Cotswolds Events Calendar What's On 2012

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January

2012

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February

2012

Sunday 5 February 2012 - Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra providing a boost for A Level Music Students

Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra (GSO) returns to Stroud Subscription Rooms on 5th Feb with an afternoon of Classics for everyone featuring Gloucestershire born violinist Elin White.

The orchestra is aiming to support A Level music students by featuring music in the concert which are set works in the current A Level music syllabus.  The concert is preceded by an the orchestral workshop at 3pm, in which conductor Mark Finch takes a light-hearted yet informative look at the first two movements from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 (AQA – AS level, 2012) and the Sinfonia, Gavotta and Vivo from Stravinsky’s Pulcinella (Edexcel – A2 level, 2012) of both general and particular interest to those studying them at A level.
Conductor Mark Finch said:
“The orchestra takes a keen interest in supporting young musicians so we are delighted to be providing a platform for the hugely talented young Gloucestershire musician Elin White.  This time we are also presenting a great opportunity for A level music students to hear some of this year’s set works played live with the added value of a workshop which will highlight some of the key features of the works.  And for anyone under 19 the admission price for the concert and workshop is just  £1” .

Concert Details:
Workshop starts 3pm. Concert starts 4.30
Concert Programme: Stravinsky Pulcinella – ballet suite
Bruch Violin Concerto in G minor. Soloist Elin White
Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 1
Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C
Tickets £12 / concessions £10 / under 19s £1 (workshop free to ticketholders)
Available from Stroud Subscription Rooms - 01453 760900 - tic@stroud.gov.uk
Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra – more info www.gloucestershiresymphony.org.uk/

For Places to Stay in the area see - Stroud Accommodation

Wednesday 8th February 2012 at 7.30pm - The Theatre, Chipping Norton.

Please join us for a Charity Auction being held to raise funds for The Theatre, Chipping Norton.

This exciting event is planned as the first in a series of annual auctions and is being organised by a keen supporter of The Theatre. We hope to raise £15,000 from the evening which will be officially opened by Cotswold based celebrity and guest of honour Robert Hardy CBE and will see a desirable collection of valuable prizes auctioned by guest auctioneer Sam Butler of Butler Sherborn.

Entry tickets cost £12, including complimentary drinks and canapés, and are available in person from The Theatre’s Box Office in Goddard’s Lane, Chipping Norton (opposite the library), via 01608 642350 or online at www.chippingnortontheatre.com.

A raffle will also take place on the day with tickets available beforehand and at the event. They can be purchased from Gayle Eastell on 01608 642242, from The Gallery at The Theatre during its special open hours (Wed, Fri & Sat 11am-3pm) or from Box Office in person when making other ticket purchases.
We are most grateful to Lycetts, headline sponsors of this event and to associate sponsors Cromwell Park Dental Careand Travis Perkins.

For further information, or if you are unable to attend but would like to support by making a donation in lieu, please contact fundraising@chippingnortontheatre.com 01608 649109.

The Theatre is a registered charity (No. 268154) which receives no national funding and whose local authority funding has recently been reduced. In addition to its varied programme of live shows and films, it offers a wide range of Community & Education activities for all age groups and interests and works with local schools and arts organisations to share its facilities and expertise. For more information please visit www.chippingnortontheatre.com.

For more information about - Chipping Norton. For - accommodation in Chipping Norton

8th February 2012 - Concert at Cheltenham Town Hall 19.30

Vaughan Williams: Extracts from Scott of the Antarctic
Cecilia McDowall: Seventy Degrees Below Zero world premiere
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 7 Sinfonia Antartica

Robert Murray tenor
Stephen Layton conductor

Cheltenham Town hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA

Book now.

This landmark concert tour retraces the steps of Captain Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in music, images and words. Excerpts from Vaughan Williams’s film score Scott of the Antarctic are interwoven with moving readings from Scott’s diary, along with the world premiere of Cecilia McDowall’s new piece setting music to words by poet Seán Street, who uses as his inspiration entries in the Scott journals.

In partnership with the Scott Polar Research Institute

Supported by Arts Council, England, the Colwinston Trust, the RVW Trust, the Summerfield Charitable Trust and the Vaughan Williams Charitable Trust.

Tickets: £30.00, £25.00, £10.00, concessions available.

Saturday 11 February 2012 7.30 pm - Wotton Concert Series at St Mary the Virgin, Culverhay, Wotton-under-Edge, GL12 7LS

Mozart: A Musical Life
Mozart's inspired First Symphony, brimming with youthful optimism sits in marked contrast to hisRequiem in which the composer confronts his own mortality. Also in this concert, excerpts from Mozart's rarely played but magnificent Thamos King of Egypt.

For further information - www.wottonconcertseries.co.uk

Camers Snowdrop Week in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Mon 20th – Fri 25th February
Daily 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Address: Camers, Badminton Road, Old Sodbury, BS37 6RG
Website: www.camers.org

For information about - Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury and Little Sodbury

Event: LUXURY ANTIQUES WEEKEND AT TORTWORTH COURT HOTEL

Venue: Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 8HH

Date: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February 2012

Opening Hours: Friday 11am – 6pm, Saturday 10.30am – 6pm, Sunday 10.30am – 5pm

Tickets: £5, including catalogue and re-admission

Enquiries: The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, Telephone: +44 (0)1797 252030 or info@adfl.co.uk

Transport: By Road: M5, Junction 14, AA signposted, free parking

Airports: Bristol Airport, 24 miles Birmingham Airport, 83 miles

Railway Stations: Bristol Temple Meads, 17 miles, Bristol Parkway, 11 miles

Charity: Help for Heroes, registered charity No. 6363256 (www.helpforheroes.org.uk)

Supported by: Strutt & Parker

Website: www.tortworthcourtfair.com

March

2012

3 March 2012 - Church of the Holy Innocents, Highnam near Gloucester

ENGLAND’S 20TH CENTURY MUSICAL RENAISSANCE

We spread our cloths under your feet – ‘but tread softly because you tread on our dreams…’

For our forthcoming 2012 Spring concert season, Cantores are thrilled to be performing some of the most inspiring works from England’s magnificent 20th century musical renaissance, what’s more doing so in the splendour of two of the country’st most beautiful Parish Churches – the Church of the Holy Innocents in Highnam, just outside Gloucester, and John the Baptist in Cirencester. Web: www.cantores.net/

Information about Gloucester - See also Gloucester Accommodation

Thursday 8 March 2012 - The Gloucestershire Community Foundation will be holding a Charity Spring Fair at The Inn at Fossebridge.

The fair is the perfect opportunity to find something special for Mother’s Day and Easter. 10am – 4pm.

Once again local Gloucestershire companies will be showcasing their businesses, including adult and children’s clothing, jewellery, accessories, gifts and items for the home as well as locally made artisan preserves and marmalades. There will also be a cookery masterclass with chef, Matt Wardman, giving a demonstration for Easter entertaining.

Tickets on the door are £3.50 and includes a cup of locally roasted coffee donated by Rocket Coffee.

Thursday 8th March

Free valuations 10am – 3pm

UPSTAIRS AT HUFFKINS COFFEE SHOP
THE SQUARE, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

 Donations to Helen & Douglas House

AUCTION ENTRIES INVITED
– Inc’ Jewellery, Silver, Gold, Coins, Medals, Paintings, Clocks, Watches, Objet D’art, Antiques, etc, etc.

J.P.Humbert Auctioneers Ltd, www.jphumbert.com, 01327 359595

10 March to 18 March 2012 - Tetbury English Tourism Week

The week will promote tourism in a year when record numbers of tourists are expected to visit the country for the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

For more information about - Tetbury

For Places to Stay see - Tetbury Accommodation

Two days of excellent countryside demonstrations in the indoor and outdoor arenas, Fabulous shopping opportunities including country clothing, rifles, gun accessories, gundog equipment, feed, stalking equipment and much more.

10 March 2012 - Church of the Holy Innocents, Cirencester

ENGLAND’S 20TH CENTURY MUSICAL RENAISSANCE

We spread our cloths under your feet – ‘but tread softly because you tread on our dreams…’

For our forthcoming 2012 Spring concert season, Cantores are thrilled to be performing some of the most inspiring works from England’s magnificent 20th century musical renaissance, what’s more doing so in the splendour of two of the country’st most beautiful Parish Churches – the Church of the Holy Innocents in Highnam, just outside Gloucester, and John the Baptist in Cirencester. Web: www.cantores.net/

Cirencester Accommodation - See also Information about Cirencester

13th to 16th March 2012 - National Hunt Festival (Gold Cup Week)

The World Famous National Hunt Racing Festival at Cheltenham racecourse. 01242 513014 Cheltenham Racing.

Friday 16 March 2012 - 8pm - Northleach Church - FROM THE HEART

Electric and Acoustic Gospel themed music with Rock, Blues, Country and Classical influences.

Featuring Mary-Jess - an exciting and beautiful young singer with an exquisite voice.  At just 19 years old she won the Chinese version of the 'X' Factor.  She has toured with Russell Watson.  She is the voice on the Downton Abbey theme tune.

Also appearing: Africa Rejoice: Liz Leaverland: Regine Candler: Nancy March: Gilly Elkin.

In the band: The Little Big Horns, Mike Kellie, Rob Mason, Gerry & Gill Hopkin: John Broomhall: Greg Lake: Tony Kelsey: Bill Hunt: Gordon Jackson: Poli Palmer
Plus a surprise performance by an international recording star.

In advance £5.  On the door £6.

Tickets from:
Northleach: The Post Office: The Red Lion
Bourton-on-the-Water: The Living Green Centre
Contacts: 01451 820274/861195
emails: gordini@living-green.co.uk

All profits to G.E.A.R. to support Gloucestershire's Homeless

Saturday 17 March 2012 - La Serenissima - a celebration of Venetian music" at Tewkesbury Abbey

The Cheltenham Bach Choir and His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts will be performing “La Serenissima – a celebration of Venetian music” at Tewkesbury Abbey, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5RZ on Saturday 17th March 2012 at 19:30.

This concert brings the music that used to echo round the cupolas of St.Mark's, Venice, to the wonderful vaulted space of Tewkesbury Abbey. The programme includes works by Claudio Monteverdi, Alessandro Grandi, Giovanni Bassano, Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli, and Heinrich Schütz.

The Cheltenham Bach Choir and His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts will be joined by soloists Zoë Bonner and Eleanor Briggs  (sopranos), Mark Bushby and Benedict Hymas (tenors), and Yair Polishook and Peter Mills (basses). The performance will be conducted by Stephen Jackson.

