Luke Jerram’s Mars: War & Peace, Gloucester Cathedral, 15 Oct – 3 Nov

Luke jerrams mars on display in a cathedral — Credit: Luke Jerram Instagram / Peterborough Cathedral

Experience the red planet like never before this autumn at Gloucester Cathedral, with the spectacular Mars: War and Peace artwork by Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery* of the Martian surface. Plan your visit during day-time or have an eye-widening experience after dark at special late night viewings, when it is at its most atmospheric!

Taste Worcestershire, various venues, 7 – 27 October

Tastebuds primed and waistbands unfurled? Good job too. It’s time to tuck into Taste Worcestershire, a new, unmissable gastronomic event going down from 7 – 27 October. Take advantage of unmissable offers at some of your favourite regional restaurants and learn the stories of the county’s rich agricultural heritage from field to fork. Plus – read our chat with one of the festival’s Food Heros and top chefs, Pete Dovaston.

Our top tip? Book this… Enjoy Croome Cuisine cheese paired with top wines at this relaxed Taste Worcestershire Cheese & Wine Supper at Astley Vineyard, on Fri 25 October, cost £35pp.

Luxmuralis Light Show, Tewkesbury Abbey, 22 – 27 October

This stunning light show is coming to one of Gloucestershire’s most iconic landmarks, Tewkesbury Abbey. Space by Luxmuralis, invites you to journey through outer space, gaze up at emerging galaxies, and go out of this world! This immersive journey uses projections across almost every part of the Abbey’s 900-year-old architecture. In an experience lasting about 45 minutes with an immersive soundscape. Tickets to ‘Space’ cost £12 for adults and £10 for children aged four to 17, with children under three go free.

Cirencester History Festival, Cirencester, Sat 26 October – Sun 3 November

Mark your calendars and get ready to step back in time! The brand new Cirencester History Festival runs from 26 October to 3 November. This boutique festival features an exciting programme of local, national and global history including talks, crafting, workshops, cookery, storytelling, dressing up and some timely Halloween fun. Big hitter headline speakers already confirmed include Jonathan Dimbleby, Max Hastings, Charles Spencer, Natalie Haynes, Janina Ramirez and Marc Morris.

The festival also offers over 30 immersive, family-friendly activities, many of which are free. Highlights include: learn how to write your own historical novel at Waterstones; make a traditional pie with the Cotswold Cookery School; meet a Roman doctor from Chedworth Roman Villa; make a historical villain Halloween costume; make a clay gargoyle at the Corinium Museum; meet children’s authors at Octavia’s bookshop and much more.

She’s Electric, Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham, 12 October

She’s Electric is back! Returning to the stunning Ellenborough Park on Sat 12 October where it all began one year ago to help us all live our best stylish and sustainable lives. Join She’s Electric and host Jo Elvin for a good time in great company. Discover beautiful lifestyle brands, hear from inspiring women with incredible stories, find out from experts how you can save time and money whilst creating a positive impact, and take your pick from the VW electric range for an electrifying drive experience.Bring your friends, meet like minded women, enjoy a spot of shopping and recharge with complimentary refreshments.

Use code MUDDYGLOS at checkout to get your FREE tickets. Book your place here. Sign up for the She’s Electric newsletter here, to stay connected to this community of switched-on women, get stylish and sustainable living tips, info on the latest tech, exclusive offers and free tickets to future events like this one.

Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cheltenham, 4 to 13 October

The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2024 is back with a stellar line-up this year. See 500+ events encompassing art and design, classic literature, current affairs, faith and philosophy, fiction, poetry and spoken word, history, memoir, food and drink and more. Get some hot new reads on your bedside table into the bargain.

Doggy Swim, Cheltenham Lido, Cheltenham, 12, 13, 19, 20 October

Never been to the annual Sandford Park Lido dog swim? It’s an experience not to be missed and very popular so book ahead! Jump into the water with your best buddy at this super fun event which marks the end of the lido season. Tickets cost £14 and you’ll get an hour having a brilliant time in the pool with your pooch. Book ahead it’s a popular one.

