We know that rising business rates and operational costs continue to be a challenge for many businesses in Cheltenham. To help us understand the impact on Cheltenham businesses and represent your concerns, we’re inviting local businesses to take part in a quick survey. Your insights will help us highlight key concerns and work towards meaningful solutions.

Please take 2 minutes to complete this short survey to have your say.

Thank you for your time!

Your responses will help us better understand the challenges businesses face and inform discussions with key stakeholders.

This year, Cheltenham Music Festival celebrates 80 years of performances, innovation and global influence. Join them in celebrating this milestone as they honour the past and embrace the next 80 years of musical brilliance. You can explore the full festival programme here.

As part of Cheltenham BID’s sponsorship of Cheltenham Festival’s …around town programme, we’re thrilled to offer two lucky BID businesses, or their employees, the chance to win a pair of tickets to one of these fantastic events:

Friday Night is Music Night 80 Years of Spying in Cheltenham – Friday 11 July, 7pm, Cheltenham Town Hall

BBC NOW Celebrate 80 years of Cheltenham Music Festival – Saturday 12 July, 7.30pm, Cheltenham Town Hall

There are two separate prize draws, one for each event – so you can enter for the tickets you’d most love to win!

• How to Enter: Simply click the button below to submit your entry for your favourite performer. Entries close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025.
• Winners: Winners will be randomly selected from each entry pot. Only the three winners will be contacted, and e-tickets will be sent via email.
• Please note: This giveaway is exclusively for BID levy-paying businesses.

Cheltenham Festivals has once again curated an incredible line-up of world-renowned artists alongside rising stars for this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. You can explore the full festival programme here.

As part of Cheltenham BID’s sponsorship of the Festival’s …around town programme, we’re thrilled to offer three lucky BID businesses, or their employees, the chance to win a pair of tickets to one of these fantastic events:

Soul Jazz Summit with the BBC Concert Orchestra – Friday 2 May 2025, 18:00, The Big Top
Curtis Stigers – Saturday 3 May 2025, 17:30, Cheltenham Town Hall, Main Hall
Beverley Knight – Sunday 4 May 2025, 17:30, The Big Top

There are three separate prize draws, one for each event – so you can enter for the tickets you’d most love to win!

• How to Enter: Simply click the button below to submit your entry for your favourite performer. Entries close at 5pm on Friday 18 April 2025.
• Winners: Winners will be randomly selected from each entry pot. Only the three winners will be contacted, and e-tickets will be sent via email.
• Please note: This giveaway is exclusively for BID levy-paying businesses.
  

Join Cheltenham BID and help shape the future of our town!  

We’re passionate about making Cheltenham a better place for businesses, visitors, and the community.

If you’re looking for a role where your work makes a real impact, this is it!

We’re hiring for two full-time positions: Marketing and Events Manager and Business Engagement Officer.

Marketing and Events Manager 

The Marketing and Events Manager will lead and deliver Cheltenham BID’s marketing, communications, and promotional strategies to raise the profile of the BID, enhance the town’s attractiveness and support local businesses. This role is responsible for developing and managing campaigns, public relations activities, and events that engage the community, promote the BID’s initiatives, and drive footfall to the town. 

Business Engagement Officer

The Business Engagement Officer will serve as the primary point of contact between Cheltenham BID and local businesses, fostering strong relationships and ensuring that the needs and concerns of BID members are addressed. This role will focus on building business engagement, facilitating communication between the BID and its members, and ensuring businesses are aware of and benefit from BID initiatives. The role also includes some responsibility for overseeing public realm improvements projects in collaboration with the wider BID team. 

We welcome applications in the form of a covering letter and CV by email to recruitment@cheltenhambid.co.uk 
 
The closing date for applications is 24 February 2025 and interviews are scheduled for 7 March 2025.  

Register Your Interest in Hosting a ‘Little Lion’

Cheltenham and Gloucester is set to roar with excitement this summer as The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail takes over the town from July to September.