Tickets (£20, £17.50, £15, £10. Students £8) are available from Tewkesbury Abbey Shop (01684 276655 Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm), online from shop@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk, or at the door on the night.

For further information about His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts see http://www.hmsc.co.uk/, and about the Cheltenham Bach Choir see http://www.cheltenhambachchoir.org.uk. The Cheltenham Bach Choir is Registered Charity No. 261961.

For Places to Stay see - Tewkesbury Accommodation.
For more about the town see - Tewkesbury Tourist Information

17 March 2012 - The Rotary Club of Worcester Wychavon is presenting the award and championship winning Flowers Band in Pershore Abbey.

Start 7-30 pm.

This is a Charity Concert in aid of the Acorns Children's Hospice, in Bath Road, Worcester.
Tickets are available price £12-00 from BLUE, Broad Street, Pershore or telephone 01386 462202

Jubilate Chamber Choir sings:

J.S. Bach - Mass in B Minor

Saturday 17th March 2012 at 7.30pm
St Mary's Parish Church, Church Street,
Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.GL53 8JJ

The mass is widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of classical music containing a variety of choral styles with the choir singing in up to 8 parts at times.

Jubilate is delighted to welcome Emma Kirkby as one of the soprano soloists to perform an intimate version of this choral masterpiece.

Tickets £15.00,  £12.00 (Senior citizens),  £10.00 (under 25s)  available in advance from Musical Instruments, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham (Tel: 01242  517635) or at the door. 

Further information:  www.jubilatechamberchoir.co.uk

For Places to Stay see - Cheltenham Accommodation

19 March 2012 - Kempley Daffodil Weekend, Stalls & Raffle.

Guided walks from the Village Hall.
Walks at 11.00am (6 miles), 2.00pm (3-4 miles), 2.30pm (1-2 miles). St Mary's Church will be open to see ancient frescoes. Daff & Ride bus, approx every 20/30 minutes. Free car parking.

Kempley Village Hall 01531 822468. For further information about Gloucestershire Daffodil Way.

28 March 2012 - Charity Pamper Evening and Shopping Event

All treatments £10! - For more details, to purchase tickets and book treatments contact Claire Duffy 01242 524478

Charity Pamper Evening and Shopping Event, in support of the National Star College at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel (GL3 4PB) on Wednesday 28th March, 5pm to 9pm

• Spa Treatments
• Tarot Reading
• Photographic Studio
• Shopping
• Make-up Artist
• Plus lots more!

Spa treatments available on the night include; mini manicures, mini pedicures, scalp massage, back, neck and shoulder massage, foot ritual, eyebrow shape, eyebrow wax and the exciting new fish pedicure!

April

2012

Sun April 1st 2012, 7.30pm - Burford Parish Church

Burford Singers,  Conductor Brian Kay, Dream of Gerontius by Elgar. Postal booking for tickets opens on February 4th and telephone and booking in person on February 18th at The Madhatter Bookshop 122 High St. Burford OX18 4QJ. (01993 822539).

Booking forms available from www.burford-singers.org.uk, The Madhatter Bookshop 122 High St. Burford OX18 4 QJ. (01993 822539) or any choir member.

Information about - Burford Town
For Places to Stay see - Burford Accommodation

1st April 2012 - The Carice Singers will be performing a concert entitled 'Cotswold Composers' at St. Gregory's Church, Tredington in South Warwickshire

With music by Elgar, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Howells and more, the Carice Singers will take you on a musical tour of one of England's most outstanding areas of natural beauty.

The concert will be held at St. Gregory's Church, Tredington (near Shipston-on-Stour) in South Warwickshire at 7pm on Sunday 1st April. Do join us if you can. Admission is free with a retiring collection towards Shipston Home Nursing, an incredibly worthwhile choice who provide expect and friendly care across the Cotswolds, visit their website for more information: www.shipstonhomenursing.co.uk.

Refreshments will be provided and Parking is free.

Programme to include:
Holst - Nunc Dimittis, Ave Maria and 'I Love my Love'
Elgar - My love dwelt in a northern land, Death on the Hills, Serenade and Love
Vaughan Williams - Three Shakespeare Songs
Finzi - Three Short Elegies and Now the White-flowr'ing days
Purcell - Hear my Prayer O Lord
Gibbons - O Clap your hands together
Taverner (ed. David Skinnner) Quemadmodum
Tallis - Miserere Nostri

For further information see Website: www.caricesingers.co.uk/cotswold-composers.php

Gloucester Quays announces a major new 3-day festival for 2012
"Gloucester Quays Garden Party"
Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Easter Monday 9th April 2012

Gloucester Quays is launching a new, FREE three-day festival for 2012 which celebrates outdoor living and is inviting everyone to come to the Gloucester Quays Garden Party.  The event will take place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Easter Monday 9th April 2012,) and has three key themesofFashion, Flowers and Food.

There will be some 80 market stalls selling vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories; garden specialists with bespoke furniture, garden ornaments, equipment as well as seeds, plants and flowers; and finally food and drink to buy and 'to go' with local producers and farmers showcasing their specialities.

Free expert demonstrations will take place during each day in a specially created 'Potting Shed' on stage.  Visitors can expect helpful gardening advice - everything from growing your own herbs and planting a window box, to how to create a vegetable patch in your own garden.  Fun talks and demonstrations from specialists in hobbies that have been growing in popularity such as bee keeping and chicken keeping will also be on offer to add to the fun.

Two fashion shows are also being planned each day and will feature the latest festival fashions as well as outfits for everything from dressing up for a Garden Party and a Day at the Races to gardening in style.

Dates: Saturday 7th April through to Bank Holiday Monday 9th April 2012

Times: Open 10am - 8 pm Saturday; Open 10am - 5pm Sunday; Open 10am - 6pm Monday

Venue: Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way,  Gloucester,  GL1 5SH

Tickets: The Garden Party is FREE

For more information go to www.gloucesterquays.co.uk.  For general information call 01452 338 933.

For Places to Stay in & around Gloucester see - Gloucester Accommodation
For information on the Cathedral City of Gloucester see - Gloucester Tourist Information

7th April to 29th April 2012 - Loosing the Thread, West Ox Arts ExhibitionTown Hall, Market Square, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2JH

Formed in 1992, Losing the Thread now has nine members, all of whom have studied embroidery, art or textiles and some teach adults, either regularly or on a freelance basis.  They all pursue their own themes and ways of working using a variety of media to create embroideries, collages, sculpture, ceramics, installations, photographic work, drawings, paintings, and prints.  Inspiration for these works may come from the world around them or from their own interests, and can explore colour, texture, pattern, structure, materiality, and concept.  


Losing the Thread have exhibited widely in the South of England at Greenstede Gallery, East Grinstead; the Sewell Gallery, Radley College, Oxon; The Allsop Gallery, Bridport; and the Kendrick Street Gallery, Stroud.

Paxford Races
NCH Point

How to find us
Bank Farm, Paxford GL55 6XS

Entry sign posted off the B4035, 2 miles east of Chipping Campden.

Gates open at 10.30 am and First Race 1pm
Entry £25.00 per car

Friday 13th April 2012, 7.30pm at Cirencester Parish Church

There will be an organ and trumpet recital by Graham Howell and Tom Allan.

It will feature works by Handel, Albinoni, Charpentier, Marcello and Clarke.  Tickets are £8 to include a pre-concert drink on sale from the Corner Stone, Tel: 01285 644599 or on the door.

22 April 2012 - Prescott Bike Festival

The Prescott Bike Festival was born out of the need to raise funds for Severn Freewheelers and NABB. All proceeds go towards running that vital service. The Festival will celebrate all things motorcycle and our key attraction is the opportunity to ‘Run the Hill’. The Prescott Hill Climb track, owned by the Bugatti Owners Club, is one of the UK’s most prestigious Hill Climbs and rarely does the public get the chance to ‘Run the Hill’. Limited tickets are available so please book now!

But there’s lots more to the Festival, we’ll have trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers, leading racers, MCN babes, Fun Fair, Stunt Riders and so much more. The Festival is a real day out for all the family. We’d love to see you there.”

Contact:- Severn Freewheelers, Prescott Bike Festival, PO Box 220
Cirencester, GL7 9BJ. W: Prescott Bike Festival.

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

22 April to 28 April 2012 Stratford upon Avon Literary Festival

Set in the most famous literary town in the world, the Festival has been placed as the fifth most high profile literary festival in the UK.  The festival puts together a superb selection of events running over nine days with something for everyone, organised by festival directors Annie Ashworth and Natasha Roderick-Jones. 

Email: info@stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk
www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

For Places to Stay see - Stratford upon Avon accommodation

21 April to 22 April 2012 - William Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations at Stratford-upon-Avon

This unique event has taken place in Stratford for nearly 200 years. It is a tradition that brings together the local community, performers, artists and ambassadors from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the life and works of William Shakespeare.

The town’s streets will overflow with pageantry, musicand drama and over the two day birthday period you can enjoy a packed programme of special celebratory activities, great days out at the five Shakespeare houses, literary and music events and amazing theatre.

This year, Shakespeare’s Birthday also marks the launch of the World Shakespeare Festival. Part of the London 2012 Festival, this will be the biggest celebration of Shakespeare the world has ever seen.

For Places to Stay see - Stratford upon Avon accommodation

28 April to 29 April 2012 - British Midland Championships Weekend at Prescott Hill Climb (near Winchcombe) - The fastest cars and the best drivers.

1st  round of the 2012 British Hill Climb Championship

The 17 round series runs from Scotland to Devon and from the Channel Islands to Northern Ireland and features a huge variety of cars from humble saloons through to F1-engined, purpose-built single-seaters running within a class structure.

Special features: - Help for Heroes featuring British Army Tank display

Other attractions: Bugatti Car Club Handicap, Prescott ‘B’ Licence Challenge, Shell Fuels Hill Climb Championship, Y Gelli Book Auctions Challenge Trophy, 2nd round of the Midland Hill Climb Championship, Prescott Gold Cup,  Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Championship and the NHCA Motor Cycles.

W: www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/april2011.aspx

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

28 April to 29 April 2012 - Highnam Court Spring Fair

Highnam Court Spring Fair is held every year in April and is a really great day out for everyone of all ages from all parts of Gloucestershire and beyond. It also raises funds for two very important local charities: Gloucester Cathedral and The Pied Piper Appeal.