All-you-can-eat Harvest Feast, Nook on Five, Cheltenham

For one Sunday only, Cheltenham’s rooftop restaurant is putting on a Sunday Feast, an all you can eat buffet including roasts, seafood, cheese and patisserie counters.Including a free glass of English fizz on arrival and live entertainment all for £75pp.

Oktoberfest, Cheltenham Racecourse, 11 – 12 October

Cheltenham Racecourse is transforming into a Bavarian Wonderland! Get your Lederhosen ready and enjoy live Oompah bands, traditional karaoke-dancing, Oktoberfest games, axe throwing, gourmet food and big steins of German bier. Coming to the town for the first time – stein to head down? oh yes!

Tetbury Music Festival, Tetbury, 28 September – 06 October

Tickets have been selling fast for the 22nd anniversary festival. This year looks fantastic. Catch Imogen Cooper on piano, soprano Julia Doyle, and BBC Radio 3 legend Donald Macleod and more. A festival of world class talent right here in Gloucestershire.

Stroud Arts Festival, Stroud, 19 – 27 October

Enjoy a full on feast for the ears and eyes at the annual Stroud Arts Festival. Taking place at the brilliant Sub Rooms in the heart of Stroud, the 78th festival has an exciting programme filled with music, theatre and film. Returning under the guidance of Artistic Director Dave Ayre expect world class musicians, performers and artists, classical and modern music.

Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up, Town Hall, Cheltenham, 25 October

After selling out 110 dates across the UK and Europe, Simon Brodkin, the world-famous prankster, Lee Nelson creator and most-watched British stand-up comedian on TikTok, brings his outrageous stand-up show to Cheltenham.
In ‘Screwed Up’ Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and God! Nothing is off limits in this critically acclaimed show, including his own mental health, his family, his five arrests and how he once found himself at an underground sex party. Age 14+.

Ed Byrne: A Time Tragedy, Gloucester Guildhall, Stroud Sub Rooms, Evesham Regal & Worcester’s Huntington Hall

One of the UK’s favourite TV household names extends his nationwide tour of his Best Reviewed Show at this year’s Fringe, and his most personal show to date. From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join one of our leading laugh specialists as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

Sunday Lunch with Close Up Magic, Kings Head Hotel, Cirencester, 1st Sunday of every month

Elevate your Sunday lunch with this popular magic show. Taking place on the first Sunday of each month at the Kings Head Hotel in the centre of Cirencester, be entertained by acclaimed close-up magician and local favourite, Alex Robertson. Booking ahead is highly recommended, but simply settle in, order some food and while your meal is being cooked let Alex entertain you with some incredible tricks!

Autumn Fair, Beaudesert Park School, Sat 15 October

Drop into Beaudesert Park School’s Autumn Fair from 8.30am to 3pm. There’ll be 60 stalls at the event, including Atelier18, Little Smartipants, Wovenology and Gasm Drinks. Food and coffees are also on offer in the courtyard. Raising money for Read for Good this year. Since the Fair launched 16 years ago, it has raised £110,000 for local and children’s charities. Make a date and tick off some Christmas gifts. Under 16s go free.

BOOK AHEAD NOW

Winter Glow, Malvern, 22 – 31 December

The biggest and twinkiest event in Three Counties, returns to the Malvern Showground for 2024 offering even more magical experiences. The experience includes personalised Santa’s Grotto experiences, ice skating and one of the longest outdoor light trails in the West Midlands.

Brand new for 2024, families will also be able to enjoy an 18-hole UV crazy golf course! The festive fairground is also making a return along with the Christmas market, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 22 December. Free for general admission. Activities from £6.50.

Rococo Light Trail, Rococo Garden, Painswick, 30 November – 2 January

This Christmas, step into a world of wonder at the Rococo Garden’s newly-transformed Enchanted Garden. As dusk falls, the Garden transforms into a twinkling wonderland, charmingly lit up to captivate visitors of all ages. You’ll be greeted by a glittery display of lights that bring the Garden to life in the most magical way; mythical creatures waiting to meet you, boggarts, fairies and dragons! During your stroll along winding pathways and through subtly-lit woodland, watch out for shimmering fairies twirling among the giant dandelions.