This unique public art trail will feature a pride of over 30 large Lion sculptures, beautifully designed and painted by local artists, celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture, and diversity. The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail also includes a “Cub Club” – a pride of little Lions lovingly created by local schools and community groups.

This is a fun, free, and family-friendly event. Streets, parks, and open spaces will dazzle with their vibrant colours and surprising designs. Helping to bring together our community to explore and feel pride in their local area.   

Once the trail is over, the pride will reunite for a fantastic farewell weekend. The little Lions will return to their forever homes at the local school and community groups who created them. The large Lions will then be auctioned to raise funds for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.   

We are inviting Cheltenham BID businesses to host one of these adorable little Lions in their window or storefront.

Hosting a Little Lion provides a fantastic opportunity to:

• Enhance your brand visibility: Showcase your support for a fantastic community project and increase brand awareness among residents and visitors.
• Engage with the local community: Encourage customer interaction and create memorable photo opportunities.
• Support a worthy cause: All funds raised from the trail will support Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Big Space Cancer Appeal.

What’s involved:

• Hosting a Little Lion: You will be responsible for providing a safe and prominent location in your window or storefront to display your adopted Little Lion.
• Drop-off and Collection: Lions will be delivered to host businesses the week commencing 7th July and collected after the trail concludes.
• Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required, but you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of your Little Lion during the trail period.

Lion Specifications:

• Height: 700mm
• Length: 1200mm
• Width: 400mm
• Weight: 10kg (fibreglass)

To express your interest in hosting a Little Lion, please contact Carrie Smith, Lions at Large Project Manager, at carrie.smith12@nhs.net by the 5th February 2025. Please note that registering your interest does not guarantee that you will be selected to host a Lion. 

Photo credit Anna Lythgoe photography

A pilot aimed at tackling graffiti tagging in Cheltenham town centre is entering its second phase as work to clean areas identified as being graffiti hot spots starts.

The Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) has worked with key stakeholders including Cheltenham Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Gloucestershire Constabulary and local community policing teams to map areas impacted by graffiti as part of a new pilot launched in September. The pilot will also be working closely with the police cadets and the Cheltenham Civic Society.

Funding of £15k was secured from the Home Office by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the first phase begun with the appointment of EcoClean Environmental chosen for their passion for a cleaner Cheltenham and their expertise in the removal of graffiti. This phase also included a mapping and data gathering exercise of the impact of graffiti on town centre businesses and council owned buildings, grade 1 and 2 listed buildings and other public areas.

Entering the second phase marked a significant milestone in the pilot as work to remove tagging began early in the new year. Using a variety of specialist solutions, equipment and techniques to remove the graffiti without causing damage to the underlying surface or having any negative environmental impact.  

Fran Inman, chief executive at Cheltenham BID, said: “We’re really excited to have entered the next phase of the pilot having worked closely with our partners to map and gather data during the first phase.

“The pilot is designed to make people feel safer, enhance community engagement, and encourage economic growth by maintaining clean and attractive public spaces, whilst also encouraging individuals to report issues or concerns to help sustain these improvements.”

Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for waste, recycling and public realm said: “Graffiti grot spots and tags are a visual blight on our town. They’re often offensive and persistent in nature and undermines the sense of pride we have for our town. The clean up of graffiti comes at a significant cost and drains valuable resources.

“Entering this next phase of the pilot restores the beauty of our regency town, working with our partners, we’re encouraging residents to take action and report graffiti to help us maintain the vibrancy of our town for everyone.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Evans said: “Tackling graffiti may seem trivial, but it isn’t. It’s criminal damage and makes people feel less safe when they’re walking around. That’s why I’m so pleased that we have been able to fund this scheme, tackling anti-social behaviour and making it clear that we have real pride in Cheltenham.”

Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The police can’t tackle graffiti alone which is why I’m pleased that we’re part of the partnership approach.

“Joint working allows us to identify areas which are being targeted by graffiti and work together with colleagues to restore the area.

“My team supported in the initial phase of this scheme and will continue to do so throughout. Graffiti is criminal damage so PCSOs and officers will work to identify and robustly deal with anyone found to be committing offences.”

