The April Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
It’s no easy task following The Festival however The April Meeting makes a brilliant job of it – plus there’s far less crowds. The final chance to watch the professionals test themselves on the track before the summer break, it’s a thrilling two days of races – don’t miss The Ballymore Silver Trophy Chase on ‘Wonderful Wednesday’. Then there’s ‘Tremendous Thursday’ – another super competitive race day thanks to The British EBF Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase Finale. In between, there’s plenty of fun to be had – particularly for families, with a horse shoe bouncy castle, rosette making and Junior Jumpers.
13th and 14th April. Cheltenham Racecourse. Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014; www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
One of Europe’s leading jazz festivals, the much-loved Cheltenham Jazz Festival is back. And it’s better than ever with a stellar line-up of international headline acts, cutting-edge jazz and unique collaborations. Offering the chance to dip into many different styles of the genre, there will be large-scale concerts, intimate club shows, world premieres, masterclasses, family-friendly shows and many free events. Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum, James Bay, Paloma Faith, Emeli Sandé, Tom Odell, Nubya Garcia, Corinne Bailey Rae, Gabrielle and Nitin Sawhney are amongst the names announced. As Jamie Cullum put it: ‘It’s one of the best jazz festivals in the world.’
27th April to 2nd May. Various venues across Cheltenham. 01242 850270; www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz
Stand Up for Urkraine at The Everyman Theatre
In solidarity and support of the people of Ukraine, Cheltenham’s much-loved Everyman Theatre is putting on a special evening of world-class laughter, music and magic. So, gear up for a fantastic array of performances, from impressionist Rory Bremner to sketch actor Ben Miller to renowned comedian Dom Joly. The EveryVoice Choir featuring Ukrainian Soloist Nadia Postolatii will also be performing and Sir Michael Morpurgo will be doing a special reading. All proceeds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.
2nd April. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573; everymantheatre.org.uk
Icons of British Abstraction at Paragon Gallery
A spectacular journey through modern British art, Icons of British Abstraction brings together a Who’s Who of abstract British painters and printmakers – think Sandra Blow RA, Sir Terry Frost RA, John Hoyland RA, Paul Huxley RA, Bruce McLean and Barbara Rae RA. Showcasing a selection of original etchings, screenprints, monotypes and unique works on paper, the exhibition will explore the radiant and lyrical approach to imagery born from a group of artists for whom paint is the stuff of life itself, vital and mystical as well as visual. Pioneers and relentless experimenters, each artist represents an expansion of the possibilities of image-making.
2nd to 16th April. Paragon Gallery, 4 Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1SW. 01242 233391; www.paragongallery.co.uk