Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – there is always something to do, see and experience here in the Regency Town of Cheltenham. It has been said that we are now a people who want to experience life and living more than ever before. We want to make memories for ourselves, and our loved ones. Here in Cheltenham we have a perfect blend of events, festivals and performances, with quite literally something for everyone. Let me begin by telling you a little about some amazing things that are happening in the area. Wychwood Festival - 31st April – 2nd May - Cheltenham Racecourse This weekend, you can expect to be fully entertained with more than 100 acts including music from the world of indie, world, and folk, across four stages. Add to the mix comedy and over 100 workshops for all ages. Plus, great food and Wychwood Ales, I cannot wait! Yet another great Festival for all you fun-loving people. Cheltenham Jazz Festival - 1st – 6th May Montpellier Gardens We are eagerly awaiting this year’s Jazz Festival which brings such diverse talent to the town. From the worldwide known jazz stars in the Big Top stage in Montpellier Gardens to the Open, free events in pubs. cafes, and streets throughout town, for music lovers everywhere this is the place to be. First-release artists for this year include Jack Savoretti, Dee Dee Bridgewater and UB40. Cheltenham Science Festival - 4th - 9th June - Various locations around Cheltenham. Cheltenham Science Festival, features six days of captivating science at Imperial Gardens. Bringing together the UK’s most respected scientists, favourite science communicators, writers, and artists to talk about today’s hottest topics. This is a really exciting one for budding scientists. Cheltenham Music Festival - 6th – 13th July Come and see the UK’s leading classical music festival, bringing together eight days of live music in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham. The festival prides itself on encouraging a spirit of curiosity and welcoming bold performances. Cheltenham Literature Festival - 3rd – 13th October - Montpellier Gardens. From the world of Literature this ten-day programme includes the world’s foremost writers, thinkers and performers whilst celebrating its 75th year anniversary as the longest running Literature Festival of its kind in the world. We love this festival and have seen some unlikely performances which have been refreshing, passionate and fun. This is definitely worth visiting. Then there are some of the town’s great theatres and venues. Do not miss top notch comedy, music events and a showcase of impressive productions at the: Everyman Theatre - Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ Productions including many West End classics and highlights such as Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Addams Family Musical, Bonnie and Clyde and the Life of Pi. You can also check out the return of the Ukrainian National Opera after a stunning Cheltenham debut last year. Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre - 47-53 Bath Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7HG Cheltenham Playhouse presents a variety of captivating events, spanning genres like musicals, theatre, comedy, and more, making it a must visit venue. Enjoy the musical talent of Joao Menezes Trio, up-and-coming comic talent at the monthly Howler's Comedy Club, and a brand-new musical theatre review celebrating 130 years of the Cheltenham Operatic Dramatic Society. Dunkertons Cider – Dowdeswell Park, London Road, Charlton Kings, GL52 6UT This is such a great venue, just on the edge of Charlton Kings. This outside, inside space hosts a myriad of features, and activities for all to enjoy. Such as live music, Saturday Cinema Club, dance classes, quiz and comedy nights, crafts, and wellbeing sessions to name just a few. New for 2024 are jazz sessions which will be taking place on the first Thursday of the month from March. I always feel that I am on holiday when I visit this place, such a cool vibe, great Cider, and the best street food. A visit shouldn’t be missed. Wychwood Festival - 31st April – 2nd May - Cheltenham Racecourse This weekend, you can expect to be fully entertained with more than 100 acts including music from the world of indie, world, and folk, across four stages. Add to the mix comedy and over 100 workshops for all ages. Plus, great food and Wychwood Ales, I cannot wait! Yet another great Festival for all you fun-loving people. Cheltenham Jazz Festival - 1st – 6th May Montpellier Gardens We are eagerly awaiting this year’s Jazz Festival which brings such diverse talent to the town. From the worldwide known jazz stars in the Big Top stage in Montpellier Gardens to the Open, free events in pubs. cafes, and streets throughout town, for music lovers everywhere this is the place to be. First-release artists for this year include Jack Savoretti, Dee Dee Bridgewater and UB40. Cheltenham Science Festival - 4th - 9th June - Various locations around Cheltenham . Cheltenham Science Festival, features six days of captivating science at Imperial Gardens. Bringing together the UK’s most respected scientists, favourite science communicators, writers, and artists to talk about today’s hottest topics. This is a really exciting one for budding scientists. Cheltenham Music Festival - 6th – 13th July Come and see the UK’s leading classical music festival, bringing together eight days of live music in the Regency spa town of Cheltenham. The festival prides itself on encouraging a spirit of curiosity and welcoming bold performances. Cheltenham Literature Festival - 3rd – 13th October - Montpellier Gardens. From the world of Literature this ten-day programme includes the world’s foremost writers, thinkers and performers whilst celebrating its 75th anniversary as the longest-running Literature Festival of its kind in the world. We love this festival and have seen some unlikely performances which have been refreshing, passionate and fun. This is definitely worth visiting. Located on the Promenade in the very heart of Cheltenham, Neptune Apartments is a pleasant walk from all the action at whichever event you choose to come to Cheltenham for. Neptune Apartments is a collection of 12 stunning apartments each with their own unique look and feel. Staying at one of our individually designed apartments gives you the luxury of a 5-star hotel, but with the complete freedom to do your own thing, whenever and wherever you choose. You can book your stay at Neptune here. Information sourced from https://www.visitcheltenham.com/the-festival-town

In July 2019, Cheltenham officially branded itself as “The Festival Town”, a very apt tagline given that the town plays host to no less than 35 Festivals annually, several of which are renowned worldwide. In this blog we have singled out two, one that is just reaching its climax and one that is just on the horizon.

One of the best things about visiting Cheltenham and staying at Neptune Apartments is the varied and rich variety of shops. There really is something for everyone and in this blog we take a look at just a few of our favourites. Which will you visit?

Gloucestershire history lover and author of "Taking the Waters" (a historical fiction set in Regency Cheltenham), Lesley Sainty, was a recent guest at Neptune Apartments and shares her experience here.