Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is staging a mobile velodrome challenge on the Promenade, outside The Municipal Offices tomorrow to raise money for the CT Scanner Appeal. This amazing pursuit racing challenge is open to teams of four who compete to get the best time travelling around the track throughout the day. ( Entry is now closed )
Cheltenham General Hospital have teamed up with wealth management company Brewin Dolphin and Street Velodrome to put on the event with Cheltenham BID also backing the initiative. The money will go towards the £1.2m appeal to buy new CT scanners and mobile digital X-ray machines for Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals.
Head of Fundraising Richard Hastilow-Smith said: “We are so excited to be staging this brilliant challenge which will not only raise money for the charity but also provide a great day of sporting entertainment for competitors and spectators alike.
“We wanted to thank Brewin Dolphin for sponsoring and all the companies supporting this fantastic event, which is in aid of our appeal to buy state-of-the-art imaging technology to help save and transform lives in Gloucestershire.”
The event is backed by Gloucestershire Paralympian wheelchair racer Mel Nicholls who will be taking part in the velodrome challenge. “This appeal resonates with so many of us. I’ve experienced first-hand what early detection of such things as strokes, can mean. Imagine that applied to cancer diagnosis, premature babies and other conditions and the lives that can be saved as a result of increased CT scanning availability in our hospitals,” she said.
Event Information-
10am – Begin morning practice and into heats through out the morning.
12.30pm – A complimentary BBQ for participants served by Rapid Response
1.30pm – As teams are knocked out, selection will the last eight riders for the day.
4pm – Finals
Cheltenham’s night-time economy has won a national award recognising it as one of the best in the country.
The town’s night-time economy was nominated for a new annual Purple Flag award which highlights the best town or city to be assessed in the previous 12 months in each of the five core themes forming the Purple Flag assessment. Cheltenham was nominated under the ‘appeal’ category that recognises successful destinations that offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.
At the award ceremony on Wednesday 26 June in London, Cheltenham was announced as the winner of the ‘Best in Appeal’ national award for 2019.
Sarah Walker, ATCM Purple Flag programme manager, said in relation to Cheltenham’s night-time economy: “The parts that really stood out in Cheltenham’s Purple Flag submission under the appeal agenda were its extensive range of eateries with a diverse food offer and accommodation in the area, a good variety of pubs and bars, many with live music, late night venues suitable for all ages, good use by public of outside spaces, that were well lit at night with public buildings flood lit at night highlighting the architecture around the town and strong early evening offer again suitable for all ages.”
This was the first year that Purple Flag awards were awarded to night-time economies that surpassed the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
Cheltenham’s night-time economy has retained its Purple Flag status since 2016.
Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member, development and safety commented: “I am hugely proud of Cheltenham for winning this national award. The award recognises Cheltenham’s night-time economy as a destination with a vibrant leisure and entertainment offering for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.
“The national award would not have been possible without the input and support from our partners who worked with us to retain the town’s Purple Flag status that contributed to the national award. I would like to personally express my thanks to these partners.”
Kevan Blackadder, director of Cheltenham BID, continues: “I’m delighted that this award has been given to Cheltenham. Our night-time economy businesses have played a big part in making the town both a great place and a safe place for a night out.”
Colin Pilsworth, Cheltenham Safe co-ordinator, said: “This award is testament to Cheltenham’s fantastic evening and night-time offer which has now been nationally recognised. This is the result of the support and collaboration of the businesses, the statutory and voluntary partners who work so hard to make Cheltenham inviting and safe.”
Cheltenham’s Street Chilli Fiesta returned to the heart of the town for a third year.
The event on Saturday June 1 attracted hundreds to Cambray Place.
Visitors had the opportunity to try a selection of the country’s best chilli-based produce and buy a wide range of products from chilli cheese to live chilli plants.
This year’s fiesta also saw the return of the ‘Clash of the Titans’, an extreme eating competition which isn’t for the faint-hearted and for adults only. Starting from mild and flavourful the contestants worked their way up the chilli heat list.
Eight brave souls took part in the chilli eating competition. Our 2018 champion Shahina Waseem triumphed again after a mighty battle with local man Barney.
The event was organised jointly by Chilli Fest UK and Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID). Please see here for full gallery.
