University of Gloucestershire student Demi Wilson highlights Cheltenham’s love affair with the arts.

A little bit of history
Since the late 18^th century, the people of Cheltenham have indulged in theatre, music, art, and literature.

By the 1890s, it was established as an entertainment hub of the Regency era, with the arts and craft movement in full force, the opening of the Everyman Theatre in 1891 and the instalment of public art and landmarks such as The Neptune Fountain on The Promenade.

This was later solidified by Cheltenham’s transformation into a festival town during the mid-20^th century.

But how does this still apply to the 21^st century where entertainment is so readily accessible with the tap of a mobile phone? Do young creatives now still have the space to express themselves? Thankfully, the answer is yes!

Lights, cameras and action!
Cheltenham has been home to the Everyman Theatre since 1891. It functioned as a production house in 1980s and has not stopped providing its audiences with enticing and educational performances since.

This local theatre prides itself on bringing a ‘West End experience’ to a small town, with performances such ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Heathers’ and ‘Six The Musical’ being showcased this spring and summer alone.

Accompanying this, behind the scenes, the theatre has an education and community team providing actors and writers’ workshops where aspiring creatives can collaborate to develop their crafts and dip their toes into the industry.

Taking that step even further, the theatre is partnered with Stagedoor Learning, a performing arts educator.

Stagedoor provides young people with BTEC qualifications in performing arts.

No one can deny this local theatre loves its community and actively strives to educate and uplift young writers and actors.

     

In need of some festival fun?
Recently Cheltenham Festivals held its 80^th anniversary campaign.

Starting in 1945, with three classical music concerts in Pittville Pump Room, this humble event expanded to become the now nationally recognised literature, music, science, and jazz festivals.

Cheltenham Music Festival was the first post-war classical music festival in the country, and this is still paid homage to today through its hosting of events in historic venues like Pittville Pump Room and St Gregory’s Church.

From free performances and family activities to professional showcases, these festivals create shared experiences that strengthen community bonds and inspire lifelong participation in the arts.

In 2024 / 2025 alone, the charity was able to provide more than 1,300 free connections tickets to community groups.

It also recently reached a record-breaking number of children, providing them with access to live events and experiences.

The festival’s VOICEBOX podcast is also providing a dynamic platform for those wishing to create digital content including music, spoken word, comedy and debate.

A labour of love The Wilson way
The Wilson art gallery is a love letter to Cheltenham’s history and its community.

To look around the exhibitions is to look upon the past with admiration.

Its arts and crafts gallery displays works of significant names in the arts and craft movement of the late 19^th century such as Ernest Gimson, Sidney and Ernest Barnsley, Alfred and Louise Powell, CR Ashbee and Gordon Russell.

The Wilson also hosts free monthly evenings for artists and communities to showcase their work. There’s a wide variety of creative inspiration ranging from open mic nights, DJ spots and workshops.

Pop up exhibitions and makers’ markets are also set up so artists can sell their work.

Artists from Cheltenham, Stroud and Gloucester are invited to take advantage of the ‘We Are Creators' residency which sets up artists for the year in an Arts Council England funded studio to work in.

Join the club, spring is here!
For more than 50 years Cheltenham Art Club has been hosting multiple weekly meetings between local artists who want access to an extensive library, regular workshops, twice-yearly exhibitions in Montpellier’s The Gardens Gallery Cheltenham and organised plein air painting in the summer months.

The club also offers classes for non-members who want to learn to paint.

Spring Cheltenham art gallery, in Montpellier Street, is housed in a 170-year-old, Grade II listed building which adds to its charming character.

It is now home to a world of pop-up expeditions, group shows and carefully curated advertising for the upcoming generation of artists, acting as a stepping stone into the industry.  

My artistic conclusion
Overall, I think it is safe to say that expression and imagination still flow through the veins of our town and we continue to thrive in a world full of beauty and entertainment, both past and present.