new ‘wayfinding’ finger post signage was put up in 2018, will now be auctioned off to raise money for the mayor’s charities.
Published on 29th March 2019
Exciting plans for a Cheltenham Lottery will go live this summer

Plans have been revealed for a Cheltenham Lottery, which will go live later in the year to support local good causes. The weekly, online lottery will launch later in the summer.
Published on 20th March 2019
Midsummer Fiesta calls for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s bag fund

Cheltenham’s Midsummer Fiesta is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ initiative and its organisers are delighted to have been shortlisted to receive funding.
Published on 7th March 2019
Exhibition celebrates Cheltenham’s pigeons – the humble founders of its spa water heritage

Pigeon finials from Cheltenham’s old sign posts go on display next month at a free exhibition from Thursday 7 March to Thursday 28 March 2019,
Published on 28th February 2019
Cheltenham’s traditional Christmas market returns tomorrow

The Christmas market will once again return to the heart of Cheltenham, bringing festive fun and nostalgia.
Published on 21st November 2018
Christmas light switch-on: 24 November 2018

Prepare to be dazzled, excited and delighted as a battle of good versus bad unfolds in Cheltenham.
Published on 8th November 2018
Cheltenham ranked as the fifth healthiest British high street

Cheltenham has today been ranked as the fifth healthiest UK high street by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).
Published on 2nd November 2018
Geraud Markets UK Ltd brings Cheltenham’s Promenade to life with international food, drink and craft street market

Official opening, 9am, Thursday 4 October
Published on 2nd October 2018
Major refurbishment requires short closure of new Leisure at Cheltenham splash pool

The final touches to a £2.5 million refurbishment of Leisure at Cheltenham will need the new splash pool to close for five days between Monday 10 and Friday 14 September
Published on 7th September 2018
Purple Flag for 2018 – we need your views

The council and its partners are asking residents and visitors for their views on Cheltenham’s vibrant and diverse night time economy.
Published on 24th July 2018
Free outdoor fun at the Fiesta this Saturday!

With more sunshine forecast this weekend, head to the beautiful Montpellier Gardens this Saturday 7 July to enjoy the Midsummer Fiesta.
Published on 5th July 2018
Don’t miss the fun at Cheltenham’s midsummer fiesta next weekend

Midsummer Fiesta returns to Montpellier Gardens on Saturday 7 July for the tenth year for another day of fantastic fun, showcasing the talents of the Cheltenham communities.
Published on 29th June 2018
It’s a great day to fly! Flying trapeze club comes to Cheltenham

Visitors and residents in Cheltenham can now learn to fly on a trapeze with All Bars Flying Trapeze Club.
Published on 22nd June 2018
The return of Cheltenham's 'Forgotten' WW1 Painting

The return of Cheltenham's 'Forgotten' WW1 Painting Exhibition, running at the Open Archive, Wilson Museum and Art Gallery from 9 June 2018 to 31 March 2019.
Published on 8th June 2018
Leisure at Cheltenham’s £2.5 million redevelopment moves forward

Major work to enhance visitor access to the reception and customer services areas are underway and improvements to Leisure at Cheltenham are on track.
Published on 18th April 2018
Cheltenham Remembers RAF Centenary exhibition at the Jet Age Museum opens this weekend

Open weekends and bank holidays, 10am to 4pm, 31 March to 22 April (11am-4pm on 31 March).
Published on 29th March 2018
Cheltenham’s tourism economy grows to just under £158m

New figures released by Cheltenham Borough Council show that the tourism economy in Cheltenham during 2016 was worth £158 million to the local economy, a 2% rise on the previous year.
Published on 25th January 2018
Night time venue staff offered free safeguarding training

Door staff, licensees, bar staff and others working in Cheltenham’s night time economy are being offered free training aimed at increasing safety for employees and customers.
Published on 5th January 2018
Christmas light display vandalised

The colourful Christmas present display which has been lighting up Boots Corner has been vandalised.
Published on 14th December 2017
Cheltenham in top ten for family-friendly holidays in the UK

Cheltenham is one of the UK’s top family friendly destinations for holiday makers according to HolidayLettings.co.uk, a TripAdvisor company, and the UK’s leading holiday home booking site.
Published on 30th November 2017
Cheltenham rated in top ten for retail investment

Cheltenham has been awarded 9th position as the best place for retail investment, beating 191 other towns and cities.
Published on 2nd November 2017
Mayor Fest − Cheltenham’s newest festival

Festivals are part and parcel of Cheltenham culture, and to add to the rich mix, this Saturday (14 October) will see the launch of Mayor Fest – a live music event at Cheltenham’s Frog and Fiddle.
Published on 13th October 2017
St Peter’s war memorial set to return to former glory

As part of Cheltenham Borough Council’s ‘Cheltenham Remembers’ project to commemorate World War One, the council is supporting the restoration of St Peter’s war memorial at The Rock, Tewkesbury Road.
Published on 6th October 2017
Lights, Santa, Action!

Date for the diary: 25 November 2017 for Cheltenham's Christmas street party
Published on 27th September 2017
Eric the yarn-bombed bike has arrived at the Municipal Offices

A fabulous woolly bike is now on display at the Municipal Offices on the Promenade.
Published on 7th September 2017
Will you be cycling on Saturday too?

With only 3 days to go until Stage 7 of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain comes through Cheltenham, you may be thinking about how you will travel to one of the town’s top spots to take in the action.
Published on 6th September 2017
Art bikes gear up the excitement in Cheltenham

Cycling fever is growing ahead of the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling on Saturday 9 September.
Published on 31st August 2017
Competition and fun treasure trail bike hunt for bank holiday weekend

The council, supported by volunteers from The Butterfly Garden and Cheltenham residents, have been spraying, painting and placing zingy lime green bikes around the town.
Published on 25th August 2017
Headline sponsor announced for Cheltenham Festival of Cycling

Cheltenham Festival of Cycling is proud to announce their partnership with headline sponsor Bloor Homes, for the 2017 festival in September.
Published on 2nd August 2017
Spot the zesty lime green bikes!

