The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
It’s true that all roads lead to The Festival but the magic starts at The November Meeting. And, as ever, it’s action-packed. The Countryside Day kicks things off in style with six thrilling races including The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase and The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase. The Saturday, Paddy Power Day, should not be missed with the iconic Paddy Power Gold Cup. Family Fun Day tops off the weekend. The perfect place for your tribe to let off steam, there’s lots to do, from a bouncy castle to face-painting plus TV character Bing will be making personal appearances throughout the day.
12th to 14th November. Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH. 01242 513 014; www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Mark Your Card at The Hollow Bottom
Hotfoot it to The Hollow Bottom, Gloucestershire’s premier racing pub, in Guiting Power and settle down beside our roaring open fire for Mark Your Card. A night of pre-race fun and free bets, we’ve lined up a fantastic panel hosted by racing broadcaster Alex Steedman and featuring leading jockey Sam Twiston-Davies and Luke Tarr of Star Sports. In between, savour fine local ales and hearty seasonal fare. Made using the best of local produce, tuck into the likes of Fish & Chips and Lucky Onion favourites such as the Double Gloucester Cheese Soufflé or Crispy Gammon Terrine and Glazed Gammon Hock.
7PM on 11th November. The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5UX. Book Now at www.hollowbottom.com or call 01451 611 111.
No.131 Afterparty with ITV Racing’s Chris Hughes and Luke Harvey
For the best races afterparty in town, get yourself down to No.131, our beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of Cheltenham. Following the first day of Cheltenham’s Open Meeting, we’ve got a spectacular evening planned, hosted by Barry Geraghty (the second most successful jockey of all time at the Cheltenham Festival) and ITV Racing’s Chris Hughes and Luke Harvey. Get ready for a run-through of the day’s action and expert insights into the next two days racing plus a couple of fun games to boot and even better banter. There’s a glass of Nyetimber on arrival, private bar and delicious slider buffet, casino tables plus DJ till late. Set to be a sell-out.
12th November. No.131, 131 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW. 01242 822 939. Book now at www.no131afterparty.eventbrite.co.uk.
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Enjoy a magical after-dark experience with this new illuminated trail around the stunning grounds and enchanting woodland of Sudeley Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in England. There will be wonderful music, too, as you discover exciting surprises around every corner with sparkling water features, light beams, lanterns and much more. This includes the new Light Curve, the flickering flames of the Queen’s Garden and the mesmerising Carpet of Colour. Keep yourself warm with spiced mulled wine or hot chocolate, accompanied by a mouth-watering doughnut from the Castle Terrace.
26th November to 30th December. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5LP. 01242 604 244; www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Rob Brydon at Cheltenham Town Hall
Much-loved Welsh comedian, actor and presenter, Rob Brydon is coming to town for a great evening of toe-tapping tunes and side-splitting laughter. Best known for feel-good TV favourites such as Would I Lie to You?, James Corden’s Gavin & Stacey and The Trip with Steve Coogan, his new show sees him swapping the screen for the stage. Featuring a sensational live band, ‘A Night of Songs and Laughter’ tells Brydon’s personal musical journey from South Wales to the West End and beyond. With a hugely entertaining and brilliantly unexpected selection of songs, gear up for wonderful tales from his distant and recent past.
22nd November. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA. 01242 528 764; www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk