The Cotswolds Through the Year

Having visited The Cotswolds during most months of the year and having never been disappointed, other than realising that I might have missed something really good a few weeks earlier or later, I thought there might be value in researching and outlining just a few of the calendar events which the area boasts. This is by no means a definitive list, but rather just a flavour of what might be on offer. Certainly there could be great value in carrying out a little research prior to choosing your destination. Such is the nature of The Cotswolds, that most places have their own website. If you are able to trawl round, then that could be of great benefit; should you not have access to the internet, then you will find Tourist Information Centres and your local library may be of help.

Below are just a few events on a month by month basis, several of which I can vouch for:

February sees the early festival season begin with the 'Cheltenham Folk Festival', which is normally lively and well attended. Those who enjoy some fresh air will find the 'Snowdrop Sea' at Rococo Gardens, Painswick both spellbinding and optimistic.

March finds the city of Bath hosting their annual Shakespeare Festival, with theatre, dance, comedy and music; and what a great opportunity to visit one of the world's most gracious and elegant cities.

April sees the Shakespeare Birthday Celebration at Stratford-upon-Avon; a weekend festival with strolling players, musicians, Folk and Morris dancing, concerts, a Royal Shakespeare Company birthday performance, and even a grand charity ball.

May ushers in some elements of 'silly season' with the famed 'Cheese Rolling' down Cooper's Hill in Gloucester, which mayhem has to be seen to be believed; not for the faint hearted, which is why I prefer to be a spectator. The Cheltenham International Jazz Festival features excellent worldwide contemporary jazz. The Badminton Horse Trials near Bath present the definitive 3 day event of cross country, dressage and show jumping. The Brampton Day of Dance sees Morris dancers parading through the village, whilst Chipping Campden hosts the infamous 'Olympick Games'. Here you will see a plethora of old sports to include obstacle races, tug-of-war and the excruciating 'shin-kicking', together with torch lit parade, fun, frolics and entertainment; the following day sees 'The Scuttlebrook Wake' with yet more fun and shenanigans. The International Textile Festival is staged in Stroud, whilst Tetbury hosts the 'Wool Sack Races' and Street Fair; a truly spectacular day and mightily exhausting for the brave competitors. The Wychwood Music Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse is a notable weekend festival. There's 'Well Dressing' at Bisley and the Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament at Woodstock. Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival is a must for all gourmets in the beautiful Abbey vineyards.

June sees the Bath International Music Festival and Fringe festival. Blenheim Flower Show is an essential for keen gardeners and onlookers, whilst Burford Dragon Parade sees some early history celebrations. 'Wood Weekend' at Cogges Manor Farm Museum features traditional crafts through the ages, whilst there's Shakespeare in the Park at Blenheim (Woodstock).

July finds Longborough Festival Opera at Moreton-in-Marsh, and the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford is the world's biggest military air show. Cheltenham International Festival of Music and Fringe is not to be missed; likewise the Gloucester Blues and Heritage Festival.

August sees the Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Fair at Blenheim Palace, The Gatcombe Horse Trials at the Princess Royal's home near Tetbury, and the unmissable 'Water Games' at Bourton-on-the-Water.

September and there's a traditional folk event at the 'Painswick Ancient Clypping' and literary celebrations at the Jane Austen Festival at Bath.

October welcomes 'The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival' - a 10 day affair of readings and performances.
November sees Christmas markets and festivals at Bath Abbey and at Warwick Castle.

December and year's end sees concerts and carols in Bath at The Abbey and The Pump Room. There's a Victorian Christmas Evening at Bourton-on-the-Water, and a 'Christmas At Blenheim Palace', which is totally enchanting.

Well, I hope the above have served to whet the appetite. Some further research will show these to be merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of the host of eclectic not to be missed events which make The Cotswolds such a remarkable treasure trove.

I'll see you there, won't I?