Autumn is officially on the way and Gloucestershire is gearing up for the new season, with this month’s events calendar featuring everything from harvest festivals to world-class equestrian events.
There’s also the chance to celebrate Pride Day in Gloucester, visit THE PIG's first Cotswold hotel and take part in the county's craziest eating competition — as SoGlos rounds up the top 10 unmissable things to do in Gloucestershire this September 2024.
Show your Pride in Gloucestershire
Come together and celebrate Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community when Pride in Gloucestershire returns to Gloucester Park on Saturday 14 September 2024.
Kicking off with a colourful parade starting at Gloucester Cathedral, march loud and proud through the city centre before heading to Gloucester Park for Pride Day festivities — featuring main stage, cabaret and family entertainment, including a headline performance from The Cheeky Girls.
Check into THE PIG's new Cotswold hotel
One of Gloucestershire's most anticipated new hotels opens its doors on Sunday 8 September 2024, as THE PIG group unveils its first ever Cotswold hotel in Barnsley, near Cirencester.
Transforming the former Barnsley House into a characterful PIG property, you can expect rich and cosy rooms, a small but perfectly formed spa, and a 25-mile menu that champions local suppliers as well as homegrown produce from its Kitchen Garden.
Discover the past at Gloucester History Festival
Step inside historic buildings, experience fascinating exhibitions and learn about the county's past at Gloucester History Festival, with a programme of thought-provoking talks and events taking place from Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 September 2024.
Themed 'Routes and Rebels', this year’s festival plays host to some famous faces, too — featuring talks with Countdown queen Susie Dent on the curious history of words, and Gloucester's very own TV chef Tom Kerridge on the best of British food.
Celebrate harvest festival at Malvern Autumn Show
With record-breaking veggies, free family activities and plenty of cider to enjoy, a day out at the Malvern Autumn Show is the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons — returning to Three Counties Showground from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 September 2024.
Foodies can hear from Bake Off favourite Giuseppe Dell'Anno and Eat Well For Less presenter Chris Bavin on the new Great Malvern Cake Off stage; while Strictly fans can dance with Kevin Clifton in the Vintage Dance Tent; with circus skills, a 270 Climbing wall and dog shows to entertain smaller visitors.
Tuck into tasty deals during Cheltenham Food + Drink Week
Cheltenham foodies are spoilt for choice this month, as the town's restaurants, bars and cafes come together for a week of special offers, masterclasses and gastronomic delights.
Taking place from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 September 2024, Cheltenham Food + Drink Week promises up to 40 deals for diners to sink their teeth into — from kimchi making at Nagomi to chilli tasting at The Brewery Quarter's spicy Chilli Fiesta.
Check out SoGlos's round up of 10 delicious reasons to visit Cheltenham Food + Drink Week for some of the yummiest highlights.
Catch all the equestrian action in the Cotswolds
Hot off the back of Team GB's Olympic win, September is a busy month for eventing with not one but two international competitions, attracting the very best equestrians to the Cotswolds.
Don't miss the Cornbury House Horse Trials from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 September; then, giddy-up to Blenheim Palace to see riders take on dressage, show jumping and cross country challenges in the International Horse Trials from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 September 2023.
Stomach an elver eating competition
While you might leave feeling a little queasy, there's the chance to take part in a revived local tradition at Frampton Country Fair as it hosts its annual el-ver eating competition on Sunday 8 September 2024.
Using an eco-friendly substitute that's made from surimi, the fierce contest will see hungry competitors race to eat a plateful of the imitation eel-shaped seafood — affectionately known as 'el-vers' — in the quickest time.
Go to the movies during Cheltenham International Film Festival
Film buffs have the chance to engage with a diverse programme of cinema from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 September 2024, when the annual Cheltenham International Film Festival comes to TIVOLI Cinema.
Join director, writer and actress Alice Lowe for this year's opening night film, her critically acclaimed 'anti-romcom' Timestalker; explore the best of contemporary South Korean cinema; and Beatles fans can catch a special screening of A Hard Day's Night, with model Pattie Boyd — who was married to George Harrison — sharing her memories of its release.
Join the jury inside the UK's biggest inflatable courtroom
Become a member of the jury in a high-stakes courtroom drama as The Murder Trial Live brings its unique, inflatable courtroom experience to Gloucestershire for the first time this month.
Get a glimpse into the world of criminal justice, deliberating on a case scripted by real barristers to cast your judgement: guilty or not guilty? The courtoom is up at Dowty Sports Centre in Gloucester, with events taking place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September 2024.
Soak up the last of the summer blooms at Badminton Estate
There's one last chance to admire the gorgeous gardens at Badminton Estate, as its final open day of the year takes place on Sunday 8 September 2024.
Not only a rare opportunity to explore the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort's private gardens — and Badminton's first ever botanical art exhibition — it's a perfect way to wave goodbye to summer, soaking up last of the season's flowers before autumn colour kicks in.