Kevan Blackadder, BID Director, said: “This is one of our smaller but most popular events. It’s great to be able to buy something different in Cheltenham and then be able to visit the shops, restaurants and other businesses in the town.”
The BID has worked with The University of Gloucestershire on some amazing student offers for all Freshers of 2019.
With the help of some fantastic BID businesses, we’ve created a special offer flyer which includes deals from the Health and Beauty, Entertainment, Retail and Food and Drink sectors across the town.
The University are expecting 10,000 Freshers this year and the BID Fresher’s offer flyer will be available to pick up from the Freshers Fair at Park Campus on the 18 September and is valid until September 30.
For all offers and terms and conditions , please see here.
As we begin our fourth year, there are
changes ahead for the Board.
In accordance with our Articles of Association, one third of the Directors are
required to retire at the first Board Meeting after 1st August 2018, and
annually thereafter. The board members
who retire may stand again for election.
At our recent Board meeting, Richard Dare of James of Montpellier, who represents the independent traders; Caroline Edwards from Boots, who represents the national retailers and Councillor Steve Jordan who represents the local authorities all retired. This means there are three vacancies on our Board. One for each of the three sectors: Independent traders; National retailers; Local authority. We are pleased to say that both Richard and Steve will be standing for election again.
If you represent any of the above sectors and would like the chance to make a real difference and add to what we have already achieved, please contact BID Director, Kevan Blackadder on 01242 571123 or email him at kevan@cheltenhambid.co.uk no later than Friday August 23.
Hollywood Bowl, the UK’s largest 10-pin bowling company, opened their Cheltenham branch in November 2014. Based at The Brewery Quarter, they are a true family attraction providing good value entertainment, food and drink for people of all ages and abilities.
The family ethic extends beyond the customer experience. The team at Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham are always keen to support the local business community, not just in The Brewery Quarter but across the town.
When The BID approached Dean Botham, the venue’s manager, to see if they would be willing to be one of the businesses on the Hidden Cheltenham Easter Trail, he immediately agreed and offered to give every child collecting a clue, a free game. We asked if they would like to be part of the summer trail and Dean said: “We would love to get involved. The Easter treasure hunt was great fun!”
For the first time we invited all bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to be part of Cheltenham Cocktail Week. Hollywood Bowl offered three different £6 cocktails to customers and were very helpful in promoting their event and sharing social media posts for all the participating venues.
Demelsa Coleman, Marketing Manager at The Brewery Quarter said: “I love working with the Hollywood Bowl team. They’re always super keen to get involved in any of The Brewery Quarter’s activity, from the Jazz Festival to our Summer Jam, Easter Treasure Hunt and playing host to various events.”
The BID Ambassadors enjoy visiting the team at Hollywood Bowl because they are always made to feel welcome and the team are genuinely interested in hearing about what is happening around Cheltenham.
As BID Business of the month, Hollywood Bowl will have a representative speaker at the July Cheltenham Business Forum’s BIG Breakfast. We will highlight Hollywood Bowl across our social media channels, and they will feature on the home page of our website.
Cheltenham’s reputation as a festival town is growing. With an already impressive list of arts and culture festivals, this year will see another performing arts festival added to the list.
From May 27 to June 1 the first Cheltenham International Film Festival will see a celebration of cinematography across eleven venues in town.
From screenings of emerging Polish Director Adrian Panek to an entertaining journey through Shakespeare’s Heroes & Villains with Steven Berkoff, there’s a full programme to enjoy.
For those wanting to make a career in the world of film, whether it’s behind the camera or behind the scenes, there will be leaders in their field to help you get to grips with everything from costume design and make-up through to composing and casting.
With support from the BID, this new festival is set to be a firm fixture on the calendar, bringing people from far and near to Cheltenham.
The BID have secured 10 complimentary tickets each for all of our businesses. Please apply here
Cocktail Week has become an integral part of the Cheltenham calendar and this year there will even more bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and hotels taking part than in previous years.
Now in its third year, Cheltenham Cocktail Week offers cocktail fans the opportunity to visit some of their favorite venues – and try some new ones – to experience some exclusive cocktails. Many venues will have cocktails for just £6 whilst others are offering a food and drink pairing.
