Cheltenham Jazz Festival
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Get ready for a sensational musical journey at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival! For nearly a week each spring, the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham (in the heart of Gloucestershire) is transformed into a living, breathing jazz paradise. This annual celebration brings together some of the world's top jazz artists alongside exciting new talent. Fans can enjoy a thrilling mix of smooth swing, soul-soothing blues, fiery Latin jazz, modern funk, and fresh improvisations. With music filling the streets and parks from afternoon through midnight, the festival's atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, making it the perfect event whether you are a longtime jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer.
At the heart of the action is the Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens – a beautiful open-air hub turned music playground. Here you will find big white tents like the iconic Big Top hosting headline concerts (with tickets), as well as dozens of smaller stages scattered among the trees for free performances by brass bands, trios, and solo artists. Street food vendors sell tasty snacks from around the world, and pop-up bars pour local ales and refreshing cocktails. Bring a picnic blanket to relax between sets, or join in a fun open workshop or dance class. The buzz of live performance, colourful lights as night falls, and the sound of tapping feet create an open-air party you can enjoy at your own pace.
Cheltenham's charming streets and venues also come alive with jazz during the festival. Elegant theatres, cosy pubs and art-house cinemas stage special gigs, and you might stumble upon an impromptu jam session in a hidden courtyard or a jazz duo playing by a fountain. From smooth ballads and mellow acoustic sets in the afternoon to high-energy funk and blues bands after dark, there is always something unexpected around the corner. Family-friendly activities such as a kids' music workshop make the festival fun for all ages, and the whole event celebrates the joy of live music in a festive, community spirit.
With thousands of music-lovers flocking here each year, Cheltenham Jazz Festival has become one of Britain's most beloved music events. It is an unforgettable chance to see big-name performers and up-and-coming stars in a friendly, intimate setting, all against the backdrop of Cheltenham's elegant architecture and beautiful gardens. Whether you plan to dance on the grass in Montpellier Gardens or soak up saxophone tunes at a riverside pub, you will leave with new favourites and lasting memories. Join in the magic of live jazz amid the spring sunshine – this is a musical celebration you will not want to miss!
Getting to Cheltenham is easy by road, rail, or air. If you are arriving by train, Cheltenham Spa station is the main hub. It is about a 25-minute walk (or a short taxi) from the town centre and Festival Village. Regular trains from London, Birmingham, Bristol and other cities connect here – the trip from Birmingham takes around an hour, and London about two hours. From the station there are frequent buses and taxis, and even a handy bike path into town if you prefer to pedal.
By road, Cheltenham is close to the M5 motorway. Take Junction 11 (for the Arle Court Park & Ride) or Junction 10 (towards Gloucester) and follow signs into Cheltenham. There is ample parking available in town, and Park & Ride services run from Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse (just outside town) to help you reach downtown venues. Local bus routes (Stagecoach numbers 94, 97, etc.) stop at major car parks and around the town centre, making it easy to navigate without a car.
For air travellers, the nearest major airports are Birmingham and Bristol, each roughly a 50-mile drive from Cheltenham. From Birmingham International Airport you can take a train via Birmingham New Street station (about 1 hour total travel), or use National Express coach services. Bristol Airport passengers can take a train from nearby Parkway or Temple Meads stations into Cheltenham. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports are further away (around 2–3 hours by road or rail), but offer frequent connections to the town via rail or intercity coach services.
Cheltenham's town centre is compact and very walkable, with most festival venues just a short stroll apart. Plenty of local taxis and app-based ride services are available for quick trips. Special shuttle buses and park-and-ride coaches often operate during the festival to bring visitors from outlying parking lots or nearby towns. If you are driving, be prepared for heavier traffic around festival dates – but using Park & Ride or local buses can save you time searching for parking in the busy centre.
Accommodation in Cheltenham ranges from cosy guesthouses and B&Bs to stylish hotels and self-catering apartments, many within easy reach of the Festival Village. Popular hotels can book up quickly on festival weekends, so it is wise to reserve early. If Cheltenham's lodging fills up, neighbouring towns like Gloucester or the Cotswolds villages offer alternatives within a short drive, and trains or buses can bring you in each day. By planning ahead and choosing the best mix of transport and lodging for your needs, you can enjoy the Jazz Festival without stress.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The George Hotel and Montys | 0.1 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| Hanover House | 0.1 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| 81 The Prom Hotel | 0.1 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| St Georges | 0.2 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| Strozzi Palace Luxury Boutique Suites | 0.2 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| ServicedLets Bayshill Apartments | 0.2 ml | £63.00 | Book | |
| Town Centre Apartments | 0.2 ml | £2000.00 | Book | |
| Famous Apartments | 0.2 ml | £200.00 | Book | |
| Queens Circus Executive Apartment | 0.2 ml | £149.00 | Book | |
| Central Hotel | 0.3 ml | £20.00 | Book | |
| The Big Sleep Hotel Cheltenham By Compass Hospitality | 0.3 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| The Wyastone | 0.3 ml | £95.00 | Book | |
| Saracens Courtyard Apartments | 0.3 ml | £104.00 | Book | |
| The Coliseum Apartments | 0.3 ml | £111.00 | Book | |
| Arch Mews | 0.3 ml | £150.00 | Book |
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire., GL501QA
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