Comedy

Dom Joly’s Speakeazy, The Steam & Whistle, Cheltenham, 08 Aug & 11 Sept

Join multi-award-winning comedian and broadcaster Dom Joly for a one-of-a-kind late-night show blending comedy and music. Hosted in his home town of Cheltenham, at the newly opened and renovated Steam and Whistle, this monthly event will feature unplugged sets from Joly’s favourite bands, surprise guests from all walks of life, and audience participation. Expect a night of unpredictable entertainment where anything can happen! 7.30pm – 11.30 pm.

Waterside thrills

The Weight of Water, Gloucester Quays, 31 & 31 August – FREE

people jumping off water thing — Image: Strike a Light / Panama Pictures / Weight of Water

A giant floating staircase on water. Six fearless performers. One very real risk of falling in! See this innovative, adrenalin filled performance for free at Gloucester Quays. Watch as six performers climb on. Every move makes it tilt and the rest must react to avoid slipping and falling into the water. This gripping show mixes dance, circus and live music all with the underlieing theme of highlighting the climate crisis facing the world. Find it outside the North Warehouse, North Quay, at 1pm and 3.30pm. The event lasts 45 minutes and is free to watch – just show up.

Alfresco foodie fun

Smoked & Uncut Unplugged, The PIG in the Cotswolds, Barnsley, June – mid-Sept

Where else would you want to be on a balmy summer’s evening than at the PIG’s summer series of feasting, live music and fun. From June to mid-September, head over to soak up the sounds of summer at these laid-back, open-air gatherings – packed with live acoustic music, flame-fired feasting, and good vibes a-plenty. Pitch up every other Sunday, 5pm – 7pm.

Events are open to hotel guests and non-residents alike. The events are also free to attend, all you need to do is book a free ticket to let them know that you’re heading on down!

Floral pop-ups

Flora Fields, August, Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold

Flora Fields, the awesome pick-your-own (PYO) dahlia field at Webbs, Wychbold, returns this summer, showcasing an extraordinary collection of over 50+ gorgeous varieties and thousands of dahlias in full bloom.

Stroll through vibrant rows of flowers, hand-pick your favourite stems and create your own beautiful bouquet. Whilst you’re here, take a moment to relax in the cosy tipi, snap a picture with the iconic bright pink tractor, or treat yourself to a Prosecco picnic.

Plus – go to the live music night taking place on bank holiday weekend on 24 August. Live Music in the Dahlias is on from 1.30pm – 3.30pm. This talented father-and-daughter act from the Midlands will be performing relaxed acoustic covers from across the decades, with everything from Stevie Wonder to Pink, and plenty in between. Adults £8 and children £4.

Family fun

The Joust, Berkeley Castle, Glos, 24 August

Knights and Horses combine for hard hitting, super exciting, medieval jousting displays, filled with sword swinging, thrills and spills. Anything can happen and often does, with audience participation. Cheer for the White Knight, boo at the Black Knight, and laugh along with Sir Frederick and his merry antics.

Plus , every Monday from 21 July to 18 August, enjoy Have-A-Go Archery on the Lower Lawns at Berkeley Castle, with expert archers giving you tuition, all included in the admission ticket. Or go to the Hysterical Critters Workshop, every Weds from 23 – 27 August.

Knight School, Sudeley Castle, Cheltenham, 23 July – 28 Aug

For brave adventurers of all ages! Step into the world of chivalry, courage, and medieval mayhem at Knight School, a thrilling cavalier adventure for children at Sudeley this summer.

Children of all ages are invited to dress-up and join the fun of Sudeley’s Knight School, every Wednesday & Thursday throughout the summer. The ancient art of sword-fighting, archery and jousting are just some of the knight-themed activities and adventures that lay in store. Successful knights leave the castle grounds knighted and certified. Runs from 10.30am – 3pm.

Plus on the falcon lawn, have a close encounters with falcons, owls and birds of prey at Falconry at the Castle. Taking place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 22 July – 29 Aug, Walks with Hawksteaches them all about breath-taking acrobatic skills. Adding to the experience, watch falconers in action, dressed in Tudor attire, and learn about Royal falconry displays.All included with regular admission.

Performing against the stunning backdrop of Berkeley Castle, Wind in the Willows is set to go down a storm on 14 August. Bring the whole family and follow the charming adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the mischievous Mr. Toad as they explore friendship, bravery, and the wonders of nature. Set against the stunning backdrop of Berkeley Castle.

Pack a picnic, settle down on the lawn, and let the whimsical world of the riverbank and the wild wood come to life. Shows at 11:45am and 2:00pm on the Lower Lawn.

The Alfresco Film Company has cinema screenings all over the AONB throughout the summer months. Bag a deckchair at Cowley Manor and watch Wicked on 21 August, or settle in for Mama Mia! (5 July) or Top Gun (5 Sept, Ellenborough Park).