Running from Friday May 10 to Saturday May 18, the event, which is organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), will see venues across the town offering a wide array of cocktails for just £6, holding cocktail making master classes, tasting events and food and drink pairing sessions.
BID Operations Manager Belinda Hunt said: “We’re pleased that so many different businesses are taking part in Cocktail Week this year. We have such a diverse range of bars, clubs and pubs in Cheltenham, all offering something different and we want people to enjoy the variety of venues around the town.”
Here’s what you can look forward to.
Drinks Village – Opening Weekend: Up to 40 samples of spirits ● Learn about how your favourite spirits are made and meet some of the best local drink companies ● Buy your favourite at exhibition prices to take home ● Live Music from a number of award winning local artists ● Street Food stalls in the Queens Hotel Garden ● Competitions & Games! https://bit.ly/DrinksVillage
Mixology Masterclass with Revolution Cheltenham: Enjoy a cocktail on arrival then join the expert bartenders behind the bar to create your favourite cocktail on the menu. https://bit.ly/RevMasterclass Not able to join a masterclass? Try a Blank Canvas for £6 – with 18 flavours to choose from you’re sure find your favourite.
Cocktails on trial at The Old Courthouse: During the whole of Cocktail Week, you will be able to try The Judge (Cotswold Dry Gin, Chase Elderflower Liqueur & Apple Juice) and make your Verdict (Tia Maria, Smirnoff and double espresso – a classic served in a Courtroom setting) for just £6 per cocktail.
Celebrate Summer at Cosy Club: For the whole of cocktail week Summer Time Sangria will on the cocktail menu for just £6 a glass. Just add sunshine and shades! You can also enjoy three tapas dished and a sangria for just £15. Book a table https://cosyclub.co.uk/location/cheltenham/
Cocktail Masterclass at Yates: Master the art of making some classic cocktails at Yates. During #CheltenhamCocktailWeek you’ll get the chance to Enjoy a Raspberry Woo Woo on arrival, then learn how to make Yates’ famous Pornstar Martini as well as a Sex On The Beach, followed by a cheeky Jagerbomb, all of this for £15! Add a sharing platter and pay just £20.
- Date 1: Friday 17 May
- Time: 5pm – 7pm
- Date 2: Saturday 18 May
- Time 3pm – 5pm
- Tickets: £15 (or £20 with a sharing platter)
- Book by ‘phone on 01242 250710
Beat the blues at Coco: Coco’s experienced mixologists have created an exceptional cocktail just for Cheltenham Cocktail Week 2019. Doctor’s Orders has an unusual sessional flavour, using ingredients that can be found in most bars. Gin, passionfruit liqueur and blue curacao are combined with freshly squeezed lime juice and a simple syrup in a highball glass and topped off with lemonade. A sweet delight at just £6.
Party on at Montpellier Wine Bar: To celebrate the launch of their new downstairs cocktail bar, Montpellier Wine Bar will be holding the opening party for the third annual Cheltenham Cocktail Week.
As well as the full cocktail menu, there will be two new cocktails introduced for the event. The Botanical; a gin-based cocktail blended with violet liqueur, lime and sugar and an English Summer; A rum-based cocktail with melon liqueur, egg white, lemon, sugar and dash of bitters.
The new cocktails will be on sale throughout cocktail week for just £6, as will the traditional Bellini, made with peach puree and prosecco. Or party goers can opt for a twist on the peach favourite and try strawberry, raspberry or passionfruit flavour – all priced at £6.
Get fruity at Café Rouge: Putting a bit of fizz into Cheltenham Cocktail Week, Café Rouge are offering two of the most refreshing cocktails on their menu for just £6 each. Fizz La Poire is a delightful blend of pear vodka, pressed apple and elderflower topped off with lemonade and garnished with lime. Prosecco and Chambord are paired to make the Kir Rouge.
Memsahib Gin & Tea will have four £6 cocktails on offer during Cheltenham Cocktail Week. All made using their own crafted gin, these cocktails will invoke thoughts of the exotic flavours of India.
Pina Masala: Memsahib Gin, Vodka, Memsahib Masala Chai Syrup, Pineapple Juice
Princess Peach: Memsahib Peach and Papaya Infused Gin, Lime Juice, Sugar. Short and fruity, a sip of this transports you to a peachy beach far away.