* Live Music & Other Events
* Very Extensive Garden
* Vintage & Classic Cars
* Exciting Activities for Young People
* Over 50 Trade Stands
* Wide Variety of Plants for Sale
* Refreshments, Lunches & Teas
Highnam Court is on the A40 two miles west of central Gloucester.
Telephone: 08454 226119
Highnam Court Website

May

2012

2 May to 7 May 2012 - Cheltenham International Jazz Festival

Town Hall and other venues
The Cheltenham International Jazz Festival ranks among the top British festivals of its kind. Since 1996 the Festival has brought some of the biggest names in jazz to the town, as well as providing a platform for the stars of the future.
Box Office (01242) 227979, www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk.

For more information about Cheltenham

For Lodgings see:-
Cheltenham Accommodation

4 May to 7 May 2012 - Upton-on-Severn Folk Festival
We're expecting huge numbers of superb Morris and other dance sides over the May Bank Holiday weekend The famous Grand Procession promises to be just as spectacular too.
Upton Folk Festival 2011, Tudor House, 9 Kinnersley,
Severn Stoke, Worcester. WR8 9JR
Website: www.uptonfolk.org

The Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival, now in its 8th year, has proved to be a great success attracting a high number of visitors to take part in the wide range of activities and delights the Festival has to offer.

Website - www.tewkesburyfoodfestival.co.uk.

For lodgings see - Tewkesbury Accommodation.

5th to 27th May 2012 - Oxfordshire Artweeks

(North Oxfordshire is the first week: 5th - 13th)

Venue: Open studios, village halls, colleges, private homes and galleries in Banbury, the surrounding villages and across Cherwell.

Details:

In its 30th year, Oxfordshire Artweeks is an 'open studios event' showcasing painting, ceramics, photography, textiles, jewellery, glass, furniture and sculpture. It is an opportunity to
enjoy the visual arts in a relaxed and friendly way, meeting the makers, hearing their stories and seeing their
creative talent in action.

Artweeks 2012 runs for three weeks, each with a different regional focus, and North Oxfordshire is first up,
running from May 5th to May 13th(encompassing Bank Holiday Monday). All exhibitions and displays are free.

Most are family friendly and many offer refreshments. Pick up a Festival Guide, free of charge, in various places: Tourist Information Centres, libraries, and also Hamptons Estate Agents
offices (the main sponsor).

Or look online:  www.artweeks.org.

5th May to 27th May 2012 - Oxford Arts Society, West Ox Arts ExhibitionTown Hall, Market Square, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2JH

The Oxford Art Society was founded in 1891 and is an umbrella organisation for accomplished artists with diverse and exciting styles living Oxfordshire, many of whom also exhibit nationally and internationally.   They hold regular exhibitions and welcome submissions from ALL Oxfordshire artists to their annual OAS Open Exhibition of selected work held each autumn.  Artists whose work is selected for at least two Open Exhibitions may be invited to become a member of the Society.  A selection of OAS members are exhibiting at West Ox Arts as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks, a period of three weeks in which Oxfordshire artists and craftspeople open their studios to the public for the county's most important arts festival.  

SUNDAY 6th May 2012 - COTSWOLD WALK (22nd year)

Rotary Club of
Shipston on Stour
www.shipstonrotary.org.uk

7 mile walk with spectacular views over four counties

Do you like to walk? We invite you, your members, family and friends to join us for our 22nd annual walk on Sunday 6th May 2012.

The circular walk is approximately 7 miles long, along footpaths and bridleways through very attractive North Cotswolds countryside, and will take approx 2½ hrs.

The free car park and start is at Foxcote Hill, near the lovely village of Ilmington, CV36 4LD.
South of Stratford upon Avon near Shipston on Stour.

Further information and charity sponsorship forms can be downloaded from www.cotswoldwalk.org.uk

Or contact Rtn Colin Gatenby
Tel 01608 661578   colin.gatenby@btinternet.com

For Places to Stay at Ilmington see - Ilmington Accommodation

Randwick Cheese Rolling
(1st Sunday in May) Randwick Cheese Rolling.
At St John's Church, Randwick. At 11.15, preceeded by a service at 10.30. 01453  750280 .

For Places to Stay see - Tetbury accommodation

Sunday 6 May 2012 - Abingdon Air & Country Show

It's not just an air show! The Abingdon Air & Country Show has a varied ground show to go along with the large scale fly-in of both modern and vintage aeroplanes and the associated air display.

Website: www.abingdonfayre.com

For Places to Stay see - Oxford accommodation; Faringdon accommodation; Witney accommodation.

Annual Bluebell Walk at Whatcote on Sunday 6th May 2012

Cancelled Due to Weather

If you enjoy a walk through lovely countryside the parishioners of Whatcote, near Shipston-on-Stour, are holding their Annual Bluebell Walk on Sunday May 6th.  Started in 1990 the walk has become an annual event enjoyed by visitors from far and wide. 
The walk is about two miles long through farmland to Hell Brake and Oak Tree Coppice, where bluebells carpet the ground under the trees.  With wonderful views across the Vale of the Red Horse from Oak Tree Coppice, and tea & homemade scones when you return to St Peter’s Churchyard, it is a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead.               Strong shoes or boots are essential.
The walk will start from Church Lane, Whatcote and will be well signposted in the village, as will free car parking.
You can begin your walk any time between 2 and 5pm
.  The cost is £6.00 for adults, accompanied children free, and this includes the tea and scones!
Plant & Produce Stalls.                                       Proceeds for St. Peter’s Church
Contact Sue Price for more details -
telephone 01295 680007 or e-mail:   susan.price@ukgateway.net

Whatcote is 3.5 miles from the A3400 just north of Shipston-on-Stour, (signposted Honington, Idlicote, Whatcote), and 2 miles from the A422 about 1.5miles south of Pillerton Priors, (signposted Oxhill, Whatcote).   The post code is CV36 5EF. 

10 May 2012 to 13 May 2012 - Malvern Spring Gardening Show at Three Counties Show Ground
The finest and friendliest gardening event of the year!
In its beautiful setting at the foot of the scenic Malvern Hills, this truly inspirational show enjoys a national reputation as the finest and friendliest gardening event of the year.

A joint venture of the Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Royal Horticultural Society
Website: www.threecounties.co.uk/springgardening/index.html

Cirencester displayed in a new light

On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May 2012 from 8.30 – 11pm, the heart of the idyllic Cotswold town of Cirencester will be displayed in a new light with the
Cirencester: Heritage in Light show.

Over the last four years, the magnificent Parish Church in Cirencester’s Marketplace has been undergoing a remarkable transformation and repair project. In celebration of this, the church is going to be hosting a spectacular event called, ‘Cirencester: Heritage in Light’ on 11th and 12th May 2012. Cirencester: Heritage in Light features an outdoor, magic-lantern style show.

Music will be an important feature of the event, with beautiful, specially relayed sounds and a visual show inside the church as well as out. Images evoking the town’s heritage and specially created children’s artwork will be projected on to the church, accompanied by music.

The images will be made into a light show by Bremner and Orr Design Consultants Ltd, who also designed the scaffold wrap that was placed around the church during the restoration. This has recently been demounted in time for preparations of the event.  The wrap’s central image of a colourful medieval marketplace will be featured in the church as a ‘history carpet’ for families to explore during the event, alongside storytelling, art exhibitions and other activities.

Event organiser Alison Giles, said: “The restoration of the Parish Church has been a long process but we are hugely proud of the work that has gone on and the efforts of everyone involved. We want to invite members of the Cirencester community to enjoy the completion of this historic work and so we’re throwing the doors open! The whole place will be lit up with music playing and activities for everyone to enjoy. Our hope is that it will really demonstrate that the Parish Church and Town Hall are the heart of the town.”

Designed as an event to showcase the Town Hall and Parish Church’s role within the local community, local businesses and groups will be joining in the festivities, and we will announce details over the coming weeks.
The event, which is free and suitable for all ages, will take place from 8:30pm to 11:00pm on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May 2012.

For more information about the event, please visit: www.heritageinlight.co.uk.
If you are thinking of attending the event, or if you would like to find out more, you can follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/heritageinlight or ‘like’ us on Facebook www.facebook.com/heritageinlight.

For more information about the town see - Cirencester
For Places to Stay see - Cirencester Accommodation

12 May 2012 Randwick Wap

(Saturday following 1st Sunday in May) Randwick Wap.
Starts at 12.45. The Procession assembles at the War Memorial, at the top of the village about half a mile above St John's Church.
For more info tel. 01453  750280 Website - www.randwick.org.uk/.
A village fete with a difference. There is a musical procession in costume that dates back hundred of years and more cheese rolling.  This year there will be morris dancers, a dog display team, maypole dancing, inflatable fun, food , drink and many stalls. In the evening there is live music.

For Places to Stay see - Stroud accommodation

One of the lovely signs of Spring to look forward to is seeing hundreds of beautiful classic cars polished and brought out for their first airing of the year. The Cleeve Vale Rotary Club’s huge Classic Car Event is at Prescott Hill near Gotherington; just North of Cheltenham.

Owners can now take this rare opportunity to drive their pride and joy classic car up the world famous Prescott Hillclimb; and help Rotary Charities too! All entrance fees go a range of Charities supported by Cleeve Vale Rotary club. Spectators will be very welcome throughout day to see the hundreds of beautiful cars and enjoy a fun day out.

LEGENDARY British racing driver Sir Stirling Moss will be the star attraction on Sunday, May 15. The 81-year-old will be getting behind the wheel of a Jaguar E Type to open the event at Prescott Hill, Gotherington.

Prospective entrants with interesting cars should best pre book at the address below.

For further details and entry forms go to: www.cleevevale.org.uk or phone 01242 01386 853831 or 01242 603540

Thursday 10 May 2012 - Gypsy Horse Fair, Stow-on-the-Wold

The first of the bi-annual gypsy horse fairs at Stow-on-the-Wold.
Two fairs, on the nearest Thursdays to 12th May and 24th October. The fairs were chartered in 1476 by King Edward IV, are held in fields between Stow and Maugersbury. Gypsies arrive from the Monday onwards, and there are stalls of crafts with the sales on the Thursday after which everyone packs up and moves on. The May fair is the larger of the two.

Contact - Tourist Information Centre GO-STOW www.go-stow.co.uk Email: info@go-stow.co.uk Phone: 01451 870 150.

About - Gypsy Horse Fair

For Places to Stay see - Stow-on-the-Wold accommodation

6 May 2012 - 19 May 2012 - Chipping Campden 9th Annual Music Festival at St James Church

Chipping Campden is rightly described as 'a Jewel of the Cotswolds’. St. James’ church is the most glorious building in this ‘Jewel’ and the setting for our seventh annual Music Festival.
Chipping Campden Festival to include lunchtime and evening concerts
Contact: (01386) 849018
www.campdenmusicfestival.co.uk/

For Places to Stay see - Chipping Campden Accommodation

19 May 2012 Burford, Oxfordshire 36th Annual Levellers Day
10am - 5pm
With speeches, debate, bands, stalls, music, a procession through Burford, the ceremony in the churchyard and much more!
Open-air event at Warwick Hall Garden, Burford.
www.levellers.org.uk
About - Levellers Day

For Places to Stay see - Burford Accommodation

30 May 2012 to 10 June 2012 - Bath International Music Festival 2010

Preparations for Bath International Music Festival 2011 are well under way, so keep an eye out on their website for updates...
01225 463362
Website: www.bathmusicfest.org.uk

For Places to Stay see - Bath Accommodation

19 May 2012 to 27th May 2012 - The 29th Nailsworth Festival
This will be the 29th Nailsworth Festival and, to mark the occasion, we are planning an extended Festival. We are working closely with other local groups and organisations to make 2012 special.
www.nailsworthfestival.org.uk

For Places to Stay see - Nailsworth Accommodation

Friday, 25th May 2012, we are holding the Mark Jones Memorial Golf Tournament & Auction at the Chipping Norton Golf Club in Chipping Norton.

This event was started after the death of a well-known Chipping Norton personality, Mark Jones, in 2009.  Mark died of Pancreatic Cancer at only 53 years old.  He was a very keen golfer and when diagnosed had only six months to live.  This is a ‘killer’ disease.  A disease that has no symptoms.  

Help us today to raise funds for PANCREATIC CANCER UK!  Come join us on the 25th May OR if you are unable to come along, please check out our website and Auction Items and make a bid for some of our wonderful donations (www.markjonesmemorial.org.uk) or make a donation to the Mark Jones Memorial Golf Tournament & Auction c/o Gayle Eastell, 16a London Road, Chipping Norton, OXON  OX7 5AX.  The more people we reach, the more money and exposure we raise!  The Golf Tournament will start from 12 noon and the Auction and Raffle entertainment will begin around 7:15 pm.

Please contact Gayle Eastell for further information on 01608 642242 OR gayleeastell@btconnect.com.

Lechlade Festival 2012

MAY 26th & 27th 2012 RIVERSIDE PARK, LECHLADE

Lechlade Festival is a Family music festival set on the banks of the Thames in the pretty market town of Lechlade.

The two day event takes place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May at Riverside Park in Lechlade. With over 40 bands on 2 stages there is something for every musical taste – from rock to reggae, ska to swing, jazz, blues, folk, punk, latin, comedy, country & more!  PLUS Belly Dancing, Burlesque, Real Ales from the Halfpenny Brewery with guest beers & ciders, Hog Roast, Stalls, Rides and a Funfair.

New for 2012 is the introduction of a Student Ticket (13+ with ID), a Seniors discount and onsite Camping.  Not only are children 12 and under FREE but families who camp get a FREE BREAKFAST with every adult breakfast – fabulous value for a great family weekend’s entertainment!

The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue – new for 2012

International burlesque star Missy Malone brings her tantalising mix of vintage glamour & cabaret.  Special guests include Frisky & Mannish, Desmond O’Connor, The Bees Knees and Beau Rocks.
Saturday 26th May – 8pm, Halfpenny Tent (over 18s only).

The headline sponsor for this year’s event is Lower Mill Estate – the beautiful 550-acre Cotswold residential nature reserve just twenty minutes from Lechlade at Somerford Keynes. An award-winning community of sustainable vacation homes, Lower Mill Estate offers a unique opportunity to design your own bespoke rural bolt hole: an escape into a verdant wilderness of scenic lakes, rivers and miles of exploration trails.

Commenting on their sponsorship, Red Paxton Sales Director at Lower Mill Estate says: “Lower Mill Estate is a community of families that enjoy spending time in the beautiful Cotswold countryside and playing a part in local life. As The Lechlade Festival is a fantastic family event right on our doorstep, we are delighted to sponsor the 2012 Lechlade Festival and very much look forward to being part of this year’s celebrations.”

Alongside Lower Mill Estate, the Festival will also be supported by Lechlade Garden Centre and Londis, Lechlade.

Early Bird Ticket Discount available until 13th May: www.lechladefestival.co.uk.

More information about the location see - Lechlade

For Places to Stay see - Fairford Accommodation; Faringdon Accommodation, Burford Accommodation

26 & 27 May 2012 - Prescott Hill Climb - La Vie en Bleu [French Invited Clubs]

This spectacular event is fast becoming a feature in many motoring enthusiasts diaries. La Vie en Bleu is a two day event celebrating the very best French marques including the Bugatti.

This year La Vie en Bleu features a host of the exclusive Bugatti Veyron, including the new Super Sport, the holder of the World Land Speed Record for fastest production car.

Visitors can see Classic English marques on the Hill on Saturday and an almost exclusively French display on Sunday, including a special display of French record breakers. Enthusiasts can see cars from owners’ clubs including Ferrari, Ginetta, Lotus and TVR on Saturday and Alpine Renault, itroen, Matra, Peugeot and many more on Sunday.

Topping the bill on Sunday only will be the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team (weather permitting).

As well as the usual top class racing, visitors and families can enjoy the Parisienne 1920s Renault bus, the wickedly witty Gendarmes, live music, food from the Creperie and much, much more.

W: www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/may2011.aspx

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

27th May 2012 - Family Fun Day Horse and Dog Show at
Bourton on the Water

Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre is holding it’s annual Family Fun Day Horse and Dog Show on 27th May 2012 at Bourton on the Water.

Lots to do, Horse show starts at 10am. Dog show starts at 2pm. There will be Terrier racing, pony rides, bouncy castle and lots more things to see and do.

For more details call 01451 821101 or schedule can be downloaded at www.bourtonvaleequestrian.co.uk,

June

2012

SATURDAY 2ND JUNE 2012 12 noon to 4 pm - DIAMOND JUBILEE VINTAGE  & CLASSIC CAR SHOW

As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Broadway Parish Council will be holding a Vintage & Classic Car Show on the Broadway village green on the above date.

British Motor Vehicles, registered before 1953, will be most welcome.

ALL DISPLAY VEHICLES TO ARRIVE, IF POSSIBLE, BY 11 AM FOR CORRECT POSITIONING

If you wish to enter your vehicle, please contact:-

Neil Hilton, Hilton China, E-mail: 13, The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7AA.
Email: neil@thehiltons.co.uk.

For more about - Broadway Village. For Places to Stay see - Broadway Accommodation.

Saturday 2nd June 2-5 p.m - Open Gardens Broadwell & Donnington

Broadwell & Donnington, adjoining villages near Stow-on-the-Wold open celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee:  15 gardens open and teas, Children’s Treasure trail, Dog Show & stalls on the Green,  Flowers and Organ Recital in the Church.

The village green postcode in Broadwell is GL56 0UF, in Donnington GL56 0XX, and the church in Broadwell where the organ recital is St. Paul’s Church, Broadwell, GL56 0YD.

Sunday 3rd June 2012 - Proms on the Village Green, Broadway
 
The Parish Council are hosting a 'Proms on the Green' party for all the family to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

The party will commence at 12.00 noon on the village green and will incorporate Children's Entertainment, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Fancy Dress Parade, Marquee Bar and Food Court celebrating traditional British Fayre.

Stage entertainment will see Evesham's Prince Henry High School Jazz/.Swing Band, local artists: Voodoo Man-Shoe, Sam Jones, Herbert Hartley, Soprano Kirsty Anderson, Acoustic Guitarist Emily Burns, Giles Potter, Multi record selling and nationally acclaimed 'Rock Choir' and X Factor finalists 'Journey South'.

The evening entertainment will finish with a spectacular Firework Display at 10.30pm. This is a family free event with monies raised during the day being distributed to four local community good causes.

Bank Holiday Monday 4 June 2012, May Bank Holiday - Tetbury Woolsack Races

It is thought that the races originated in the 17th Century by young drovers showing off to local women by running up the hill carrying a woolsack. An official race day has been going for over 30 years now with world records entered in the ‘Guinness book of Records’.
The course is 280 yards long up and down a hill which has a 1 in 4 gradient, so the men's record of 3.5 minutes is no mean feat!
The Woolsack Races form the central attraction of a fund-raising day which includes an all-day street market, a charity auction, a village fete, street entertainers, marching bands and more entertainment for all the family.
For more information on Tetbury
About the Woolsack Race. Website - www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk

For Places to Stay see - Tetbury Accommodation

3 to 4 June 2012 - French Market at Tetbury

The successful French Market returns for the 3rd year to Tetbury on 3rd and 4th June. We are proud to be invited to the Jubilee celebrations and the Tetbury famous woolsack races (www.cotswolds.info/strange-things/#wool).

As usual, we will offer to the public the best flavour of France, such as fresh bread baked on the market, French Cheeses, crêpes, sausages, leather handabgs, scarves, French Music CD and so much more.

For more information:- Muriel Charles, Manager France at Home
Tel: 0033 683 338 782 / 07466 503771, Website: www.Franceathome.com

Monday 4 June 2012 - Cheese-Rolling at Coopers Hill

Competitors hurl themselves down the steep banks of Cooper's Hill, chasing the giant Cheese! Cooper's Hill, Near Brockworth. 12.00 midday (A46 Stroud-Brockworh Rd) www.cheese-rolling.co.uk

For Places to Stay see accommodation at - Cheltenham, Gloucester and Painswick

9 June 2012 - Chadlington Beer Festival

The 9th Great Chadlington Beer Festival takes place on Saturday 9th June 2012, from 12 noon to 11pm in the village.  The Beer Festival is the chief fund raiser for the Friends of Chadlington School and all proceeds will go to the school.

This year there will be 22 ales to enjoy as well as, for non-beer drinkers, a selection of wines and ciders, Pimms and soft drinks. Each year the assembled punters vote for their favourite beer and a winner is duly announced. There will also be an all-day BBQ, with food served through to the evening.

An entertaining line-up of live music will play throughout the day and evening, including the Chipping Norton All Stars (Jazz,Swing, Big Band music).  There will be plenty to keep children happy too – a bouncy castle this year, plus a tea-cups roundabout and a candy floss stall, as well as a children’s entertainment tent for face-painting, colouring and games. For more information, please go to: www.chadlingtonbeerfestival.com.

The village of Chadlington is three miles south of Chipping Norton and spreads itself out looking across the River Evenload towards Wychwood Forest. The substantial church of St Nicholas is enriched by a fascinating array of gargoyles.

For Places to Stay see - Chipping Norton Accommodation.

The Broadway Arts Festival
Celebrating Art & Education in the Show Village of England
9 to 17 June 2012

The Broadway Arts Festival, which celebrates the Cotswold village’s artistic heritage, has unveiled a fantastic line-up for this year’s event (9 to 17 June 2012), which focuses on the work of John Singer Sargent RA and the Broadway Colony, featuring artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons RA.

• The highlight of the 2012 Festival is “Country Gardens: John Singer Sargent RA, Alfred Parsons RA and their contemporaries”, a major exhibition at Haynes Fine Art featuring over 20 oils and watercolours by renowned 19th-century artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons RA, together with important works by John Singer Sargent, Alma Tadema, Lucien Pissaro and many others.  The exhibition will be unveiled by Britain’s favourite polymath Sir Roy Strong on Saturday 9 June and will remain open till the end of the Festival.
• To honour this year’s featured artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons RA, the Festival is organising a national art competition with the theme of “In the Garden”.
• One of the aims of the Festival is to involve all age groups and, with that in mind, there will be a performance of Peter Pan, written by J M Barrie who was a member of the Broadway Colony.
• A talk by Sir Roy Strong on “The Laskett Gardens”, the largest private formal gardens established in England since 1945, which he and his late wife, the designer Dr Julia Trevelyan Oman, have created from a four-acre field over the last four decades.
• There will be a violin concert performed by Michael Bochmann with harpist David Watkins in the 19th-century St Michael’s and All Angels Church.
• A major exhibition at Haynes Fine Art featuring over 20 oils and watercolours by renowned 19th-century artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons RA, together with important works by John Singer Sargent, Alma Tadema, Lucien Pissaro and many others. 
• Garden/landscape historian Marion Mako will present a talk on Alfred Parsons, followed by a tour of the garden of Russell House, where American painter, sculptor and writer Francis D. Millet lived.

For further information about the Event see - Cotswold Art Exhibitions and Events.

For more information about the place see - Broadway

For Places to Stay see - Broadway Accommodation

June 12th, 13th & 14th June 2012 - St Leonard’s Church, Bledington

Bledington Music Festival. All concerts at 7.30pm at St Leonard's Church, Bledington

01608 658669 - Email : enquiries@bledingtonmusicfestival.co.uk
http://www.bledingtonmusicfestival.co.uk/festival.html

For Places to Stay see accommodation at - Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Norton and Bourton-on-the-Water.

12 to 17 June 2012 - Cheltenham Festival of Science
Town Hall and Everyman Theatre.
Box Office (01242) 227979, www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk.

For Places to Stay see - Cheltenham accommodation

Sunday 10 June 2012 - The Bowood Dog Show and Summer Fair

10am-5pm.  This event raises money for Macmillan Cancer and local Calne Charities. 

The 2012 show, held in the glorious grounds of beautiful Bowood House near Calne, offers more family fun than ever before. We have some fantastic new attractions including the Canine Corner where for the first time ever we will have an area of the showground dedicated entirely to dogs!
Further information - www.bowood-house.co.uk/dog_show.html

For Places to Stay see - Chippenham accommodation & Royal Wootton Bassett

9 to 10 June 2012 -  Ashton Under Hill Open Gardens

Over 20 gardens will be open from 1.00 to 6.00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the event remains at just £4.00 per person, with children free, and Saturday tickets are also valid on Sunday. Free use of the special bus service throughout the village is included, allowing you time to see all of the gardens at your leisure. There’s also ample free parking for cars and coaches.

To find out more, including photos of previous events, please visit our website at: www.ashtonopengardens.co.uk.

THE GREAT TEW ESTATE HORSE TRIALS

9th & 10th June 2012

Two days of exciting equestrian competition for the family to enjoy

• Wide variety of tradestands
  
• Childrens entertainment    ·  Bouncy Castle

Hook Norton Brewery Bar and Dray

• A varied selection of refreshments and food for everyone  

Signposted from the A361 and A44
Admission: £5 per person (under 12's free of charge)

Tel: 01608 683 636
Mob:07739 175408
Email:bf@greattewestate.co.uk

Friday 15th and Saturday 16th June Sherstonfest 2012
“The South Cotswolds Cider, Music and Fine Food Festival”

Location: Thompsons Field, Noble St, Sherston, Wilts, SN16 0NA
Cost: Early birds are Friday £5, Saturday £12, Weekender £16 (no camping)

Set in the heart of one of the Cotswolds prettiest villages 2 nights/1 day of music, great ciders and fine foods. bring the kids and just chill to some great music

It takes place on Friday and Saturday 15th and 16th of June 2012.  More accurately that is Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday night.

Each of those 3 sessions has a distinct musical flavour, with Friday night being presented in association with “BBC Introducing” and is designed to give emerging local talent the opportunity to play at a larger event alongside some more established acts, Saturday afternoon being laid back and mellow with mainly acoustic acts and Saturday night is party time with “The Extreme Cheese Sessions”.  Some of the line up is already revealed but some is still under strict wraps, people are urged to check the web site and join the mailing list to keep up to date with developments.

Tickets are on sale on the web site with some “early bird bargains” to be had if you are quick !!
Buy tickets on line at www.sherstonfest.com/?page_id=27

16 & 17 June 2012 - Chipping Campden Open Gardens

2 - 6pm.  There will be over 25 private gardens open on the weekend.  Tickets available from Campden Tourist Information from beginning of June - £6 per day or £8 for both days.  Teas and plants available.

For more about the town see - Chipping Campden

For Places to Stay see - Chipping Campden Accommodation

17 June to 15 July 2012 - Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition at Asthall Manor, Burford, Oxfordshire

Admission: £7.50; W: www.onformsculpture.co.uk

"a serious, committed, intellectually adventurous biennial exhibition of stone sculpture, the largest of its kind in the UK" - Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times

June will see the opening of the sixth and most ambitious biennial on form sculpture exhibition at Asthall Manor in the Cotswolds. Once home to the Mitford sisters, the private landscaped gardens offer a unique setting for this, the largest exhibition dedicated to stone in the UK. Celebrating their medium, the 29 sculptors include Bridget McCrum, Peter Randall-Page, Matthew Spender and Emily Young. The exhibition brings together a broad spectrum of carving techniques and combines established and exciting new talent; all works are for sale. The exhibition is open to the public from 17 June to 15 July 2012.

For information on the ancient market town of - Burford.
For Places to Stay see - Burford Accommodation.

15 to 17 June 2012 - Malvern Three Counties Show

The Three Counties Showground , Malvern, Worcestershire. Long regarded as the region’s rural showcase, and still its biggest annual event, the Three Counties Show is a celebration of British food and farming at its very best.

Boasting the real cream of Britain’s pedigree livestock, including rare breeds, it also features a crop of farming displays, together with tasty regional produce, rural crafts, country pursuits, quality shopping and action-packed entertainment.

Website : www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties/index.html

15 to 17 June 2012

This Festival at Cheltenham is a gastronomic delight, with over 150 exhibitors; the scope of local & regional products on show ensures there is something for everyone.

You’ll find an astonishing variety of victuals from oatcakes to aphrodisiac Quince, the widest range of baked goods, meats, fish, cheeses, jams, chutneys and much more on offer; this is the regional food event not to be missed.

The Moet & Chandon Champagne Garden, an exclusive corner of Montpellier Gardens invites you to enjoy the finest perfectly chilled glass of champagne or why not sample the full decadent experience and share a bottle of Champagne on ice, with friends.

► Open Times: ● Friday 12noon to 7pm, Saturday 10.00am to 7pm and ● Sunday 10am to 5pm

► Ticket Box office: Cheltenham Town Hall T: 0844 576 2210

► For a Free Festival Programme visit www.garden-events.com

See for - Cheltenham Accommodation.

Sunday 24 June 2012 St. John’s Parish Church, Burford OX18 4SR, 7.30pm Burford Singers’ Summer Concert

Mozart: Mass in B flat, Handel: Sing unto God and Sir Philip Ledger: Requiem – A Thanksgiving for Life, with the Cotswold Chamber Orchestra and soloists Rachel Redmond soprano: David Gould Alto: Daniel Auchincloss tenor: Stephen Connolly bass Conductors Brian Kay and Sir Philip Ledger

Saturday 23 June 2012 will see the second Kemerton Country Show and Fair

KEMERTON COUNTRY SHOW AND FAIR

Kemerton Show is expanding this summer! There will be games, a fun dog show, falconry display, shire horses, classic cars, lots of stalls and a fair.

Also we will be featuring the Royal Artillery Black Knights Parachute team. Added to which we will be continuing into the evening with live music, a pig roast and a bar. Parking Free. Adults £4, Children £1, Under 5 free. So come along and join in the fun. www.kemertonevents.co.uk.

Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 June 2012 - Midsummer Speed Fest at Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Nr Gotherington, Gloucestershire, GL52 9RD

The 11 round series runs across the three midland hill climb venues of Shelsley Walsh, Loton Park and Prescott and features a huge variety of cars from humble saloons through to F1-engined, purpose built single-seaters running within a class structure.

Special features: Celebrating 50 years of Mini Cooper, special display of Bentley Owners' Club cars and Strawberries on the lawns.

Special Guest: Paddy Hopkirk

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

Phone: 0044 (0)1242 673136 or 679796
Email: club@bugatti.co.uk

www.prescott-hillclimb.com
/events /june2011.aspx

23rd June 2012 at 7.30pm in Cheltenham Town Hall - Cheltenham Choral Society is proud to support the charity HELP for HEROES with a concert performance: “A Choral Celebration” to be held on

The main work will be “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace” by the contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. Based on parts of the Catholic Mass, this powerful work explores the themes of war and peace, incorporating texts from diverse sources, religious and secular, ancient and modern. Set to music which is varied in style and pace, from military marches to lyrical chorales, it presents an emotional and reflective exploration of the horror of war and the hopefulness of peace.

The programme also includes a selection of well-known celebratory music to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Also taking part are popular Cheltenham-born, international opera singer Soprano Rebecca Rudge, choirs from Leckhampton Primary School and Charlton Kings Junior School, and the English Concertante Orchestra under the direction of Ian Higginson. The concert will be presented by Susie Godwin, Gloucestershire Co-ordinator for HELP for HEROES.
This will be a great way to celebrate a momentous time with a nostalgic journey through 60 glorious years of music and song.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for those under 16 years, and are now on sale from the Town Hall Box Office. You are advised to book early to obtain good seats.
Tel No: 0844 576 2210.

31 June to 1 July 2012 - The Cotswold Show and Country Fair

AN ACTION PACKED, FAMILY, FUN DAY OUT AT CIRENCESTER PARK
Full two-day programme, Arena events, Country Pursuits, Rural Crafts, Food Village,Tradestands Cirencester Park, Cirencester.

The Cotswold Show is at Cirencester Park. The entrance is a mile outside Cirencester town centre, just past Cirencester College & Deer Park School and before the Agricultural College on the A419 Stroud Road.

For satellite navigation systems, the nearest postcode to the entrance is GL7 1XB (Deer Park School).

Contact: (01285) 652007. Website - www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

July

2012

17 June to 15 July 2012 - Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition at Asthall Manor, Burford, Oxfordshire

Admission: £7.50; W: www.onformsculpture.co.uk

"a serious, committed, intellectually adventurous biennial exhibition of stone sculpture, the largest of its kind in the UK" - Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times

June will see the opening of the sixth and most ambitious biennial on form sculpture exhibition at Asthall Manor in the Cotswolds. Once home to the Mitford sisters, the private landscaped gardens offer a unique setting for this, the largest exhibition dedicated to stone in the UK. Celebrating their medium, the 29 sculptors include Bridget McCrum, Peter Randall-Page, Matthew Spender and Emily Young. The exhibition brings together a broad spectrum of carving techniques and combines established and exciting new talent; all works are for sale. The exhibition is open to the public from 17 June to 15 July 2012.

For information on the ancient market town of - Burford.
For Places to Stay see - Burford Accommodation.

1st July 2012 - Champagne Classic Charity Garden Party with Classic Cars

It will be held on Sunday 1 July 2012 in the beautiful grounds of the independent Kingham Hill School in the Cotswolds. We are encouraging guests with classic cars to dress in period with their cars, and for other guests to dress in jazz era clothing to give the whole event a period feel.

Cars will be parked outside the main marquee, and guests will be free to admire them and vote for the one they would most like to take home. There will be a Champagne reception (first glass free) with a jazz band playing, followed by time to enjoy your picnic or our barbeque.

If you book in advance and come in costume, you will get an extra glass of Champagne. If you are a group of four pre-booked and in costume, forget the glasses – we will give you a bottle instead. After lunch, you will be entertained by top musical cabaret act Opera Tottie followed by an auction of promises. Last year’s auction included lots such as flying into the old Hong Kong airport in a military flight simulator, a meal and stay at the Lords of the Manor hotel and a week in a cottage in Scotland. We will be showing the lots for 2012 as they become available. Tea and cakes will be available all day.

Tickets for the event including the Champagne reception and entertainment cost just £10 per person, whether or not you are bringing a classic car. If you are looking for the perfect present for car-loving (or just party-loving) family or friends, look no further!

The Venue

Kingham Hill School is beautifully situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, near Oxford, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon (OX7 6TH). Surrounded by delightful, rolling countryside it lies just a short walk from Kingham, ‘England’s favourite village’ and Daylesford Organic – the best “farm shop” in England!

The event will be held in a spacious marquee with plenty of adjacent room for the classic cars in the splendid grounds. There is space for other cars to park and a helicopter pad is available………please book your landing slot in advance.

For further Event information - www.champagneclassic.org.uk

For more information about the place see - Kingham

For Places to Stay see - Kingham Accommodation

July 7 to July 8 2012, The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford

Join Top Guns from around the globe for Europe’s greatest airshow and enjoy a thrilling seven hour flying display and static aircraft park of more than 200 aircraft – some never before seen in the UK. Celebrate HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in sparkling style as the RAF presents an aerial Royal Salute and get transported back in time for a taste of 1940’s life in the nostalgic Battle of Britain Village.

Experience the power and grace of the only flying Vulcan in the world as it take price of place in the Cold War Zone. With two miles of entertainment on the ground and non-stop action in the skies this is a great family day out - and under 16s go free!

Visit www.airtattoo.com or call our FREEPHONE ticket hotline 0800 107 1940

About the place of - Fairford.
For places to stay see - Fairford Accommodation, Lechlade Accommodation, Cirencester Accommodation, and Burford Accommodation.

4 July to 15 July 2012
Cheltenham International Festival of Music
Town Hall and other venues
Box Office (01242) 227979.

Just days before the Olympics start
...and hot on the heels of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Cheltenham Music Festival celebrates the richness of Britain's musical heritage.

From Elgar, Delius, Holst and Vaughan Williams to today's leading composers, join us to celebrate this fabulous legacy.

The Festival programme is still to be confirmed, but be sure to save the Festival dates in your diary now.

• Jean Efflam-Bavouzet performing a Debussy spectacular in the 150th anniversary of his birth
• The return of Cheltenham favourite Milos Karadaglic, this year playing with the Carducci Quartet
• Singapore’s stunning Orchestra of the Music Makers with pianist Melvyn Tan
• Early music gems from Trio Medieval and Florilegium's Bolivian Baroque project

Website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music

13 to 14 July 2012 - The South Cotswolds Beer Festival
100% Charity Fundraising Event organised by Yate & District Rotary Club. Held at the Rugby Ground, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol.

W: www.bs37.com/beer/

14thJuly to 5thAugust 2012 - Oxfordshire Craft Guild, West Ox Arts Exhibition, Town Hall, Market Square, Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2JH

The Oxfordshire Craft Guild is a non-profit, membership organization of makers working in a range of crafts, each with their individual style.  The Guild believes that the use of materials to create beautiful objects enriches all of our lives and than an understanding of the processes and an appreciation of the results is an essential part of education.  

Select members from the Oxfordshire Craft Guild will be exhibiting their works in the gallery.

TBA July 2012 - Royal Festival of the Horse

A star studded three-day equestrian festival,
at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, celebrating the best in horsemanship. Featuring:

• World Class Dressage
• International Show Jumping
• Express Eventing
• Pat Parelli
• Top Showing Classes

A spectacular mix of equine competition, display and entertainment featuring the world's top riders and personalities will keep the whole family enthralled.

You can watch the prestigious Royal Show showing classes including HOYS qualifiers.

The festival will offer extensive shopping and celebrate the best of British food, which will be available to buy. A range of trade stand options are available to suit your company, products and budget.

Website: www.festivalofthehorse.co.uk

14th July 2012 - 15th July 2012 - Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Venue - On the fields behind the Tewkesbury Borough Council offices, Gloucester Road (part of the site of the original battle of Tewkesbury in 1471).

Already hailed as Europe's biggest and most spectacular medieval event, Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is planning to make its 28th anniversary bigger and better than ever. The Battle of Tewkesbury in the War of the Roses 1471.

There will be the usual battle featuring around 2000 knights, archers and men at arms, a colourful and authentic living history camp with families living in complete medieval style for the whole weekend, and a fascinating market selling everything from medieval pots and authentic costumes to toys and individual jewellery.

But this year plans are also in hand for a joust with knights on horseback meeting in combat, a huge street procession, entertainment both on the fair site and throughout the town and much, much more.

The festival will take place on fields behind the Tewkesbury Borough Council offices in Gloucester Road, part of the site of the original battle of Tewkesbury of 1471.

Ample parking is available, for a small charge. The site will be well marked from the town centre and from junction 9 of the M5.
Website: www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org

14th July 2012 The Battle Proms Concerts 2012 at Blenheim Palace
A Battle Proms classical music spectacular with cannons, cavalry, spitfire air display and fireworks!!

As well as performing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, the Battle Proms is the only concert that stages Beethoven's 'Battle Symphony' (Wellington's Victory). Beethoven scored this piece for 193 cannons! We rise to this challenge by following his original score with the full complement of cannons ~ a unique and magnificent spectacle.
Website: www.battleproms.com

15 July 2012 - Art Couture Painswick Festival

The Art Couture Painswick festival takes place this year on Sunday 15th July 2012. Set in the streets and the iconic churchyard of the village, the festival features a competition for Art Couture: works of art that are displayed on the body.

The  competition is open to all.  Large prizes are available for the winners, and the competition is judged by a celebrity panel from the worlds of art and fashion.

The village streets are closed to traffic and hosts stalls selling high quality craft, food, drink and produce. There are live music and dance performances on three stages, street performers and participatory events such as workshops and the opportunity to get involved with creating artwork.

A new addition for 2012 is a hosted competition for Body Painting. In collaboration with Charles Fox and Illusion Magazine, 20 of the top artists in the field will be selected by portfolio to take part. Spectators will be able to see the Body Painting as it progresses through the six hours that it takes to create this amazing work.

Web: www.acpfestival.co.uk, Twitter: @ACPainswick, Facebook: facebook.com/ACPainswick

For more about the location see - Painswick

For Places to Stay see - Painswick Accommodation

23rd to 28th July 2012 - THE COTSWOLD ARCADIANS staging THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Will stage Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare in the gardens of Hatherop Castle, just 6 miles from Cirencester and 3 miles north of Fairford, this open-air production will take place on , commencing at 7.30 pm. Audiences may picnic on the lawns from 6 pm.

Tickets will be available from  May 2012 from boxoffice@arcadians.org or tel: 01285 898019.

26 July to 29 July 2012 - Warwick Folk Festival

If you've not been for years, come and see what's changed. If you've never been to Warwick Folk Festival, come and see what you're missing!
Singers and musicians, street entertainers and Morris dancers - it seems that anybody and everybody who enjoys folk music heads for Warwick in July each year.

Since its humble beginnings in 1979, the annual Warwick Folk Festival has developed into one of the most highly regarded folk events on the national and international scene, attracting fans from all over Britain and as far afield as the USA and Australia.
www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk

26th - 29th July 2012

Steam Engines, Displays,  Collections, Farm Tractors, Fair Organs, Fairground,  Military Vehicles, Vintage & Classic Cars,Period Caravans, Motorbikes, Commercial Vehicles, Auto jumble.

August

2012

4th & 5th August 2012 - The Midlands History Festival at Ragley Hall, Alcester, B49 5NJ

Over the weekend hundreds and hundreds of re-enactors will be gathering at Ragley Hall near Alcester to stage a seriously spectacular show ranging from Ancient Greeks to World War One.

