Events in Gloucestershire, UK

Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds play host to many events throughout the year. From traditional annual events to the more quirky and unusual events – not to be missed!

Cheese Rolling (which is much as it sounds) and the Cotswolds Olympic Games (which often includes a shin kicking competition) are two very popular events in Gloucestershire. Novelty they may be to visitors, but to local people they are serious traditions – and they attract enthusiastic participation.

The UK Gloucestershire town of Cheltenham offers a world-standard series of festivals from the Cheltenham Gold Cup horse racing festival to Literature, Jazz and Science festivals.

At a local level, around Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, you’ll find events such as farmers’ markets, music festivals such as Longborough Opera (music in a chicken barn!), jousting and historical enactments at some of our castles and (our favourite tip) local ‘fetes’ where you can meet the locals on their own terms.

Participate or spectate – but build a few events into your advance plans or check local Tourist Information centres once you’ve arrived.