Lady Sophia’s Martini: Memsahib Gin, Earl Grey, Lemon Juice, Egg White. A classic on our Punch menu, Earl Grey and Gin is a match made in heaven!
Indian Summer: Memsahib Lime & Lavender Gin, Rosemary & Grapefruit Tonic, Fresh Grapefruit and Rosemary. A posh G&T! Muddled grapefruit and rosemary shaken with our Lime & Lavender infused gin, poured over London Essence tonic to rejuvenate!
Be inspired at The Botanist: One of Cheltenham’s newest and most popular cocktail venues, The Botanist in The Brewery Quarter will be serving up some very special cocktails.
Usually priced at £8.50, their signature cocktail, The Botanist, will be on the special Cheltenham Cocktail Week menu for just £6. This is a true floral delight of Bacardi, Ketel One Vodka, elderflower liquor, jasmine syrup and red amaranth.
Who doesn’t enjoy a Mojito? The Botanist’s Strawberry and Elderflower version is a delicate blend of Bacardi, strawberry and elderflower liqueurs, muddled cucumber and mint with fresh lime juice.
Fiesta at Chiquito: Get 2 4 1 on some classic cocktails and mocktails at Chiquito during Cheltenham Cocktail Week.
If you’re looking for some old-time favourites choose from classic mojito or Alabama Slammer – or get both and pay for just one.
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic and want to join in the party you can enjoy a 2 4 1 offer on an Appleberry or Virgin Colada.
Join in la fiesta nunca acaba (that’s Spanish for the party that never ends!) over the weekend of 17th and 18th May.
Royal cocktails on offer at The Queens Hotel: There’s a whole Royal family of cocktails at just £6 each on offer in The Gold Cup Bar at The Queens Hotel.
The Queen – a pomegranate martini with gin, pomegranate juice and grand Marnier brings a sweet approach to the family.
The King – pineapple fizz with white rum, pineapple and lemon juice and sparkle of soda introduces a touch of the exotic to the family.
The Prince – true blue with gin, blue curacao and lemonade bring this fairy tale to life. The Princess – pretty in pink, this combination of vodka, St Germain, lemon juice, pink grapefruit syrup and soda is sublime.
The Princess – pretty in pink, this combination of vodka, St Germain, lemon juice, pink grapefruit syrup and soda is sublime.
Go classic at Babel: Enjoy a twist on the Negroni when Babel add their homemade Iron Bru or Dr pepper syrup to the classic. Or go for a really summery taste and try out the Strawberry Sour made with Absolute strawberry and lemon juice then decide if you want the traditional egg white fluff or foamy sugar before it’s garnished with fresh strawberries
Cocktails, Mocktails and Petticoats
Think ‘Gatsby’, ‘Chicago’ & Vintage Hollywood Musicals. Join Smokey Joes for an evening of Cocktails & Mocktails. As part of Cheltenham Cocktail Week they’ll have some of thier new Cocktail specials for only £6 each!
joined by the gorgeous Monrose Boutique UK and have music from the 30s 40s & 50s. from our Fabulous Swing Night DJ Rob McElvanney
Cocktail tasting in collaboration with Cotswolds Distillery at The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie.
Sit down and enjoy a three course dinner and cocktail tasting in The Ivy’s private dining room. A perfect mid-week event, there are a limited number of tickets available to purchase now. Priced at £62, each ticket includes a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course meal paired with three bespoke cocktails, and teas and coffees post dessert. On the night, guests will also be able to enjoy an exclusive talk from one of Cotswolds Distillery master distillers, who will touch upon each spirit and their individual characteristics. Book here.
09 April 2019
April Newsletter
Synonymous with pretty, fresh designs, Cath Kidston is a quintessentially British brand and we’re fortunate to have had a branch in Cheltenham since 2007. Whilst other big-name brands have come and gone, Cath Kidston has endured and some of the team have worked in the store on The Promenade for more than 10 years.
Always keen to be part of the town, even before the BID was formed, representatives from Cath Kidston have attended the Promenade Traders’ meetings to share ideas and raise important matters. They help us by reporting issues such as burst water pipes, power cuts, incidents of begging and anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping in Post Office Lane.
