Party like royalty and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in style with SoGlos's round up of celebrations in Gloucestershire.
From extra special afternoon teas and glorious garden parties to a coronation-themed race night and even an opera, the festivities are fit for the King himself!
Experience the sport of kings at Cheltenham Racecourse
Kick off the coronation weekend by heading to Cheltenham Racecourse to experience a unique night at the races.
Known as the sport of kings, with Charles himself having raced at Cheltenham as a jockey, the season's only evening fixture takes place on Friday 5 May 2023 and features a programme of seven Hunter Chase races, giving amateurs and trainers the chance to compete and win at the iconic racecourse.
Following fierce competition on the track, continue the celebrations into the evening with an afterparty at the racecourse's premier events venue, The Centaur, hosted by BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter, Jordan North.
Enjoy the Big Lunch in the Abbey Grounds in Cirencester
Cirencester Town Council is serving up a feast as part of its Big Lunch in the Abbey Grounds of Cirencester.
As part of the initiative, thought up by the Eden Project and made possible by the National Lottery, royal revellers can celebrate with an artisan market, food stalls, live music, plus activities to entertain the whole family.
Taking place on Sunday 7 May 2023 from 12pm, get together with neighbours, family and friends to celebrate the new king with a feeling of community togetherness.
Be royally entertained at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham
Catch a special programme of entertainment created especially for the royal occasion at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre.
From Wednesday 19 until Saturday 22 April 2023, in a collection of short plays written by Gloucestershire playwrights, The Crown and the Cotswolds takes audiences through an exploration of history and stories featuring the king, chronicling the monarchy's relationship to the Cotswolds.
Or on Saturday 6 May 2023, marvel at an opera performance of Il Viaggio a Reims — literally translated to The Voyage to Reims — a whimsical tale of a group of the pampered and privileged on their way to a coronation, where hilarity ensues as things start to go wrong!
Rejoice in the royal spirit at Gloucester Cathedral
There's plenty going on at Gloucester Cathedral to ring in the reign of King Charles III, commencing with coronation-themed afternoon teas at the cathedral's on-site café, The Monk's Kitchen — featuring traditional homemade scones with cream and jam.
The cathedral is hosting guided tours to shine a light on some of its many royal links, including a look through the Crypt, which once stored the coronation chair in which King Charles III will sit upon on coronation day.
Closing the historic weekend is a special service held in the Nave of the cathedral on Monday 8 May 2023, where the main focus will be highlighting the positive impact of helping others in the community as part of national initiative, The Big Help Out.
Come together with the community at Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham
The Cheltenham Trust is bringing the community together for a free celebration event at Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May 2023, with plenty of family-friendly activities.
Watch the coronation ceremony on a big screen at Pittville Park on the Saturday before partying into the evening on Sunday with live music, a children's activity zone, delicious food and drink, a screening of the coronation concert and a finale light display!
Festivities commence on the Saturday at 11am and at 12pm on the Sunday.
Take on a royal challenge at Beechenhurst and Symonds Yat Rock in the Forest of Dean
Go on the hunt for the letters hidden in the trees throughout the Forestry England sites at Symonds Yat Rock and Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean.
The letters will all connect to spell out a phrase relating to the coronation and once complete, there's a chance to enter the competition to win a Forestry England membership. Activity sheets are available to collect from the Beechenhurst Ranger Hatch or Symonds Yat Rock Café and winners will be drawn at random.
Explore further with a special coronation activity pack full of family-friendly fun to participate in, available to download from the Forestry England website.
Toast to the King at The Plough Inn in Prestbury
Take your party to The Plough Inn in Prestbury for a classically British pub celebration.
Happening throughout coronation day on Saturday 6 May 2023, the SGGLA Pub of the Year 2022 has a jam-packed day of activities lined up, as well as a tasty hog roast and the all-important Pimms and prosecco bar serving up refreshing drinks all afternoon.
With face painting, live music, a Punch and Judy show and a screening of the live coronation, the whole family is sure to have a cracking day out to remember.
Enjoy a royal roast at Burleigh Court Hotel in Stroud
Feast your way through the coronation weekend at Burleigh Court Hotel in Stroud, offering a multitude of inviting options to choose from.
Coronation afternoon teas kick off the long weekend on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May 2023, with royal-themed cakes and scones topped off with a glass of bubbles!
Then on Sunday 7 May 2023, the team at the Cotswolds hotel are hosting a Royal Roast Lunch fit for kings and queens, with all the trimmings and a complimentary glass of fizz to sip on in the sunshine.
Travel back in time at Berkeley Castle
For a truly historic celebration, head to Berkeley Castle to say hurrah for King Charles!
Travel back in time to 1673 as King Charles II, also known as 'The Merry Monarch', pays a special visit to the castle for an afternoon of entertainment on Monday 8 May 2023.
The royal occasion is as traditional as it gets and features music, dancing and the chance to chat to King Charles II and ask him all about the trials and tribulations of being an English monarch.
Treat yourself to a tea party at The Nook on Five in Cheltenham
Take your posh party to new heights at The Nook on Five in Cheltenham and catch the ceremony as it happens, with a live screening of the event over a spot of brunch or lunch.
Also taking place on Saturday 6 May 2023, the team at the stylish rooftop bar in Cheltenham's Quadrangle is serving up a unique afternoon tea experience for its truly British tea party.