Tickets cost £9 for children over 4 years old and £17 for adults. Children under 4 are free. Sensory Sensitive sessions are available at 4pm on 30 November, 1, 12, 19 December, and dogs on leads are welcome.

Spectacle of Light , Sudeley Castle, Cheltenham, 22 Nov – 30 Dec

Explore this magical after-dark experience and follow the new illuminated trail around the fairytale grounds of Sudeley Castle, now in its 9th Year. New for 2024! Immerse yourself in a Sleeping Beauty theme. Meet iconic characters from this well-loved tale as you follow the story around the immersive trail. Refuel and warm yourself with spiced mulled wine, sprinkled hot chocolate, hot food and delicious donuts from the Castle Terrace.

Looking for Halloween-themed fun? Here’s our pick of what’s on.

Carry On Screaming: It’s Murder, Ingleside House, Cirencester, 31 October

Will you become the Halloween Super Sleuths? A professor is guest of honour at this evening’s special dinner and he will be announcing his new miracle wonder drug and invention… but murder is on someone’s mind, who is it? Why and how will they kill their victim? Join the Laughlines cast and the Detective to find the villain whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal prepared by in-house chefs at Téatro. A hilarious and terrifying night guaranteed! Get on your best halloween gear, minimum recommended age limit 16.

GO TO A SPOOKY CASTLE

Sudeley Castle and Gardens is the place for myths, history and hijinks this half term, from kooky-spooky daytime and nighttime trails to guided ghost hunt tours. Explore the ghoulish goings on from 26 Oct to 3 Nov. Treats include an interactive Medieval Monster trail around the grounds, a Medieval Monsters Ball in the Orangery, and a Time Team style dig for lost remains in Sudeley’s haunted Ha-Ha – with real archeologists!

For the first time, bone-chilling, evening ghost tours can be taken around Sudeley’s grounds. Go to Sudeley’s top ghost sites on this lantern-lit tour on 29, 30 and 31 October, cost £40pp. Your ticket includes a mulled cider in the Castle Coach House.

ENROL IN DRAGONS & WIZARDS SCHOOL

Brand new for 2024, it’s Dragons & Wizards School at Berkeley Castle. Meet the smoke-breathing dragon and her babies, and join a wizardry class in the Great Hall. This thrilling Halloween event is included in your admission ticket. From 27 – 30 October.

RIDE A GHOST TRAIN

Are you brave enough to climb aboard the Ghost Train? Arrive early at Kidderminster Station for the Severn Railway Ghost Train Experience on 26, 30 and 31 October. This one is for the whole family, there’ll be no escape but there will be face-painting and a spooky disco, before you make your way along the dark platform to find your seats. But beware, things that go bump in the night are not just outside the windows. There will be Halloween goodie bags for brave kiddos! Cost is £101 for a compartment of four, with under 4s going free.

Glow in the Park, 270 Climbing, Gloucester, 23 – 31 October

Test your nerve and your senses as you venture into the darkness and climb, swing and jump under the night sky! Experience a new level of adventure with some night time climbs with spooky lights. Explore amongst the shadowy ropes and then jump off the tower into the darkness below – armed with nothing more than a head torch and a whole lot of bottle.

Spooky Spectacular, West Midland Safari Park, 29 October to 03 November, Bewdley, Worcs

West Midland Safari Park is brimming with Halloween decorations and hundreds of pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch. Meet the excitable pumpkin-scarecrow character, ‘Patch and explorers will need to help locate the missing potion ingredients in the free Spooky Trail, to win a delicious treat. There are also extended opening hours on selected dates, so brave explorers can discover dinosaurs and rides in the dark.

SEE A SHOW

The Bubble Show, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, 29 October

Join Mr. Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes. The Bubble Show is a blend of magic, storytelling, science and bubble art. Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles. Actor, storyteller, and Guinness World Record holder; The Highland Joker is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza!