Volunteers at the Butterfly Garden and from the council have been busy painting donated bikes in preparation for their installation around the town.
Published on 28th July 2017
Jungle Book comes to life in local park

SPTM Big Local is proud to announce the arrival of The Jungle Book in Elmfield Park, off Elmfield Road, Cheltenham on Saturday 5 August 2017.
Published on 27th July 2017
New-look free map and guide launched for Cheltenham

A new-look free map and guide to Cheltenham has been launched by Cheltenham BID to encourage more people to visit Cheltenham and help them enjoy everything the town has to offer.
Published on 25th July 2017
Grab a racquet and have a match at new look tennis courts

If you feel inspired after watching Wimbledon, now is a great time to visit Cheltenham’s tennis courts.
Published on 19th July 2017
Traders, bar providers and market stalls wanted for Cheltenham Festival of Cycling 2017 - be a part of the day

Excitement is building as the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling featuring the OVO Energy Tour of Britain Stage Seven draws closer.
Published on 3rd July 2017
Bike donations wanted for fun bike trail

The Cheltenham Festival of Cycling is now only 70 days away, and the town is getting into gear for the first event – but the help of bike owners is needed to make it a reality.
Published on 30th June 2017
Cheltenham’s Midsummer Fiesta returns this weekend!

The biggest free festival in Cheltenham is back for its seventh year this Saturday (1 July), from 12noon to 9pm, in Montpellier Gardens and promises to be bigger and better than ever!
Published on 28th June 2017
Wheels set in motion for the arrival of the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling

The launch event for the Cheltenham Festival of Cycling took place on Wednesday night.
Published on 16th June 2017
Championing cycling for all

Cheltenham Festival of Cycling is thrilled to announce that Tandemonium and Gloucestershire Wheels For All are running events and taster sessions over the summer.
Published on 9th June 2017
Cheltenham in Bloom’s annual garden competition 2017

Cheltenham’s gardening enthusiasts and businesses are invited to take part in the annual Cheltenham in Bloom gardens competition.
Published on 9th June 2017
Volunteers needed for Midsummer Fiesta, Saturday 1 July

To make Cheltenham's midsummer fiesta happen, we need the support of volunteers. Give your time and energy in making this brilliant free fiesta happen and be part of something unique!
Published on 30th May 2017
Dry stone walling taster day

On Wednesday 24 May, ten local people will be trying their hand at dry stone walling on Leckhampton Hill.
Published on 19th May 2017
Are you ready for the ride of your life?

Sponsorship opportunities as Cheltenham hosts the penultimate stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain 2017.
Published on 12th May 2017
Cheltenham ahead of the race as Tour of Britain comes to town

Cheltenham proud to host the penultimate stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain 2017.
Published on 25th April 2017
What would young people like to see at the Fiesta?

One of Cheltenham’s biggest and most popular events on the calendar will once again return to Montpellier on Saturday 1 July.
Published on 3rd February 2017
Celebrate LGBT history month this February

February will see the Cheltenham LGBT Partnership celebrating LGBT History Month in Cheltenham this year for the second time.
Published on 31st January 2017
Cheltenham's countdown to Christmas begins

The fun starts on Thursday 24 November, on the High Street and Promenade.
Published on 3rd November 2016
Cast your vote for Pittville Park today

Pittville Park nominated for Fields in Trust UK's Best Park award
Published on 2nd November 2016
Investment in Cheltenham's tourism continues as annual growth of 5% is reported

New figures released for Cheltenham have revealed that the tourism economy in Cheltenham in 2015 was worth £154 million, an increase of 5% on 2014, with overnight stays up 2% (356,300 visits) and UK visitors to the town increasing by 5%.
Published on 19th October 2016
Positive Activities grants awarded for young people

For the sixth year running, Gloucestershire County Council has invested £50,000 in Cheltenham to help deliver positive activities for young people.
Published on 31st August 2016
Pittville Park named as one of the best in Britain

First park in the county to win prestigious Green Heritage Site accreditation
Published on 2nd August 2016
Celebrating 300 years of Spa Waters in Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s mayor, Chris Ryder is hosting an afternoon tea to celebrate 300 years since the discovery of the town’s spa waters.
Published on 14th July 2016
Launch of Great British High Street competition 2016

Department for Communities and Local Government have launched this year's competition
Published on 12th July 2016
Could you play a role in the future of Cheltenham's public art?

Cheltenham’s public art panel is looking for someone to join and help deliver new and inspiring public art.
Published on 7th July 2016
Twinning visit celebrates 60 years of friendship with Annecy

The red carpet is being rolled out this Thursday when dignitaries from Cheltenham’s twin town of Annecy visit to celebrate 60 years of friendship between the two towns.
Published on 6th July 2016
The zip wire is 'awesome' and the climbing frame 'epic'

Pittville park – which now hosts Cheltenham’s biggest and newest play area – has welcomed thousands of visitors in the past few weeks.
Published on 28th June 2016
'I present my town' photography exhibition to open

An impressive selection of photographs, capturing life in twin towns Cheltenham and Annecy will go on display at The Wilson from 20 June until 12 July.
Published on 16th June 2016
Cheltenham’s first children’s festival opens next weekend

Arrangements are being finalised for Cheltenham’s first children’s festival which starts next Friday, 27 May.
Published on 20th May 2016

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