Gloucestershire is ringing in the new year in style, with a jam-packed calendar of events and activities to wave goodbye to 2024 and say hello to 2025!
With everything from Louisianan party vibes and Scottish Burns Night celebrations, to taking part in Gloucestershire's ancient wassailing tradition, discover 10 of the most unmissable things to do in Gloucestershire this January.
Take the family to the races on New Year’s Day
As well as giving racing fans the chance to kick off 2025 with some trackside action, New Year’s Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse is a proper family affair — with a dedicated family fun zone and free entry for all children under 18!
Little ones can get their faces painted, say hello to Bluey and Bingo and even meet two real unicorns; while grown-ups can pop Champagne to celebrate their winnings and party to live music in the Guinness Village.
See the Bewick’s swans at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Nature lovers can catch sight of the majestic Bewick’s swans at Slimbridge Wetland Centre before they make their epic journey back to arctic Russia, with wild bird feeds every day at 4pm.
There's also the chance to visit the nature reserve after hours for an atmospheric Evening with the Swans on selected dates this January 2025, to see them glide across the floodlit lake from the Peng Observatory before enjoying a two-course dinner.
Give Veganuary a go in Gloucestershire
For anyone ditching the meat and going plant-based for Veganuary 2025, SoGlos has discovered some of the best vegan friendly venues in Gloucestershire — serving up spicy curries, fishless sushi and breakfasts with all the trimmings that may totally convert you.
There’s also a heap of places where newbie or seasoned vegans can tuck into a hearty Sunday lunch, with SoGlos sharing 24 of the tastiest vegetarian roast dinners to try in Gloucestershire — with lots of vegan options included.
Party at Gloucester Cajun and Zydeco Festival
Local music fans can look forward to warming southern tunes when the Gloucester Cajun and Zydeco Festival returns to Gloucester Guildhall for its annual three-day event, planned from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January 2025.
Transporting some Louisianan party spirit to Gloucester, the iconic festival brings a mixture of live music and dancing, with dance workshops, talks and plenty of sets from Cajun and Creole musicians to keep people moving. Not to mention authentic cuisine, too!
Celebrate Burns Night at King Charles III's home
Don your best tartan and head to His Majesty's residence at Highgrove for a traditional Scottish four-course dinner in honour of national poet, Robert Burns, commemorating Burns Night on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 January 2025.
With Scottish delicacies like haggis on the menu, paired with a selection of Highgrove organic wines, guests will also get to enjoy a wee dram of Highgrove single malt whisky and dance the night away to traditional music, played by a Scottish Ceilidh quartet.
Go for a winter walk in Gloucestershire
Burn off all that Christmas turkey and get the new year off to an active start by discovering some of the most beautiful walks in Gloucestershire — with SoGlos sharing 11 of our favourite rambles in the county.
Whether you’re treated to blue skies on a crisp winter’s day or find yourself braving the mud in your wellies, there’s stunning hilltop views, riverside strolls and spectacular ancient woodlands to inspire you to get those steps in this January 2025.
See America's 'sexiest musical' in Cheltenham
Bringing some of the old razzle dazzle to Cheltenham, January is hotting up at the Everyman Theatre with Chicago on stage from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 January 2025.
Starring Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart and former Strictly favourite Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn, tickets are selling fast for this sizzling stage show, which depicts the fierce rivalry between two female murderers as they fight for fame to keep them from death row.
Take part in Gloucestershire's ancient Apple Tree Wassail
This January, the Folk of Gloucester is resurecting the ancient tradition of the Apple Tree Wassail, with Morris dancing workshops, music and a rousing blessing to its apple trees.
Taking place on Saturday 18 January 2025, this free family event harks back to one of Gloucestershire's wacky local traditions, which is hundreds of years old and involves singing a blessing to apple trees for a healthy yield at harvest time.
Nourish your mind at Gloucester History Festival's new Winter Warmer event
For a mind-expanding start to the new year, Gloucester History Festival is launching a brand-new digital festival of online events, featuing illuminating new content, as well as highlights from the archives.
Settle down with a cuppa and immerse yourself in different worlds and cultures, from Ancient Greece to the modern Middle East, with 50 events from over 60 speakers to choose from — including talks from Gloucester's own Tom Kerridge and Chris Packham, sure to spark debate.
Kickstart your fitness journey at Cheltenham's new look gym
It's a new year and a new gym for Leisure at Cheltenham, reopening on Thursday 2 January with new open spaces and equipment to help you smash your 2025 fitness goals.
Try out new features like its sled-track, boxing zones and get to grips with the shiny TRX stations; and best of all, there's no joining fee for new members from Friday 27 December 2024.