GET ARTY AND CRAFTY

Cirencester History Festival, Corinium Museum, Cirencester, 27 October – 2 November

The awesome Cirencester History Festival is in town over half term and it is packed with thrilling activities and talks for the whole family. Highlights include; Marie Basting’s Auntie Medusa and Me – a children’s novel with a unique take on classical mythology; Monstrous Mosaics Children’s Workshop; a Gruesome Gargoyles workshop and Annelise Gray: The World of Circus Maximus. Book your tickets now, they’re selling out fast.

Kids Half Term Courses, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester

Learn a new skill at one of these great half term courses for kids at the New Brewery Centre. Highlights include: Woodland Animals in Charcoal & Soft Pastel (5 – 11 years) – Hannah Ellis (Thu 2nd Nov, 10am – 12:30pm, £35)… Enchanted Woodlands in Watercolour & Wax Resist (5 – 11 years) – Hannah Ellis (Thu 2nd Nov, 1:30pm – 4pm, £35)… Owl Sculptures in Modroc (8 – 12 years) – Hannah Ellis (Fri 3rd Nov, 10am – 12:30pm, £35)… Autumn Landscapes & Trees in Watercolour (12 – 17 years) – Hannah Ellis (Fri 3rd Nov, 1:30pm – 4pm, £35).

Plus Cirencester History Festival is holding a selection of events here, including:

Halloween Costumes – Lucy Barraclough and the costume team from The Barn Theatre, Mon 28th Oct, 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 4pm, £5. Drop-in no need to pre-book (adult supervision required; adults don’t need a ticket)

THRILL TO A HAUNTED CIRCUS

The Haunted Circus, Attwell Farm Park, Worcs, 25 October – 3 November

Step right up, step right up! Welcome to the most thrilling, chilling, and bone-rattling entertainment you’ve ever seen. This isn’t just any circus! The tent sways with no wind, clowns’ laughter echoes in the distance, and at times—just sometimes—you’ll hear footsteps creeping through the shadows. When you’ve seen stroll through the Pumpkin Patch of Peril, carve out your fears in the Terrifying Barn of Carvings, and crawl through Beetlejuice’s Bug Barn if your heart can handle it.

SPOOKY TREASURE HUNT TIME

Halloween Market, The Suffolks, Cheltenham, Sun 29 October

The brilliant community market at the Suffolks is holding a special Halloween and Harvest Market Day with Fancy Dress, and Halloween Treasure Hunt. From 11am to 4pm, get down there with your best broomstick.

GO ON A HAUNTED WALK

Spooky Illuminated Witley Court, 26 – 31 October, Worcs

New for 2024, as dusk falls this Halloween, join a bewitching evening of spooky tales and illuminations. This family-friendly adventure sees Witley Court in a whole new light – with storytellers and eerie delights for all. Step into the world of the Brothers Grimm and meet fairy tale characters. The woodlands are inhabited by strange and enchanted beings. Stick to the path, be wary of the witch, and find light in the darkness at the luminous ruins of Witley Court! Brave explorers can toast marshmallows on a crackling firepit.

You might have missed these! But better luck next month…

Cirencester’s Big Beer Festival, Cirencester, Fri 11 – Sun 13 October

Beer goggles at the ready Cirencester, the Big Beer Festival is taking over the Corn Hall. With tempting food stalls, toe-tapping live music, awesome entertainment, and free entry for children under 12, and gin and rum bars, a day pass costs £10.

Charlotte Tilbury Masterclass & Cocktails, The Alchemist, Cheltenham, Tue 3 October

Enjoy a Hit & Rum cocktail with canapés on arrival while you inlock tips, tricks and beautifying secrets for creating your dream beauty look with Charlotte’s award-winning products. On from 5.30 – 7.30pm, the session ends with a Pop-Notch Cocktail. Costs £35, and if you want to stay and eat get 20% off your food bill.

Oktoberfest, Ingleside House, 4 – 5 October

Ingleside House Hotel is taking a Germanic twist for two nights in October as they celebrate Bavaria’s world famous Oktoberfest. The entertainment marquee will be transformed into the bierkellers of Germany with steins of various hoppy beers, traditional German food prepared by in-house chefs at Téatro and live oompah music from The Bavarian Boys. Tickets include your first two-pint stein worth £12.

What’s On October: 33 New things to do this month

You may also like