June Highlights
Stroud Indie Book Fair 20 June 2026, Lansdowne Hall & Gallery, Stroud
The literary year kicks off in Stroud with a celebration of independent publishing. Visitors can browse unique titles and meet authors from across the country at this showcase of independent literature. The fair offers an opportunity to discover books outside the mainstream and support smaller publishers.
Sudeley History Weekend: Alison Weir 26 June 2026, Sudeley Castle
Renowned historian Alison Weir visits Sudeley Castle as part of the Sudeley History Weekend to discuss her book The Boleyn Secret. The historic castle, with its connections to Tudor history, provides an atmospheric setting for a talk on one of England's most fascinating dynasties. Weir's extensive research into the Tudor period has established her as one of Britain's foremost historical authors.
Berkeley Show 28 June 2026, Berkeley Castle
The annual agricultural and livestock show returns to Berkeley Castle, celebrating farming life in the Berkeley Vale. This family-friendly event combines traditional country show elements with the stunning backdrop of one of Gloucestershire's most impressive medieval castles. Expect livestock competitions, local food stalls, and rural crafts.
July: Music and Horticulture
RHS Badminton Flower Show 8β12 July 2026, Badminton
The Royal Horticultural Society brings its prestigious flower show to the Badminton estate for five days of gardening inspiration. The show features show gardens, floral displays, expert advice, and shopping opportunities for plant enthusiasts. Set within the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort's estate, this event combines horticultural excellence with Gloucestershire's stately home heritage.
Cheltenham Music Festival Various dates throughout July 2026
Cheltenham's annual music festival fills venues across the town with classical and contemporary performances. The 2026 programme includes:
- Vision String Quartet at Pittville Pump Room (5 July)
- Mahler, Brahms and Bruckner at Tewkesbury Abbey (4 July)
- Violinist Hana Chang at Pittville Pump Room (7 July)
- Composer Academy Showcase at DEYA Swamp (10 July)
The festival utilises both historic venues and modern spaces, offering audiences diverse settings for musical experiences.
Monthly Sunday Jazz Lunches at Burleigh Court 19 July (and continuing 16 August, 13 September), Brimscombe
These relaxed Sunday afternoon events combine live jazz performances with dining at Burleigh Court. The 19 July date offers a mid-summer musical afternoon in the Stroud Valleys.
Autumn Literary Season
Cheltenham Literature Festival 9β18 October 2026
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns for its 77th year as the world's longest-running literature festival. The 2026 edition includes the Literature for Schools programme running throughout the festival period, featuring authors Michael Rosen, Katherine Rundell, Nadia Shireen, and Nathanael Lessore.
Founded in 1949, the festival has grown into one of the world's premier literary events, attracting leading authors, thinkers, and readers to the Regency town each autumn. The main programme typically spans ten days of talks, readings, and discussions across multiple venues.
Notable Cancellation
Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
The 2026 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford has been cancelled due to uncertainties regarding access to the base. The world's largest military airshow normally draws between 150,000 and 200,000 spectators to Gloucestershire each July, and its absence represents a significant change to the county's summer events calendar.
Planning Your Visit
Gloucestershire's events span the county from the Cotswold market towns to the Regency elegance of Cheltenham and the rural valleys of Stroud. When planning attendance at ticketed events, early booking is recommended, particularly for the Cheltenham Literature Festival and popular agricultural shows.
Many venues offer accessible facilities, though visitors should check individual event websites for specific accessibility information. Car parking arrangements vary by location, with some larger events providing dedicated shuttle services from nearby towns.
The county's rail connections through Gloucester, Cheltenham, and Stroud provide alternatives to driving, with many venues located within walking distance of stations or offering connecting bus services.
A Diverse Cultural Calendar
From literary discussions in historic castles to classical music in Regency pump rooms, Gloucestershire's 2026 events calendar reflects the county's rich cultural heritage. Whether your interests lie in Tudor history, independent literature, classical music, or country traditions, the coming months offer multiple opportunities to engage with the region's cultural life.