Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
After a two-year hiatus, Wychwood Festival is back – and as brilliant fun as ever. One of the best family festivals in the UK, this three-day bonanza, taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse, has a run of thrilling acts planned. With four stages, headliners include disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor, English folk-rock band Levellers and Scottish rockers Deacon Blue. Then there’s a comedy stage, workshops (try the circus activities), children’s literature festival, real ale festival, Headphone Disco, healing gardens and even yoga. Plus you can do a spot of shopping, with a lovely array of handmade homewares on display from artists and artisans.
3rd to 5th June.
3rd to 5th June. Cheltenham Racecourse. Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014; www.wychwoodfestival.com
Comedy Nights at Dunkertons Cider
Get set for an evening of laughter at Dunkertons Cider. Organised by genius Scallywags creator, John Wagstaffe, enjoy a line-up of top comedians that will have you in stitches from start to finish. A monthly event, this June sees an excellent line-up: police officer-turned-comedian Alfie Moore who will be cracking out comedy moments from over 20 years in the force. Then there’s Peter Brush with his razor-sharp quirky one-liners and Scott Bennett with wry observations on the absurdity of modern living. And, of course, grab a pint (or two) of Dunkerton’s award-winning deep flavoured organic cider and perry – the Black Fox cider is wonderfully refreshing.
26th June. Dunkertons Cider, Dowdeswell Park, London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6UT. 01242 650 147; www.dunkertonscider.co.uk
Howlers Comedy Club’s Edinburgh Festival Previews at Cheltenham Playhouse
Continuing the laughter… Much-loved Howlers Comedy Club has taken up a monthly residency at Cheltenham Playhouse. And they’ve got plenty of great things in the offing – including previews from some of the biggest comedy talents who will be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival this summer. Taking to the stage in Cheltenham will be Paul McCaffery, who was described by GQ magazine as ‘never anything less than gut-bustlingly hilarious', award-winning comedian Stephen Grant, curator of the Forge Comedy Club (Britain’s most advanced comedy venue), and the ‘gleefully provocative’ Fin Taylor.
22nd & 23rdJune. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA. 01626 836846; www.craftfestival.co.uk
Fresh Art Fair at Cheltenham Racecourse
Returning for its fifth year in Cheltenham, Fresh will be wowing the town once more, hosting 50 leading galleries from across the country. Showcasing over 500 UK and international artists, expect works from both up-and-coming talent and big names including Miro, Haring, Emin, Riley and Matisse. There’ll be 6,000 original prints and paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics from as little as £100 to £30,000 or more. And as if that wasn’t enough- enjoy cafes, talks (catch Alison Bevan talking about collecting art) and artist demos. Bonhams will also be on hand to offer free art valuations and advice on pre-contemporary artwork.
10th to 12th June. Cheltenham Racecourse. Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 224734; www.freshartfair.net