So far 50 societies and groups have signed up for what must be one of the largest historical shows in the country, along with 100 traders and crafts. Add in the leading real beer tent run by the famous Trollsbottom Bars, complete with medieval wenches, quality caterers, and a rolling programme of displays, demonstrations, drills, skirmishes, and a daily Medieval Battle and you have a fantastic family day out.

Full details can be found at www.mid-fest.co.uk or call free phone 0800 310 1700.

Show opens at 11am each day, admission is £10 for adults, £5 for under 16 and under 5 is free. For your satnav the postcode is CV37 0JA

David Smith & Laurie Wignall Organisers, The Midlands History Festival

4 August to 5 August 2012 - Prescott Hill Climb
Vintage Sports Car Club Meeting

This very popular event is organised by the VSCC and for further information please contact the VSCC on tel.no. 01608 644777 or go to www.VSCC.co.uk.

This event attracts many enthusiasts and is one of the most prestigious events in the Hill Climb calendar. www.vscc.co.uk/vsccweb/events/event.jsp?id=669

For lodgings see - Winchcombe Accommodation; Cheltenham Accommodation; Broadway Accommodation; Evesham Accommodation

9th to 12th August 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Hartpury Horse Trials

The collaboration between Hartpury and Mitsubishi Motors UK has grown from strength to strength. In just five years the Gloucestershire-based horse trials (previously known as the Hartpury Three Day Event) has developed into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, with sporting action ranging across one, two and three star levels. Last year saw the inaugural three star competition which was supported by many of the world’s leading competitors. The 10,000 strong crowd witnessed top eventing stars in action, including World and European Champion Zara Phillips, Andrew Hoy, Mary King, Matt Ryan and Andrew Nicholson. Website: www.hartpury.ac.uk

Sunday 19th August 2012 - Wyck Rissington Village Fete,  from 12-5pm

Vintage Cars, Falconry, Sheep, Dog Show, games, stalls, tombola, teas, music, bric a brac, produce etc. £2.00 admission to include entry into raffle. Post Code GL54 2PN.

All proceeds to Church Bell Restoration and Village Hall maintainence. Enquiries to Veron Woodford by e-mail - veron@wyckriss.co.uk or 01451 821496.

18 to 19 August 2012 - The Fairford Traction Engine Rally and Show

Veteran & Vintage Vehicles
Full Arena Programme; Working Section; Funfair: Live Music
Fairford Park, Fairford. Contact: (01285) 712587
Website: www.fairfordsteamrally.com

25, 26, and 27 August 2012 - Fishing Festival, Crown Meadow, Evesham

THIS AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY * 48000 VISITORS
THE UK TOP ANGLERS *ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY * FREE ENTRY * CRAFT VILLAGE & FUN FAIR

The Evesham Festival is like no other angling festival in the country. Three
days of fierce competition, star names in action, a tented village to
explore and a fun day out for all the family is always guaranteed. I cannot
think of a better place to be for an August Bank Holiday weekend! It's a
spectacle that you cannot afford to miss!

Festival Website:- www.eveshamfestival.com

For place information see - Evesham Riverside Town
For Places to Stay see - Evesham Accommodation and Broadway Accommodation

25 to 27 August 2012 - Festival of the Tree at Westonbirt

A new format for the 2011 event will see a focus on fun, with an exciting line-up of events, music, food, crafts and family activities; all chosen to highlight and celebrate the many roles trees play in our lives.

The festival will include big wood carving among many other new attractions to celebrate the UN International Year of Forests.

This year, Tree Aid are taking a step back from the Festival of the Tree to focus on their other fundraising ventures, so the event’s main beneficiary will be Westonbirt's own charity, the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, nr Tetbury (01666) 880220
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt.

25th - 27th
August 2012

26th & 27th August 2012 – The Best of British Show, brand new event at Cotswold Airport GL7 6BA

This family event offers visitors two fun-packed days out combining the Best of British aviation, automotive, agriculture and music.

Cotswold Airport is famous for its annual air show and aviation fans need not be disappointed with a three-hour air show for all to enjoy.  British military favourites the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Hawk and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are joined by civilian display teams such as Tiger Nine with a nostalgic nine-ship Tiger Moth display and Ultimate High who will provide an unlimited 'gyroscopic' aerobatic display. 

The show arena is sure to entertain animal lovers with lurcher and ferret racing, the Lamb National and an RSPCA-sponsored dog show with live commentary.  Children, young and old, can get up close and personal with spiders, snakes, meercats and chickens at the interactive wildlife zoo and short talks and educational displays will be provided by Wildlife Displays, an established mobile zoo since 1978. 

A classic car exhibition featuring iconic British brands such as Rolls Royce will display a variety of vintage vehicles, while military vehicles symbolising the Best of British transport from the Armed Forces completes the journey through Britain’s colourful motoring heritage.

When it’s time to kick back and relax, a sound stage featuring up and coming local bands and traditional British music from yesteryear provides the perfect ambience, while a traditional fun fair adds to the nostalgia of the event. 

Locally-sourced food and drink can be found in the country-fair style Craft Tent featuring organic, quality British produce.  And don’t miss the Red London Bus when it’s time for a beer or glass of Pimms!

The Best of British Show will be supporting four charities over the weekend; The RAF Benevolent Fund, Fly2Help, Help for Heroes and the RSPCA.

Tickets are £15 in advance and can be purchased online at www.bestofbritishshow.co.uk and from tourist information centres around the region.

Address: Kemble Air Services Ltd., The Control Tower, Cotswold Airport, Cirencester, GL7 6BA

For Places to Stay see - Cirencester, Tetbury, Malmesbury and Minchinhampton

27th AUGUST 2012 - Winchcombe Country Show
at Winchcombe Senior School Field, 12 noon ~ 5.30 p.m.

This show offers something for everyone. A traditional flower show, falconry display, Punch & Judy, crafts, stalls, terrier racing, stone walling, wood carving, Morris dancing, bouncy castle, scarecrows, Winchcombe concert brass band, Dress the Mummy, children's go karts, fortune teller, street entertainers, skittles and golf competitions, a magician and much much more. Irresistible homemade cakes in the tea tent. Licensed bar, healthy eating refreshments, ice creams. Also Run Winchcombe on Sunday 26 August 2012. See www.winchcombeshow.org.uk/.
12 noon to 5.30pm Adult £3, Child £1

Saturday 25th August 2012 - The Cotswolds Vintage Fair at Toddington Village Hall, Stow Road, Toddington, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DU   

This delightful event celebrates all that is vintage in a perfect English setting in the heart of the Cotswolds.  A unique gathering of like-minded souls come together offering a visual treat of genuine vintage and antique goods alongside handmade designs that feature elements of vintage or are inspired by retro style.

Stallholders include; Chloe Vintage, Lucy Bloom, Catherine Shinn, Hellish Designs, Vintage Treasures, Hesta Nesta, Anton & K, Betty & Violet and many more with their unique homewares, textiles, fashion, furniture, jewellery, kitchen & gardenalia, decorative accessories and more.  Lavinia’s Tea Party will be creating a vintage style tea room serving home~made cakes and refreshments. 10.00am ~ 4.00pm; Admission £1.00; Under 16’s & OAP’s Free.

For further information:  www.thecotswoldsvintagefair.blogspot.com

24 to 25 August 2012 - 33rd Frocester Beer Festival

The annual Frocester Beer Festival is run in conjuction with Frocester Cricket Club at the cricket club's ground in the hamlet of Frocester near Stonehouse, Stroud.  The Frocester Beer Festival is an all-ticket event taking place every August bank holiday weekend and the 2011 Festival will be the the 32nd.

There is parking and a camp-site (with public amenities, but non reservable pitches), a stage with a complete programme of live music throughout the festival, hot food, and most importantly, over 100 different cask-conditioned real ales from more than 50 breweries around the UK.  There is also a large selection of wines along with cider and perry.  Over the years this event has proved to be a highlight in many people's calendar, and has been a very successful way for us to raise further money for charity. www.dursleylions.org/frocesterbeerfestival.htm

Bredon Vintage & Classic Car Rally

Tewkesbury School, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury School, Tewkesbury GL20 8DF

11am - 5pm Bank Holiday Sunday 19th August  2012

**     Bar       ***       Ice Creams       ***      BBQ      ***    Amusements      **

Entry £3 per Adult       Children Free

www.bredoncarrally.org.uk     For all enquiries please contact Rob Davies 01386 725477   

25 August 2012 - Traditional Village Fete at Eastleach village Hall and playing Fields

Traditional Village Fete held at Eastleach village Hall (GL7 3 NQ) and playing Fields with many stalls, plenty of games, raffles, Tombola, cream teas, homemades, plants, books and White Elephants stalls for both grownups and children! Plus  Pimms and BBQ. Come and enjoy [but sorry no dogs].

Opening times: 14.00; Free car Park, Entrance £1 adult, children free, Disabled parking available.

Contact: Tel.  01367 850449, E: suesouter@btinternet.com

For further information on location see - Eastleach Martin

For Places to Stay see - Burford and Fairford

27 August 2012 (Bank Holiday Monday) - Berkeley Agricultural Show

One of the country’s traditional Shows. Livestock, food halls, displays, demonstrations, trade stands in the grounds of Berkeley Castle.

Opening/Closing Times: Monday 9-5pm. Admission: £6 Adult, OAP's & Kids £4, Family £16, £10 for a car on the showground.
For further information call the Show Secretary, Christine Carter,
on: 01453 543 335. Website: www.berkeley-castle.com

27 August 2012 - Bourton Football in the River

Take your places on the banks of the river Windrush in
Bourton-on-the-Water for Football in the River 2012 kicks off once again on bank holiday Monday.

A fete will be held from 11am, with the football match kicking-off at 4pm.

September

2012

1 & 2 September  2012 - Prescott Hill Cimb - British & Midland Championships Weekend.

15th  round of the 2011 British Hill Climb Championship

Come and see the fastest cars and drivers on what is often the deciding round of the Championship

Special features: - Land Speed Record Electric Car

Other attractions: Bugatti Car Handicap, Prescott ‘B’ Licence Challenge, Shell Fuels Hill Climb Championship, Y Gelli Book Auctions Challenge Trophy, 2nd round of the Midland Hill Climb Championship, Prescott Gold Cup,  Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Championship and the NHCA Motor Cycles

Tickets: £12 for practice day (Saturday) and £15 on race day (Sunday); tickets are per person, under 14 yrs are free (Advance Sat 10 & Sunday tickets are £12 via theonline shop very shortly)

Phone: 0044 (0)1242 673136 or 679796
Email: club@bugatti.co.uk

W: www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/september2011.aspx

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

1st SEPTEMBER 2012 - Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural and Horse Show

The Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a traditional one day Agricultural and Horse Show and the leading agricultural event in the County. It is held in the extreme north of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds on the first Saturday in September each year.

