Posted on May 20, 2021
As summer rolls around, this year we’re seeing the return of events in The Cotswolds, from food festivals to theatre and live music, and we absolutely cannot wait to book our tickets and make the most of summer!
There’s nothing quite like sampling gorgeous food al fresco while watching Pretty Women outside a stately manor, or getting dressed up for a special night out. Check out some of the events we’re excited to attend this summer...
The Big Feastival
Where: Alex James’ Farm, Kingham
27 - 29 August 2021
Taking place on Alex James’ stunning Cotswolds farm, The Big Feastival is a summer highlight in The Cotswolds and a guaranteed fun bank holiday weekend packed full of all the good food and good music. Bringing together music from the UK’s biggest artists, Michelin star chefs live on stage and award-winning street food, this festival is the perfect way to end summer.
If you’re looking to do more than eat gorgeous food and sing from the top of your lungs, the feastival has a plethora of activities lined up such as silent discos, cookery sessions, wild workshops, crafting and so much more that you’re practically spoilt for choice.
Book your tickets and find out more over on their website.
The Alfresco Film Company
Several screenings through July and August
Make summer better and enjoy outdoor screenings of classic films such as Pretty Women, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future and more, brought to you by the Alfresco Film Company. With screenings throughout July and August at the gorgeous Cowley Manor near Cheltenham or Cirencester Park.
Either book yourself a ‘best seats in house’ ticket with deckchairs and blankets or come along with a picnic blanket and some cosy layers for a fun evening outdoors. Each screening has amazing local food and drink producers in attendance to keep you full and content!
Check out screenings over on The Alfresco Film Company website.
Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta
25 - 27 June
The Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta will be drifting back to Cheltenham Racecourse this June! Come along to admire numerous balloons dotted across the sky, bringing lots of colour to your Cotswolds summer’s day.
On top of the fantastic balloon displays and evening balloon glows where you can appreciate the fiery power behind these flying machines, the fiesta will also have thrilling live arena entertainment, a giant fun fair, local traders and food and drink.
Find out more and book your tickets over on their website.
Gifford Circus
Giffords Circus is a vintage village green circus that tours the UK every summer and will be coming to multiple locations across The Cotswolds including Sudeley Castle, Daylesford and many more. Going beyond your typical circus, it’s a magical nod to the old fashioned circus with a glamorous twist.
It’s a laugh-out-loud show that appeals to both young and old, with an eclectic, cult following of local farmers, rock stars and A-list celebrities. Step inside the tent into a colourful mad world of acrobats, jugglers, musicians, dancers and Tweedy the Clown.
Their touring show for 2021 is called The Hooley, from the imagination of Nell Gifford who dreamt up the show with Director Cal McCrystal. There will be fairies, trolls, pixies, leprechauns, wild horses, Celtic music and dancing and all the magic Giffords Circus is known for.
Visit their website to book your tickets and get down with the fairy folk!
Longborough Festival Opera
1 June - 3 August
Nestled on a hillside with views over the tranquil Cotswolds hills, Longborough Festival Opera is one of our favourite cultural events to enjoy this summer. If you’ve always wanted to experience opera but have yet to dip your toes into these type of elegant affairs, Longborough is perfect for you. Not only can you bask in the sunshine while listening to beautiful opera, but each performance also includes a 90-minute dining interval, allowing you time to relax and enjoy the picturesque grounds.
Bring a picnic and find a spot with a view of the beautiful Cotswold landscape, or make your visit complete by pre-ordering one of their delicious picnics presented in a hamper including cutlery, plates, napkins and glassware.
The 2021 Festival includes Wagner's Die Walküre, Mozart's Così fan tutte, Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses, and Janácek's The Cunning Little Vixen.
Book your tickets online here.
Shine House Tours
16 September
Last and certainly by no means least, this September you'll get the opportunity to step inside stylish Cotswolds homes that you normally only ever see in magazines. Put the 16th September in your diaries as Shine House Tours will be hosting their inaugural event to raise funds for The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre and Sharvell Property are so proud to be the main sponsor.
The charity event will be a homes and interiors day out, giving interiors lovers the opportunity to step inside some of the Cotswolds’ most stylish homes. The tours will not only offer a wonderful day out in the Cotswolds, but are designed to give creative inspiration.
Tickets are available to purchase here with all profits going to the Nelson Trust Women's Centre. On top of giving you an all-access pass to these gorgeous houses, you'll also receive a high value goody bag.