The final phase of the pilot will be the roll out of graffiti removal across all mapped areas.

We encourage everyone to report graffiti issues they come across, as this helps us keep the town looking its best.

Help tackle graffiti by reporting online: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/report-graffiti

To celebrate and showcase everything our wonderful town has to offer this festive season, the Countdown To Christmas in Cheltenham will officially kick off on Saturday 23 November.

From 3.30 pm onwards, the streets of Cheltenham will be animated by festive performers, choirs, and bands. LED angels will walk among the crowds while children meet giant penguins and their elf keeper. Music and singing will ring out on the High Street and The Promenade before dancers enthrall audiences in anticipation of a special visit from Father Christmas. Donations collected during the event going to the Mayor’s charities.

At The Brewery Quarter’s Launch Party on the same day, from 2 pm until 7 pm, a festive extravaganza for all age groups will be in full swing. Audiences will see dancers, choirs, tribute acts, princesses, and of course, Santa will find time to say hello (despite the Grinch trying his best to ruin the fun!)

Cheltenham’s Christmas lights are not just magical, they are magic! Thousands of twinkling lights will come on in trees and lampposts throughout the town as the daylight begins to fade into night, and Montpellier roundabout’s reindeer will stand proud to welcome visitors throughout the festive shopping season.

The Festive fun doesn’t end there. Regent Arcade will host a Bridgerton-inspired take on the festive period this year! Twirl back in time and experience the Christmas period with a Regency twist. From lessons in calligraphy to paper hat making, there’s plenty for all ages to get involved with and connect to Cheltenham’s Regency past. Activity is expected to begin the week commencing Monday, November 25th, so make sure you keep an eye on Regent Arcade’s social media and website for full details!

The Christmas elves will be back ! 12 mischievous elves will be hiding in shop windows waiting for shoppers to follow the trail to find them and write down the hidden letters.

Our commitment to adding vibrancy and interest to the BID zone continues to go from strength to strength each year through our Colourful Cheltenham initiative. 2024 has seen the launch of our utility cabinet project.

Often unsightly and always susceptible to graffiti and fly-posting, utility cabinets often detract from the overall aesthetic of the town. Our project has seen many of these transformed into attractive pieces of public art.

Thanks to the talent of the artists we commissioned, people can see a positive change being rolled out across the BID zone. By August 2024, 12 utility cabinets will have been decorated, all with a theme linked to Cheltenham.

Danielle Morrison (aka Danksy) has brought Cheltenham Races to the High Street with one of her murals whilst her other piece of work in this area depicts the pocket parks and gardens of our town. Also on the High Street, Catt Standon has used the ornate design of the Hardy and Padmore lamp posts as inspiration, giving us a modern take on Cheltenham’s history. She has picked out the vibrancy of the many planted areas within the town to create a floral display on Winchcombe Street.

Another artist who worked on the High Street was Brandon Higgins of Brandon’s Murals. The morning view across Imperial Gardens to The Queens hotel adorns one side of a cabinet and if you look the other side you will see the same view at sunset. Brandon brought tow other Cheltenham landmarks to the High Street, one being the Boer War memorial surrounded by poppies.

Bringing calm to the town Sarah Goddard has used the code-breaking link with GCHQ to create tranquil, thought provoking pieces on three cabinets. Whilst visitors are taking in the history of Neptune’s Fountain they can stop a while to reflect and look at the colourful ‘Wonder’ artwork. Commuters are treated to the view of the large cabinet on the corner of Rodney Road, reminding them to ‘Feel Connected’.

Cheltenham has a rich history of famous people, not least Brian Jones (founding member of Rolling Stones) who has been immortalised by Andy Dice Davies, founder of the Cheltenham Paint Festival.

Explore the flavours of our town during Cheltenham Food + Drink Week, 16 to 22 September 2024

This premier event, hosted by Cheltenham BID and Visit Cheltenham, promises an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts. Throughout the week, Cheltenham’s top eateries will offer a variety of food and drink workshops, daily masterclasses, chef collaborations and special menus, allowing you to delve deep into the town’s culinary delights.