Competitions are held for horses, ponies, cattle [including the National Show of Poll Hereford cattle], sheep [including the National Show of Cotswold Sheep], goats, poultry, dogs, homecrafts, flowers, vegetables and even scarecrows.   Around 250 tradestands provide everything from a tractor to a toy and a wide selection of food and drink - both to eat at once and to take home.

Telephone:  08708 777409
Website:  www.moretonshow.co.uk

TBA September 2012 - Chadlington Summer Fayre

The fayre will take place from midday on The Stocks, aka our village green next to the Café de la Post.
This is definitely a fayre for all the family.   There will be over twenty market stalls selling both the necessities of life and things you didn’t realise you needed.  Food and drink will be in plentiful supply and in between supping a pint, licking an ice-cream or munching a sausage there will be lots of things to do!

This year we have a Bungee Run where contestants run down a huge inflated channel against a fixed bungee cord and have to place a velcro marker at the furthest point they can reach.  Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day for the longest runs.

For smaller children we will have an inflated obstacle course themed with characters from the hit movie, Madagascar.  Inside is a mangle, tunnels, biff and bash posts and a large slide.  Hours of fun!  In addition there will be lots of other games to play as well as a penny arcade, organ grinder, cream tea tent and a bar selling beer and Pims.

All proceeds from this year’s fair will go on village projects.

6th to 9th September 2012 -
The Blenheim International Horse Trials

One of the world's premier three-star three-day events. Set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace, at Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and with the Palace as the back drop for all main arena action, the horse trials  offers a fabulous opportunity to see some of the world's finest riders and their horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular environment.
www.blenheim-horse.co.uk

8th September 2012 - Newent Onion Fayre

The Newent Onion Fayre is back once again, complete with the opportunity to witness the world-famous onion eating competition with your very own teary eyes.

More Information: Onion Fayre

9th September 2012 - Chippenham Half Marathon

So many people told us how much they enjoyed the Chippenham Half Marathon in 2011 and wanted us to do it again that Chippenham Harriers are going to give it another go on....

Sunday 9th September 2012 at 9.30am
at Chippenham Sports Club

www.chippenhamhalfmarathon.co.uk
Start Time: 09:30, Cost: £15 affiliated, £17 unaffiliated

Sunday 16th September 2012 - Pig Face Day at Avening

Hello......Avening wants to tell you that the Pig Face Day and Queen Matilda's Feast is being celebrated in full costume, with hog roast, jesters and band and starts in the church at 6pm. The celebrations will finish about 10pm.

Pig Face Day  held on Holy Cross Day in September in Avening.  
Starting at 6pm with the Traditional Candlelit service with the presentation of a Boar's Head by Queen Matilda.  Everyone is invited in Medieval dress to commemorate the one and only commissioning of a Church by a Queen of England. The service is followed by a torchlight procession to the Feast where there are to be Jesters, Jugglers and fire eaters.

All enquiries (we can help with costumes) to Click Mitchell at clickmitchell@aol.com or tel. 01453 836390.

15th to 16th September 2012 - Discover Creative Campden Weekend

Creative Campden presents a rich diversity of creative talent for you to visit and enjoy. Artists, writers, jewellers, photographers and musicians are amongst the many to whom Chipping Campden is home.

For more information see - www.creativecampden.co.uk

14th to 22nd September 2012 - Jane Austen Festival Bath

Throughout Bath events are organised by the Jane Austen Festival team under the guidance of Jackie Herring the Festival Director. Entrance to each event is by ticket and those go on sale at the Bath Festivals Box Office a few months before the start. Becoming a Friend of the Jane Austen Festival ensures you get first choice of tickets, essential for those events with limited numbers.

The most spectacular day each year is the first Saturday, when the festival officially ‘opens’ with the Regency Costumed Promenade through the streets of Bath. Promenaders from all over the world dress in 18th Century attire led by our Town Crier and accompanied by soldiers and sailors adding extra colour to the proceedings.

Website: www.janeausten.co.uk

TBA September 2012 - Clypping Ceremony,
St Mary's Church, Painswick. This is held on Feast Sunday, the Sunday after Feast of Nativity of St Mary. The church is 'clypped' or embraced by parishioners while the 'Clypping Hymn' is sung.

This ceremony is said to symbolise the parishioners' love of their church. This Feast Day was once notorious in Painswick for riotous behaviour and for 'Puppy-dog pies' said to have been baked by a publican desperate for meat to feed the visiting crowds. This is still celebrated by baking china dogs into pies and cakes sold on the day.

Further details - Clypping Ceremony

TBA September 2012 - CHIPPYJAZZ  

ChippyJazz is the opportunity to go to Chipping Norton and listen to superb Classic and 20s/30s jazz to make your toes tap.

• Free jazz gigs at 10 venues around the town from 11.30am until 11.00pm.
• Youth Jazz Bands playing free gigs in Chipping Norton Town Hall from 2.00pm until 5.00pm.
• Evening Concert in the Chipping Norton Town Hall from 7.45 - 10.15pm,  starring Keith Nichol's Rhythmakers.  A superb evening with Keith Nichol (piano), Ben Cummings (trumpet), Trevor Whiting (clarinet, sax), Spats Langham (banjo , guitar), Malcolm Sked ( bass, tuba) and Nick Ward (drums). 

Tickets for the evening concert £16 and £14 (no concessions), available Chipping Norton Theatre (01608 642350) or on-line at www.chippingnortontheatre.com. More details available from www.chippyjazz.org.uk.

Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chipping Norton - all gigs will have charity collectors present.

October

2012

Sat 6 to Sun 7 October 2012 - American Classic Autum Weekend at Prestcott Hill Climb

Special features: - ‘The Flatheads’ – a host of vintage hot rods and iconic historic American marques

Special ‘flathead’ American competition class on ‘the hill’

Dragster Record Breakers – special display of American clubs and of course Harleys and Indians!

Together with our resident Cheer Leaders, our cruising black and white, hot dogs, and lots more...and by popular demand the return of: The Wall of Death

Other attractions:

Saturday: Bugatti Owners Club, Austin Healey Sport Speed Championship, Midland Automobile Club, Porsche Club GB, Scimitar and Sabre Speed Championship

Sunday: Bugatti Owners, Vintage Sports Car Club, 500 Owners Association, Austin Healey Club, Aston Martins Owners Club, HSCC, Historic BMW, Historic AM, MGCC, TVR Club, Morgan Sports Cars ‘Techniques’ Speed Championship. The Revington TR Register Speed and Paul Matty Sportscars Classic Championships.

Tickets: £18 for Saturday and £18 Sunday; tickets are per person, under 14 yrs are free (Advance tickets are £15 via the online shop shortly), Camping is available at £5 per person per night payable on the day.

For Lodgings see:-

Winchcombe Accommodation
Cheltenham Accommodation
Broadway Accommodation
Evesham Accommodation

W: www.prescott-hillclimb.com/
events/october2011.aspx

6 October to 9 October 2011 - Tetbury Musical Festival

The Festival opens on Thursday with a piano recital by Paul Lewis playing Schubert. The programme includes Four Impromptus, Momens Musicals (sic) and Fantasy in C "Wandererfantasie"

The full programme is available now.
Website: www.tetburymusicfestival.org.uk

3 to 7 October 2012 Horse of the Year Show at the NEC

The UK's biggest indoor equestrian event, Horse of the Year Show.
Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which takes place at The NEC.

NEC hosts the finals of the most highly regarded national showing and show jumping championships and celebrates the end of the competitive season in true style with five days action packed with all things equestrian. From stunning displays to tense competition to endless shopping HOYS is a spectacular not to missed.

Website: www.hoys.co.uk

13 October to 21 October 2012 - Stratford-upon-Avon Music Festival

Look forward to contemporary dance, brass bands, song recitals and family concerts plus the now-famous lunchtime series in the beautiful setting of Stratford's Town Hall.

Keep checking the website for news and updates.
Website: www.stratfordmusicfestival.com

With its signature blend of award-winning writers, world-renowned thinkers and international star names the Festival has come a long way since its 9 events in 1949 – now attracting over 100,000 visitors to hundreds of events every year. At its heart the festival still rejoices in the joy of books, the thrill of debate and the unique interaction between writer and reader.

Box Office 0844 576 7979 - www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature

Thursday 25 October 2012 - This year's second Gypsy Horse Fair at Stow-on-the-Wold.

The gypsy horse fair attracts hundreds of sightseers to Stow twice a year. Gipsies gather from all corners of England for a meet and greet and hundreds of horses are paraded and sold, all in one day. It's quite a site! So how did it all begin and why Stow-on-the-Wold. As you might expect, when dealing with a Cotswold tradition, you have to go back a very long way.

More information: www.cotswolds.info/blogs/gypsy-horse-fair.shtml

November

2012

16, 17, 18 November 2012 - The Open, Cheltenham

The Open at Cheltenham Racecourse, is three days of the best that racing has to offer and is the biggest and most important meeting of the first half of the Jumps season anywhere in the country. It provides thrilling competition between many of the best Jump horses in Europe, large and enthusiastic crowds creating a special atmosphere.

Website: www.cheltenham.co.uk

22 November 2012 to 9 December 2012 - Bath Christmas Market

Running for the second time due to the popularity of public demand set between the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

The Chiristmas Market showcases a range of handmade products in over 120 traditional wooden chalets and last year's event attracted circa 300,000 visitors over the 18 days.

Friday 30th November 2012 - Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping

5.30 - 8.30 pm
A host of festivities for all the family including carol singers, swing band, horse & carriage rides, street entertainers, pig roast, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and much, much more!

December

2012

Friday 7 December 2012 - Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping

5.30 - 8.30 pm
A host of festivities for all the family including carol singers, swing band, horse & carriage rides, street entertainers, pig roast, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and much, much more!

14th & 15th December 2012 - The International, Cheltenham

A wonderful two days of the highest class action at Cheltenham Racecourse.

A wonderful two days of the highest class action, featuring one of the most valuable hurdle races of the entire season in Europe. The StanJames.com International Hurdle, a hugely significant race in its own right, is one of the leading trials for the Champion Hurdle at The Festival.

Website: www.cheltenham.co.uk

Calendar of Cotswold Events - 2012