Gloucestershire is ringing in the new year in style, with a jam-packed calendar of events and activities to wave goodbye to 2023 and say hello to 2024!
With everything from Louisianan party vibes and new South Indian restaurants to global travel inspiration at a brand-new festival, 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 2024 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, boing on bouncy castles, say hello to Bluey and even learn to ride like a jockey on the Equicizer; while grown-ups can pop Champagne to celebrate their winnings and party to live music in The Centaur.
Get inspired for your next holiday at Cheltenham's first travel festival
Where will 2024 take you? Whether you're seeking a European city break, action-packed adventures abroad or an exotic beach retreat, the inaugural Cheltenham Travel Festival at Cheltenham Town Hall offers plenty of inspo for 2024 holidays all over the world.
Taking place on Saturday 6 January 2024, this one-of-a-kind event brings exhibitors from leading travel and lifestyle brands together under one roof, for a day of inspiring talks and workshops that are sure to give you the travel bug... if you haven't caught it already.
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 2024, to see them glide across the floodlit lake from the Peng Observatory before enjoying a two-course dinner.
Catch Kaleb Cooper on tour
Clarkson's Farm fans can still get their hands on tickets for Kaleb Cooper's brand-new show, as Chipping Norton's very own celebrity farmer takes the Everyman Theatre stage from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 January 2024.
Cooper shares his unique observations on life, covering everything from Jeremy Clarkson to the challenges British farmers face today, with deadpan delivery and unwittingly funny moments that will have audiences laughing aloud.
Watch the ice swimming championships at Cheltenham's lido
Brave ice swimmers are taking the plunge at Sandford Parks Lido on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January 2024, as the GB Ice Swimming Championships comes to Cheltenham.
Spectators are welcome to attend for free to cheer on the athletes as they take on extreme temperatures — in just a pair of Speedos or a swimming costume — racing up to one kilometre for the chance to be selected to represent Team GB at the World Championships in Italy later in the year.
Give Veganuary a go in Gloucestershire
For anyone ditching the meat and going plant-based for Veganuary 2024, 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 23 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 30th anniversary year, with the three-day event planned from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 January 2024.
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 the Swamp Rock DJs to keep people moving. Not to mention authentic Cajun and Creole 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 Thursday 25 and Friday 26 January 2023.
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 2024.
Get a taste of South India in the Cotswolds
Popular Oxfordshire restaurant group, Dosa Park, is on track to open its first venue in the county this month, taking over the former Tierra and Mar restaurant in Cirencester.
While the official opening date hasn't been confirmed just yet, diners should be able to spice up their January with authentic South Indian flavours, as the eatery brings a fresh take on Asian cuisine to the Cotswolds — serving up fragrant curries, kothu, idly and of course, a nod to its namesake, dosas.