Enjoy a selection of tasty treats, classic cakes and good old English tea while overlooking the beautiful scenery of Imperial Gardens. Tables can be reserved via The Nook website.
Pick up a limited edition collectable from Daylesford Organic in the Cotswolds
To mark the historic occasion, Daylesford Organic is launching a limited-edition range of royal-themed gifts and treats, from delectable food items to homeware that deserve pride of place in your abode.
Partnering with British artist Hugo Guinness, the new Hip Hip Hooray collection features quintessentially British products designed to capture the celebratory spirit of the coronation, with luxuriously soft table linens, cosy mugs and egg cups paired with handmade woollen egg cosies based on the king's coronation crown.
The homeware collection is complimented by a range of party food, including classic pork pies, trifles and Battenberg cake - everything you need to celebrate in style!
Gather for a garden party at The Beckford Inn in Tewkesbury
There's nothing quite as British as a jolly garden party, with revellers invited for a proper knees-up to welcome in the new monarch at The Beckford Inn in Tewksbury.
Featuring live music, inflatable games, food cooked fresh from a sizzling barbecue and drinks available from the bustling bar, it's sure to be a fun afternoon for all the family to enjoy.
Taking place from 12pm until 6pm on Saturday 6 May 2023, tickets cost £15 and include a burger or veggie option and a salad box.
Spend an elegant afternoon at Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham
For an afternoon of elegance within the glorious grounds of an award-winning five-star hotel, RSVP to the illustrious Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham.
Inviting visitors from far and wide to enjoy a delightful garden party on coronation day, the event features the hotel's famous afternoon tea, packed with regal treats and its extra special Royal Tipple Tea — an Ellenborough Park gin cocktail served in a teapot!
Its south lawn will be full of traditional British garden games from horseshoe throwing to croquet, so you can live out your Bridgerton fantasies. While little ones will be kept busy at a crown-making and colouring station, with prizes for best dressed and best design.
Parade through the streets of Quedgeley
Join the procession through the streets of Quedgeley and spend the afternoon celebrating with the whole community.
Organised by Quedgeley Town Council, the parade takes place from 1pm on Sunday 7 May 2023 with marching bands as well as scouts, cadets and emergency services marching to commemorate the historic moment.
Starting at Quedgeley Community Centre, the procession will wind its way through the town, making its way to Severn Vale School for a fete full of outdoor activities and games.
Enjoy a special meal with cocktails at The Ivy in Cheltenham
Dine like royalty at The Ivy Montpellier in Cheltenham and sample its new bespoke menu of cocktails and treats that are truly fit for a king.
Available from Monday 24 April until Sunday 14 May 2023, visitors can expect a range of elegant, limited-edition cocktails inspired by His Majesty, including a refreshing apple and jasmine martini and The King's Martini featuring classic Beefeater Gin, alongside a selection of quintessentially British dishes.
For a truly regal feast, opt for The King's Coronation Afternoon Tea, featuring a delicious selection of sweet and savoury snacks including dainty sandwiches, scones and macarons — all while sipping on a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee sparkling wine.
Raise a glass at The Carpenters Arms in Stroud
Take a trip to one of Stroud's best traditional pubs and join in the celebratory activities on offer throughout the weekend at The Carpenters Arms.
On Saturday 6 May 2023, watch the coronation ceremony on the big screen while chowing down on some fresh sourdough pizza. Plus, there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained with face painting and a bouncy castle for all the little princes and princesses in the land!
Then it's all gone to the dogs on Sunday 7 May 2023, with the pub raising money for Teckles Animal Sanctuary with its own Royal Dog Show. Categories include Loveliest Lady, Golden Oldie and, of course, a category dedicated to King Charles Spaniels. Entry costs £2 per dog, with treats for sale and prizes to be won, too.
Dance the night away at Forest Hills Golf Club in the Forest of Dean
To celebrate while doing good for the community, get on down at Forest Hills Golf Club in Coleford to enjoy an afternoon of dancing in support of the Great Oaks Hospice.
On bank holiday Monday 8 May 2023, strap on your dancing shoes for rounds of swing, lindy hop and jive; browse the craft stalls with all manner of vintage clothing and accessories; and enjoy afternoon tea, with entry costing £15.
To book tickets, contact Debbie Hutchinson on (01594) 811910.
Pick up a coronation souvenir from the home of King Charles himself
Having been the private residence of King Charles III since 1980, it's fitting that Highgrove near Tetbury has released a very special collection of limited-edition gifts and homewares to celebrate the coronation.
From souvenir mugs, bowls and glassware to the King's favourite tea and even Champagne, gin and whisky to raise a toast to the new monarch, there's plenty to choose from.
Highgrove is also hosting a special black tie Coronation Eve Candlelit Dinner on Friday 5 May 2023, with a four-course dinner and live music from former royal harpist Anne Denholm, to mark the occasion, too.
Treat your King Charles Spaniel to a free meal at Bill's
King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels receive the royal treatment at Bill's in the Gloucester Quays during the coronation weekend — you'd be barking mad to miss out!
The offer is available from Saturday 6 until Monday 8 May 2023 and these particular pooches can tuck into their own portion of free dog treats while their owners enjoy a main meal during breakfast, lunch or dinner.
These treats from Denzel's Premium Rewards range are sure to get the paw of approval from your four-legged friends, allowing them to join in on all the pageantry too and celebrate the coronation of their namesake.