Whenever one of the BID team approaches Becky Fullalove, the current store manager, offering her the chance for the store to be involved in our projects, she goes the extra mile to find a way to participate. Cath Kidston was amongst the first batch of businesses to sign up for the Cheltenham Gift Card.
Although, like most national brands, they have a prescriptive display code, the team at the Cheltenham store managed to get creative and were voted amongst the top 10 in the first ‘Festive Façade’ competition.
When we decided to launch the Hidden Cheltenham Easter Trail, we looked for businesses who would be receptive to holding the secret letters, who didn’t already have a plaque outside their business and would be easily recognised by local and international visitors. So, we thought Cath Kidston would be a great place for people to pop in and collet a clue for the trail.
As BID Business of the month, a representative from Cath Kidston will have the opportunity to speak at the May Cheltenham Business Forum’s BIG Breakfast. We will highlight the store across our social media channels, and they will feature on the home page of our website.
Firstly, we would like to say thank you to Dustin Wise of L’Una Design and Mel Tubby of Marks and Spencer for their support over the past few years. Dustin will continue to be involved with BID projects when time allows but will be focusing on his growing business.
Mel and Dustin’s resignations from the Board left us with two vacancies on the Board and we are delighted to welcome two new directors. Luncinda O’Gorman from Marks and Spencer will represent the National Retail Sector and Matt Rudman of Cheltenham Martial Arts, will represent the ‘other’ category.
Congratulations to Lucinda and Matt.
08 April 2019
April Newsletter
For more than ten businesses, Post Office Lane is the only place they can store their bins, and with four of those being restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, that’s a lot of rubbish and food waste. It’s no wonder then, that it has made its way onto Alex Chalk’s ‘grot spot’ list. You would sometimes be hard pressed to distinguish it from a local landfill site.
Well, not anymore! As part of our Tidy Up Cheltenham campaign, the BID has been focusing on this area for a long time. Working with Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and local businesses, our ambassadors arranged a litter pick and general clean up of Post Office Lane.
Deb, Carolyn and Phil, three of the BID Ambassadors, would like to say a massive thank you to Clive Evans, Community Protection Officer at CBC; Sophie Scarrott, owner of Keith Scarrott Shoes (and BID Board Director); Claire Harrison and Sarah Locke from Yates Wine Bar, who got down and dirty to help clear away rubbish, food waste and pallets.
1 April 2019
Discover little-known facts about some of Cheltenham’s best-known buildings and locations whilst solving riddles to get a special Easter treat.
Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) has worked with The Cheltenham Trust on the Hidden Cheltenham trail, which gives new insights for locals and visitors alike and there have been a few egg-citing additions to the trail just for Easter.
The Easter Hidden Trail will start on Monday April 8 and will run every day from 9am-5pm until Easter Monday.
Pick up a map and instructions from The Wilson Art Gallery, solve the 12 riddles and collect the secret letters to reveal a hidden Easter word to claim your prize.
Hidden Cheltenham will be supported by a dedicated website www.hiddencheltenham.com, which is packed with information on the background to the places on the trail. As well as modern and historic images, local experts give the lowdown on everything you could possibly want to know.
There are 22 venues involved in the Easter Hidden Trail, including: –
The Mayflower and Wagamama in Clarence Street; St Mary’s Minster, just off High Street and F Hinds, Marks & Spencer and Regent Arcade, all on High Street; The Brewery Quarter; the former Gaumont Cinema in Winchcombe Street; Pizza Express on Imperial Square; The Bandstand in Montpellier Gardens; Spa Pharmacy on Montpellier Street and Cheltenham Ladies College.
Collect F Hinds letter and take it to Smokey Joes on Bennington Street to receive a free bottled or hot drink with your meal. See menu here.
Please see the Facebook Event here – https://bit.ly/HiddenCheltenhamEasterTrailEvent
09 April 2019
April Newsletter
As part of the BID’s support of the Cheltenham Festivals’ Around Town …. events, we have four pairs of tickets to give away for each of the four festivals. Last month we gave you the opportunity to enter a draw for free Jazz Festival tickets. The draw took place on Wednesday April 3 and the winners were:
Karen Collier from Bravissimo – Level 42; Kim from The 2 Pigs – Jamie Callum; Lee Cheesman from Costa Coffee’s High Street branch – James Morrison; Nichola Horswell from Beatrice von Tresckow Designs in Montpellier.
