Calendar of local events in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire
Bowbrook Holidays is a great base to explore the local area. There’s always plenty of events happening in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Here’s some of our favourites, whatever time of year you visit.
We will keep adding events throughout the years, but while the Covid situation keeps changing, we would definitely recommend double checking that these events are taking place and whether there are any restrictions you need to be aware of.
September 2021
Firework Champions, Eastnor Castle 4th September 2021
Head to Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire for an evening of four fantastic firework displays.
It is one of the best firework events in the UK, so bring a picnic or grab food and drink at the event. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the music before a splendid evening of four spectacular displays all precisely set to music. You’ll also witness an amazing Drone Light show – something brand new to the UK, with lasers and an aerobatic performance from world renowned AeroSparx.
The UK’s leading summer firework event is run as a competition with three teams firing against each other.
Malvern Autumn Show, 24th – 26th September 2021
A charming celebration of food, gardening and nostalgia, the Malvern Autumn Show at the Three Counties Showground promises to be a fun-filled family affair as the ultimate harvest festival returns on 24th, 25th and 26th September.
Tantalise your taste buds with a trip to the Food and Drink Hall or discover delicacies from local producers in the Artisan Food Market.
Local arts and crafts from across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire will also be on sale.
October 2021
Kurt Jackson: Clay Country exhibition, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum until 20th November
Kurt Jackson will be exhibiting at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum all through the autumn until 20th November.
At the start of his artistic career, Jackson travelled extensively, painting wherever he went before putting down roots in Cornwall in 1984.
His art ranges from plein-air sessions to studio work and embraces an extensive range of materials and techniques, including mixed media, large canvases, print-making and sculpture.
Jackson’s focus on the complexity, diversity and fragility of the natural world has led to artist-in-residencies on the Greenpeace ship Esperanza, the Eden Project and, for nearly 20 years, Glastonbury Festival, which has become a staple of his annual working calendar.
The Change in Ladies’ Costume, Sudeley Castle until 31st October
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire has an exhibition of the change in ladies’ fashion from 1066 until 1980, running until 31st October.
The exhibition features an extensive collection of 74 dolls immaculately dressed in exquisite, hand-made costumes spanning a millennium.
The collection took five years to create. Visitors can see the change in ladies clothing over nearly 1,000 years, depicted in miniature form, with exceptional attention to detail. There is everything from a Saxon dress worn around the time of William the Conqueror to 1980s power dressing.
Each individual costume took creator Lisa Jayne Smith between two hours and two weeks to create. The collection even includes a majestic miniature model in an ornate early Tudor dress, which can also be seen on life-size models in the main exhibition.
Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission price.
Cheltenham Literature Festival 8th – 17th October 2021
For book lovers everywhere, The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is the only place to be each autumn.
Meet your favourite authors, as the festival welcomes the world’s greatest writers and thinkers to the town, with a packed calendar of book events to suit all ages and tastes.
Frightmare at Over Farm, Gloucester, 9th – 31st October
Taking place on Thursdays to Saturdays only, Frightmare is Gloucestershire’s biggest Halloween event.
The multi-attraction event is held at Over Farm, just outside Gloucester, every October. Activities push the boundaries of human emotion, triggering fear, fun and everything in between.
Visitors will be scared, they will laugh and they will have the best time.
Spooky new attractions for 2021 are:
· Carnival - The Killing Booth
· Haunted Hayride
· The Offering - Cataclysm
· Seance
· Caged - The Battle
·
Wonderland: 20/20
Frightmare is open from 7pm on event nights.
Spooky Halloween at Ralph Court Gardens, Bromyard, 17th – 31st October
Ralph Court Gardens in Bromyard, Herefordshire, plays host to the Spooky Halloween event.
With glowing pumpkins, smoke effects, spooky sounds and animated Halloween characters, the three-acre garden is transformed for a scary event suitable for all ages.
Visit the flower seller and take advantage of the free coffin measuring service. See the animatronic witches making special potions in the coven.
In the evening, visit the Ralph family in the haunted house and choose whether you want a mild scare or a proper fright in the haunted manor.
The Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse, 22nd – 23rd October
Kicking off the new jump racing season at Cheltenham Racecourse, The Showcase promises two days of thrilling racing action.
As the first full capacity event at the racecourse in more than 18 months, fans will be chomping at the bit for The Showcase.
This first fixture of the 2021-2022 season will see leading jockeys, horses and trainers return to jump racing’s most famous arena to showcase their promising stars of the season.
Cotswold Farm Park Pumpkin Patch, 22nd – 31st October
Is it even Halloween if you don’t visit a pumpkin patch?
Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, Gloucestershire, is opening up its pumpkin patch for autumnal activities.
Wrap up warm and head over to the field to explore the pumpkin trail and choose a spooky face paint design. Once you’ve enjoyed some October activities, grab yourself a pumpkin to take home for crafts and pies.
Entry to the field (plus a free pumpkin token) is included in the Farm Park admission - don’t forget to buy tickets online in advance. Pumpkin field only tickets are also available.
November 2021
Tewkesbury Festival of Lights, 2nd – 5th November
Enjoy an immersive walking journey through Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire, as light and sound art transform the majestic space, telling the unique story of the town and history of the Abbey.
The sound and light show was created by award-winning collaboration, Luxmuralis, featuring artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper.
The festival will take place on the evenings of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th November.
The Festival of Lights is suitable for visitors of all ages. Tickets are on sale and advance booking is essential.
The November Meeting, 12th – 14th November, Cheltenham Racecourse
Hailed as one of the major highlights of the British jump racing calendar, The November Meeting will be returning to Cheltenham Racecourse from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th November 2021.
Celebrating all things rural, Countryside Day takes place on 12th November, featuring six excellent races, including The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase. The opening day will also feature a fantastic array of countryside pursuits.