Moomin 80: Moomin ABC, Museum of Gloucester, until 5 October

Big birthday bash alert – the Moomins turn 80 in 2025 and they’re celebrating in style at The Museum of Gloucester. Teaming up with award-winning immersive theatre company Bakehouse Factory, the Moomin ABC exhibition is interactive fun for all ages. Visitors begin their journey by scanning their hand to be paired with a Moomin buddy, then dive into an enchanting world of AR magic with characters like Snufkin, Little My and Snorkmaiden.

Three themed ABC islands explore feelings through storytelling, with plenty of space to read in a tipi, play among log stumps, or just unwind in a forest-inspired setting. There’s also dress-up, craft corners, a letter-writing station to Fillyjonk, and the brilliantly bonkers ‘Hopescotch’. Don’t forget to check your height at the How Tall Wall – you might just measure up to Moomintroll himself. Tickets from just £5.

Lions at Large Trail, Cheltenham, August

This roarsome new art trail, Lions at Large, is a free Wild in Art event that will see 35 large Lion sculptures, painted by local artists, arrive on the streets of Cheltenham and Gloucester until 14 September. Seek out each of the dazzlingly unique and colourful Lions in streets, parks, and open spaces before joining the pride for a fantastic farewell weekend once the trail is over. The Lions will then be auctioned to raise funds for proposed new cancer care facilities in Cheltenham.

Laguna Bay, Giffords Circus, Glos & Cotswolds

The brand new show for Giffords special 25th anniversary is Laguna Bay. Set in the buoyant and sunny era of 1950’s America, Laguna Bay is a spectacular blend of fun, excitement and charm. Immerse yourself in another world and escape everyday life for a few blissful hours with an astonishing mix of thrills, skills, adventure, romance, theatrics and hilarity. Catch it in Minchampton from 7 – 18 August.

Pizza from Scratch Cookery Class, Daylesford Farm, 17 August

If you have a budding Blumenthal on your hands then book them into one of the kids’ cookery courses at Daylesford Cookery School. Pizza From Scratch is a fun half-day course which will guide guests through the ins and outs of the process of making pizza from scratch. The course uses the Gozney pizza ovens and explores several dough variations including Neapolitan, Roma, Detroit deep dish styles, plus something sweet to finish.Or, book in for the Family Cooking Together session on the 17 August.

Bank Holiday capers

Gloucester Goes Retro, Sat 23 August

If you’re a sucker for the good old days, this nostalgic knees-up over the August Bank Holiday is just the ticket. See Gloucester Docks transform into a time-travelling wonderland – think jukebox vibes, high-octane engines, and vintage glam galore – and it’s totally free! Over 500 classic cars will line the streets, from Bond-worthy Aston Martins to long-lost legends. Expect live music, swing dancing retro sweet stalls and artisan eats and drinks. Pop on your polka dots and join the fun

Phoenix Festival, Cirencester, 23 – 24 Aug

The Phoenix Festival in Cirencester is an amazing two days of music, great food and entertainment – and it’s totally free! Taking place from 23 – 24 August this boutique favourite takes place in the Abbey Grounds. This year’s headline acts are tribute acts P!INK and Elvis. On from 11am to 10pm.

The Big Feastival, Kingham, 22 – 24 August

Is it even summer without a day or night spent in Alex James banging back yard?! We think not. It’s returning this August and is going to be one truly unforgettable weekend. Headliners include Nelly Furtado, Travis, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Alex James and himself with an orchestra.

BOOK AHEAD

Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, 26 – 28 September

Harvest vibes incoming! From 26–28 September, the Three Counties Showground bursts into colour with giant veg champs (think pumpkins the size of hot tubs), dazzling RHS floral displays, artisan eats, and stacks of family entertainment. Expect celeb gardeners and chefs, live demos, vintage tractors, and lots to browse and buy, with the glorious Malvern Hills as your backdrop. Get your advance ticket for £22, kids (0 – 15) go free with a booked ticket.

Taste Worcestershire, venues around Worcestershire, 6 – 26 Oct

Clear your diary, foodie fans –Taste Worcestershire is serving up three glorious weeks of culinary indulgence from the county’s best chefs, independents, and top-notch artisan producers. From Michelin-style tasting menus to sensational small plates, munch your way across Worcs, with exclusive offers and curated set menus – all unlocked with one easily downloadable voucher.

Think refined farm-to-table feasts at Sow, James Martin magic at The Lygon Arms, or a romantic view at Brockencote Hall. Tuck into burgers and cocktails at Hanbao, sustainable fine-dining at Black & Green, and Masterchef magic at Canary & Kitchen. Want something more relaxed? Try the 16th-century charm of The Old Bull or the award-winning Stirrups bar in Evesham.

Whether you’re a die-hard gourmet or just looking for an excuse not to cook, it’s the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new and celebrate Worcestershire’s field-to-fork heritage.

What’s On August: 26 Brilliant things to do

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