Don’t forget, you can enter the draw to win one of four pairs of tickets for the Music Festival. If you haven’t received your email telling you how, please get in touch with us on 01242 571123 before midday on June 3.
09 April 2019
April Newsletter
Being a BID Director means you get to have a say in the future success of Cheltenham.
Board membership is only open to those who represent a business in the BID area and whose levy payments are up to date. This means that sometimes, because people don’t stay with the same business all their working life and move on to pastures new, they have to resign from the Board.
Mel Tubby, former Food Commercial Manager of Marks and Spencer in Cheltenham, has been appointed Store Manager of the Swindon branch. We are sure you will join us in wishing Mel every success in her new role.
Mel’s resignation from the Board means there is now a vacancy for a representative from within the national retail sector.
If you work for one of the many national businesses in Cheltenham and would like the chance to make a real difference and add to what we have already achieved, please contact BID Director Kevan Blackadder on 01242 571123 or email him at kevan@cheltenhambid.co.uk.
An election will be held among national retailers after nominations are received.
09 April 2019
April Newsletter
The BID exists to support businesses, lobby for improvements to the town and help grow the visitor economy. It is important therefore that every BID business is able to share their views on important matters and have those views aired.
We know that many businesses have provided formal feedback to Gloucestershire County Council about the impact of the Boots Corner trial closure.
We also want to ensure that your opinions are understood by Cheltenham Borough Council.
We are therefore asking every BID business, no matter what their locality within the town, to take part in a short survey.
We will share the results with Cheltenham Borough Council as part of the wider considerations of the impact of the trial. All answers will be collated to provide an overall picture and individual answers will remain confidential.
The BID and representatives from businesses in Clarence Street and Clarence Parade have taken their concerns to the county council and some changes have been agreed:
Do the survey, which will take about five minutes, here. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BootsCornerFeedback
26 March 2019
The films of Mike Leigh will be celebrated at the first Cheltenham International Film Festival.
One of Britain’s most celebrated directors, Leigh leads a parade of industry figures heading to the town for the Festival which flickers in to life on May 27.
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The six-day event includes film screenings, director Q&As, masterclasses, panel discussions and talks by film industry professionals and stars of the silver screen.
The programme will be directed by Leslie Montgomery Sheldon, who has announced Brockworth boy Simon Pegg has agreed to be the Festival’s patron
Among the highlights will be the screening of two of Leigh’s early films Bleak Moments and Nuts in May as the Festival pays tribute to the director famous for the BAFTA and Palm D’Or winning Secrets and Lies.
The man himself will be in attendance to introduce both films, with a question and answer session following both screenings.
“We are delighted to give fans of these two films an opportunity to see them again and to introduce them to a new audience”, said Sheldon.
Also appearing will be Josie Rourke, director of Mary Queen of Scots, Steven Bercoff and Jan Komasa while the Festival kicks off with a preview of Sometimes Always Never, starring Bill Nighy.
The Film Festival joins the long list of cultural festivals that have become a trademark of the town.
The world-famous Literature and Music festivals have been joined by Jazz and Science Festivals in recent years, with Sheldon proud to add films to the list.
The Festival will deepen and widen appreciation of film, co-operating with the education charity, Into Film, which puts film at the heart of children’s eduction.
Ticket will go on sale from 10/04/2019 on The Playhouse Cheltenham website.
The Cheltenham International Film Festival runs from May 27 to June 1.
Cheltenham BID are partners of the Cheltenham Internal Film Festival.
March 2019 Newsletter
Queens Hotel Cheltenham has been an iconic landmark in Cheltenham since 1838 and is one of the oldest purpose-built hotels in Europe. Built on the site of one of the original spas, Sherborne Spa, the hotel is fashioned in the style of the Temple of Jupiter. It is named in honour of Queen Victoria, whose coronation fell in the year the hotel was opened.
With many top-class hotels on the outskirts of town, The Queens plays an important role in bringing tourists to the centre of Cheltenham and many visitors return regularly.
Erol Uray, General Manager, is always eager to help the BID and nothing is too much trouble. When we needed somewhere for the crew to assemble the White Witch for the Christmas parade, we were given space in the hotel’s parking area.
