Five things to do this weekend in the Cotswolds (July 25-26)

Wondering what to do this weekend in and around the Cotswolds? Here are five suggestions from us to you...

Pianist Christina McMaster / Photo: Max Lacome (Image: MAX LACOME MAXLACOME.COM)

Guiting Music Festival, Guiting Power

July 24 to August 2

For over 40 years, the Guiting Music Festival has been a highlight of the Cotswolds summer calendar, bringing an exciting variety of talented performances of classical, jazz and folk music by artists from around the world. The event, run entirely by volunteers, will span the end of July to the beginning of August, with the likes of Christina McMaster, Purdy, Ensemble 360, Hattie Briggs, The Roving Crows, Abi Flynn’s Jazz and Swing Allstars and many more taking to the stage this year.

Chedworth Roman Villa (Image: Archant)

The Romans are Coming to Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth

July 24 to 31

Legio II Augusta, the premier Roman re-enactment group, return to Chedworth Roman Villa from July 24-31. Visitors can watch military displays over the first weekend or enjoy a taster of life in Ancient Rome for the rest of the week. Chedworth Roman Villa was home to some of the richest people in the country during its heyday in the 4th century, and offers everyone the opportunity to marvel at some of the amazing inventions brought to this country by the Romans, including mosaics, bathhouses, latrines and even underfloor heating.

WOMAD / Photo: York Tillyer (Image: Archant)

Womad Festival, Malmesbury

July 24-26

Peter Gabriel began this world music festival 33 years ago, and it returns this weekend with more wholesome, musical fun in store for revellers. This year’s line-up is as eclectic as ever, with De La Soul, Ibeyi, Luke Vibert, Nightmares on Wax, Tinariwen, Plaid, 47SOUL The Staves, Ghostpoet and the Cambodian Space Project all bumping elbows on the line-up, among others. There’s something for everyone, and tickets are still available.

Samba entertainment at the Gloucester Carnival / Photo: Clint Watt (Image: Copyright: Clint Watt)

Gloucester Carnival, Gloucester

July 25

Taking place this Saturday, the Gloucester Carnival kicks off with the Carnival procession, during which the city centre will be filled with vibrant colours and samba drumming. There will be a horse drawn carriage conveying the Carnival Prince and Princes, a float designed by a local artists collective, and an appearance from the rugby-themed mascot Scrumpty! Plus the Wilson Funfair will have plenty of rides and entertainment for all the family, and there will be a music stage featuring local and national bands including headliners King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, King Solomon, Solid Gone, Awfully Nice and more.

Vintage Extravaganza in Cheltenham (Image: Archant)

Vintage charity fundraiser, Cheltenham

July 25

Cheltenham’s first vintage extravaganza takes place this Saturday at the town hall, raising money for Genesis Research Trust. There will be live music, vintage fashion, a casino and more, for one night only!