Paddy Power Day on 13th November promises fantastic racing – with seven action-packed races, including the anticipated Paddy Power Gold Cup. Racegoers can also head to the Shopping Village featuring over 70 stands selling everything from couture bags to artwork. And local favourites, The Chip Shop Boys, will be playing after the racing in The Centaur.
As the only Sunday race day during the season, Sunday 14th November is a fantastic family day. Under 18s will get in free of charge and there is a host of free family activities, including face painting and appearances from Peppa Pig throughout the day.
Winter Glow, Three Counties Showground 12th November 2021 – 9th January 2022
Winter Glow brings four festive experiences to one central location at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.
Immerse yourself in the season, with daytime entertainment and extra special experiences through to night-time fun.
Winter Glow starts with the opening of the ice rink, followed by the Illuminated Light Trail and Malvern’s first giant observation wheel, with personalised Santa experiences running throughout December.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light 26th November – 30th December 2021
Sudeley Castle’s magical after-dark experience, now in its sixth year, takes a new illuminated trail around the beautiful castle grounds.
Discover the new Light Curve and the flickering flames of the Queen’s garden. Gaze at the sparkling water features and the mesmerising Carpet of Colour. Enjoy light beams, lanterns and much, much more.
Sip festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate as you follow the magical trail in Winchcombe.
Enchanted Light Trail, Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire, 26th November – 31st December
Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, Gloucestershire, hosts the Enchanted Light Trail from the end of November right through the festive season.
Let the lights guide you on an enchanted stroll through the farm park after hours.
The Enchanted Light Trail is a spectacular night time journey of magical lights and sounds around the farm park. There is a set trail to follow, which takes you from the visitor centre area right the way to the park’s boundaries and back.
There will be crackling fire pits and a festive shop perfect for present buying. Hot food and drink will be available at various points along the route.
Ride with Santa/ Santa Express GWSR Railway, Gloucestershire, 27th November – 24th December
The GWSR heritage railway in Gloucestershire offers two opportunities for meeting Santa this Christmas.
Ride with Santa travels from Toddington to Broadway and back. Father Christmas and his elves will be on board the train, chatting to families and handing out presents to children.
The Santa Express travels from Toddington to Winchcombe and back. Families get off the train at Winchcombe, ready to meet the big man in his North Pole grotto.
Early online booking is essential!
Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains, Kidderminster, 27th November – 24th December
Your vintage steam train awaits at the beautifully decorated Kidderminster station in Worcestershire, ready to take you on an adventure into Christmas!
Everyone will receive a drink and festive treat as they settle into their own private compartments, before steaming through delightfully decorated stations to Arley.
Jump off the train to be entertained by the all new professional Christmas show, as Jingle and Jangle enjoy some festive fun. You'll hopefully catch a glimpse of Santa himself, as he prepares for the biggest night of the year.
Back on the train, present-shaped surprises will be waiting for all children before the train steams back to Kidderminster.
King Arthur: The Panto, Roses Theatre 27th November – 31st December 2021
It’s a brand new panto for Tewkesbury. Oh yes, it is!
King Arthur: The Panto has been specially created for The Roses by Maurice Gran (BAFTA-winning writer of Birds of a Feather) and Nick Wilkes (Malvern Bard).
It tells the tale of a humble baker’s boy from Medieval Tewkesbury destined to become King of Wessex. But first he has to overcome the dragon and the evil Sir Mordred.
Expect scones, stones, swords, laughter, danger, princesses, heroes, villains, dragons, wizards, magic, music, brave knights, foolish jesters and lots and lots of fun!
December 2021
Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival, 1st December – 2nd January
Worcester Cathedral celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with an avenue of glittering Christmas trees. The trees are all beautifully decorated by local organisations, schools, charities and businesses and displayed in the atmospheric medieval cloister daily.
Entry to see the Christmas Tree Festival is by advanced booking with a timed ticket.
Peter Pan, Malvern Theatres 9th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022
Awash with swash and buckle, Malvern’s favourite funnyman, Mark James, is back at Malvern Theatres with Peter Pan.
Adapted from the book by J M Barrie, expect laughs galore as Peter flies from Neverland into the Worcestershire town. Oh yes, he does!
March 2022
The Festival at Cheltenham 15th-18th March 2022
Crowds are set to return for The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2022.
With four packed days of racing and 28 races, watch some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys go head-to-head. The week culminates with the iconic Cheltenham Gold Cup – the jump racing event of the year.
June 2022
Mello Festival Platinum Jubilee Celebration 2nd – 5th June 2022
Set in the beautiful Severn End Country Estate in Hanley Swan, Worcestershire, Mello Festival is a free family festival taking place over the four days of the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
Wychwood Festival 3rd- 5th June 2022
Wychwood Festival is a music festival for all the family, taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse.
The UK’s favourite family festival has something for everyone, with over 100 acts performing across four stages, plus music, dance and arts workshops, a circus school and a programme of talks, debates and comedy for all ages.
With day and weekend tickets and optional camping, Wychwood has been nominated as Best Family Festival every year at the UK Festival awards.
Cheltenham Science Festival 9th – 12th June 2022
Nothing is off limits at Cheltenham Science Festival. Every year the festival is joined by the world’s greatest scientists, futurologists and thought-leaders to help make sense of the world around us.
With past speakers including Brian Cox, Helen Sharman, Giles Yeo, Helen Czerski, Robert Winston, Alice Roberts, Hannah Fry, Richard Dawkins, Jessica Barker, Dallas Campbell, Stefan Gates, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Maddie Moate and Greg Foot, the festival is the perfect place to expand your mind. Join in for debate, discovery, experiments, enjoyment and hands-on fun.
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