Queens Hotel Cheltenham looked stunning during the first Light Up Cheltenham. So, when we were looking for an image for the front of the new map and guide, we didn’t have to look far.
When we asked if we could light up the hotel again, Erol agreed straight away. He said: “The Queens Hotel is a beacon of light for Cheltenham and the light festival will enhance that even more.” The team at Queens Hotel Cheltenham made it really easy for the contractors to do the installation.
On hearing the news that ‘The Queens’ had been selected as BID business of the month, Erol said: “This is absolutely fantastic, I am thrilled to hear that and am always happy to help and be involved with the BID’s activities”. He is looking forward to being part of Cheltenham Cocktail Week 2019. It will be three out three for them and we’re excited to hear what their plans are this year.
As a representative of a BID Business of the month, Erol will have the opportunity to speak at the April Cheltenham Business Forum’s BIG Breakfast. We will highlight Queens Hotel Cheltenham across our social media channels and they will feature on the home page of our website.
March 2019 Newsletter Article
There has been a decline in visitor numbers year on year in almost every town in the country and Cheltenham has been no exception. But we’re starting to buck that trend more often than not.
In 2018, November and December saw an increase in footfall when compared to 2017 with November being up by 2% and December by 1.8%. During the same period, the national average saw some of the sharpest declines for the year, with a decrease of 5% in November and 5.7% in December.
Whilst January 2019 saw a decrease of 3% when compared with January 2018, February 2019 saw a massive 15% increase in Cheltenham. We’re sure the BID’s popular Light Up Cheltenham event and the fabulous February weather both had plenty to do with that.
The BID has recently been given access to a camera placed near WH Smith by international retail analysists, Springboard.
We recognise that this data is based on a single camera and may not reflect the same pattern throughout the town, so if you are able to provide us with footfall for your business, we will begin to build a bigger picture. If this is something you can help with, please email Belinda Hunt for more details.
March 2019 Newsletter
Helen Howe joined the BID Board in August 2018 and represents the night-time economy.
Helen and her husband Jon opened Lumiere just over 10 years ago and they have seen a change in Cheltenham since then, particularly as a food destination. Lumiere was one of a handful of independent restaurants in a market dominated by chains when they first opened. Now, says Helen “Cheltenham has the most amazing independent food offerings, there really is something for everyone, including two of the top fine dining restaurants in the country.”
Helen and Jon chose to open their business in Cheltenham because of its vibrant economy. The fact that it is centrally located between both their families is a bonus. Helen’s days off are never dull, she’s either walking the dogs in Pittville Park, walking around the shops, taking in the atmosphere of one of the festivals or going to an exhibition at The Wilson.
Helen joined the Board because she really wants to help make Cheltenham a town we can all be proud to live and work in. She said: “With the well-publicised struggles that the high street is facing, it has never been more important to make sure that our town is visible, accessible and attractive to consumers. It’s also a great way for the smaller businesses to have a voice.”
Having a BID is important to Helen, as is getting businesses to engage with the BID. She takes the view that the more businesses that get involved, the more variety the BID can promote, making the scope for what can be achieved for Cheltenham and our businesses endless.
Community minded is one way to describe Helen, particularly when you know that since opening Lumiere in 2009, almost £20,000 has been raised by the team for The National Star College. Lumiere has recently purchased a defibrillator and is working with Tidal Training Direct to support the PUBlic Hearts Appeal.
Being a restaurateur has not always been Helen’s line of work. For 10 years she was a Biomedical Scientist for the NHS. (Oh, and she hates bananas!)
March 2019 Newsletter
Cheltenham BID is lead sponsor of the 2019 Cheltenham Festivals …around town programme.
Our sponsorship brings more than 90 free gigs into the town centre during the festivals and encourages visitors to leave the festival village and explore Cheltenham.
As part of our sponsorship package, we get to give away four pairs of complimentary tickets for each of the Jazz, Music, Literature and Science Festivals.
This year we’ve managed to get tickets for the top acts and have two tickets to see Jamie Cullum, Katie Melua, James Morrison and Level 42.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see one of these shows email Maria Marriott at maria@cheltenhambid.co.uk with your name, your business name and which artist you would like to see by 5pm on April 1. Please note this is open only to BID Businesses.