Cheltenham welcomes thousands for the November Meeting with enhanced visitor experience and safety measures

Cheltenham is set to welcome thousands of visitors for the much anticipated November Meeting, taking place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026. As one of the town’s most prestigious events, the November Meeting brings a significant boost to the local economy, supporting hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both residents and racegoers, Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and its partners have introduced a range of enhanced safety and operational measures. These include taxi compliance checks and supporting a safe evening and night-time economy. Women's safety remains a top priority, and licensed venues will operate the 'Ask for Angela/Clive' schemes, offering discreet support to anyone feeling unsafe.

In response to feedback from local communities, CBC and Gloucestershire Constabulary have introduced additional facilities and patrols on the Friday and Saturday to enhance the visitor experience and address concerns around anti-social behaviour. A visible presence of council and police officers will help ensure a welcoming environment, supported by the racecourse’s ‘Love Our Turf’ campaign, which aims to deter undesirable behaviour and encourages respectful and positive conduct from all attendees.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “The November Meeting brings thousands of visitors to Cheltenham and provides a welcome boost for local businesses, helping to support our local economy.

“We want residents and visitors alike to enjoy a safe and successful weekend, which is why, working closely with partners, we are putting a number of extra measures in place. They include enhancing patrols, extra facilities and support services, and taxi compliance checks. Together they are practical steps to help keep Cheltenham clean, safe and welcoming.”

Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham neighbourhood policing team said: "Tackling male violence and intimidation against women and girls as well as anti-social behaviour remains a priority for my team.

“We will continue to work alongside our partner agency colleagues to ensure that everyone can have a safe and memorable time during the event.

"In addition to resources working at and around the racecourse, we will have an enhanced community policing presence across the town.

"The team will be conducting high visibility patrols, with a particular focus on identified hotspots, around transport hubs, licensed premises and along popular walking routes."

Supporting a safe event

Racegoers and residents are advised to pre-book private hire vehicles or use taxis licensed by CBC from authorised ranks. Vehicles should display a roof sign and a Cheltenham licence plate.

A zero-tolerance approach to unlawful taxi activity remains in place. CBC licensing officers, supported by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Stroud District Council, will conduct checks on vehicles to ensure compliance and safety.

Other measures in place include:

Support from voluntary sector partners in the evening and night-time economy
Temporary toilets across town and key routes to the racecourse
A police community hub on the High Street outside Marks and Spencer
Taxi marshals at the Promenade taxi ranks
Joint inspections by the council’s licensing team and police to enhance public safety across licensed venues and licensed sexual entertainment venues

The November Meeting is an important event for Cheltenham, bringing visitors into the town and supporting local businesses. CBC and its partners have worked closely together to help ensure the weekend is safe, welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Residents are encouraged to share their feedback with local ward members to help shape future events.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected]

Image: Runners and riders compete in the RSA Chase on Ladies Day, during the Cheltenham Festival. Credit Visit Cheltenham

Cheltenham welcomes thousands for the November Meeting with enhanced visitor experience and safety measures

Supporting a safe event

Other measures in place include:

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