The festivities kick off on Monday, 16 September, with an exclusive opening night at the iconic Queens Hotel. An Evening with Cheltenham’s Culinary Stars featuring a glamorous drinks reception, a sumptuous three-course dinner crafted by Simon Diprose, an official Master Chef of Great Britain, and an engaging panel discussion with celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, Cheltenham’s newest MICHELIN Star Chef, Jon Howe, from Lumiere and other local esteemed chefs. 

On Thursday, 19 September, a pub quiz crawl will visit Cheltenham’s hidden drinking treasures, from charming pubs to trendy bars, uncovering the town’s best-kept secrets and chance to savour unique beverages.

The excitement will peak on Saturday, 21 September, with the Cheltenham Chilli Fiesta at The Brewery Quarter. This fiery event will feature a thrilling chilli eating competition, captivating food talks, live music, and fun food activities for all ages.

Throughout the week, we are inviting other Cheltenham top eateries to host food and drink workshops, masterclasses, chef collaborations and special menus, to take advantage of the free publicity this town wide event will receive.

View more details – www.visitcheltenham.com/food-drink-week

If you are a venue who would like to take part then please sign up here:

Cheltenham has joined a growing number of towns and cities on the Discover App – a fantastic resource for visitors and residents.

The free app, available on all smartphones, gives users access to personalised information on shopping, eating, drinking, staying and enjoying themselves in our Regency town – all at their fingertips!

Brought to the town by Cheltenham BID and Visit Cheltenham (part of Cheltenham Borough Council) to encourage visitors and residents to shop, eat, and stay locally.

The Discover App is free to download on all smartphones and promises to help people get the most out of Cheltenham whether here for a visit or rediscovering their hometown. It works alongside the town’s official guide, Visit Cheltenham, to showcase the vast array of businesses and attractions in the town.

Have you downloaded the Discover App yet?

If not, you’re missing out… Here are the top 6 reasons to download Discover for your next visit to Cheltenham:

1. Find everything you need to shop, eat and do in Cheltenham

2. Keep your finger on the pulse of your community

3. Discover local hidden gems tailored to your taste

4. Support your local businesses by shopping small

5. Find your favourite high street stores

6. Take advantage of special offers and save yourself money!

Download the free Discover App at www.discoverapp.co.uk or by searching ‘Discover App’ in your app store.

Still got questions? Read on…

What is the ‘Discover App?

We won’t walk your dog for you, but we’ll show you where to walk him… we can’t buy you a drink, but we can show you where to go for a tasty barista coffee, we can’t physically take you to dinner, but we can show you where to find that stone-baked pizza you’ve been craving and we can do ALL of this based on your preferences!

Care to elaborate…?

We’re essentially a ‘whole of place’ app which means we will showcase everything there is to shop, eat and do in a place. We will show you where to get the coffee you’ve been craving or which gym to go to for that early morning workout. We guide you through Cheltenham, pointing out all its hidden gems and taking you to places we know you love. Not only do we do this, but we also show you offers & promotions from local businesses. The Discover App will be there with you the whole way, guiding you through everywhere to shop, eat, do & discover.

Is the Discover App easy to use?

YES! Minimal effort is required, all content on Discover is only a couple of taps away.

How does Discover know what I want?

When you sign up to our nifty app, we’ll ask you for your preferences. This is where you tell us that you’re a coffee loving vegan, a fan of hair and beauty… or that you’re obsessed with country music (we don’t judge!).

If your tastes change, you can quickly change your preferences through the app settings.

Do I have to pay to use the app?

Nope, it’s free!

I have a business in the area, can I sign up?

The Discover App team love hearing from businesses! If you run a business in the Cheltenham area and would like to find out if you’re eligible to be included on the app, pop them an email at cheltenham@discoverapp.co.uk

Download the Discover App here or by searching ‘Discover App’ in your app store!