The school summer holidays are upon us, and here at The Local Answer we know it can be a challenge to keep the family entertained when school is out.

So we’ve put together a handy guide of the best things to do in each of our five publication areas – Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, North Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds – in the coming months.

Café Rene Rhythm and Blues Festival
Returning for its 17th edition is Café Rene’s Rhythm and Blues Festival.

From Monday 29th July and Sunday 4th August to experience the live music of 20 different acts from across the nation and abroad on the open-air stage. Food and refreshments will be available from the barbeque and bar, and all in aid of the James Hopkins Trust.

For more information visit www.caferene.co.uk/events

Gloucester Classic and Retro Festival
The fifth annual Classic and Retro Festival returns to Gloucester on Saturday 24th August.

There will be re-enactments, classic vehicles and plenty of entertainment throughout the day in the city centre.

Three Choirs Festival
In its rotation between Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, the Three Choirs Festival will this year be celebrated between 26th July and 3rd August at Gloucester Cathedral.

With a blend of choral performances, recitals, talks and workshops, the festival this year will not only aim to celebrate the music of the past, but to also inspire budding musicians of the future.

For more information visit www.3choirs.org

Witcombe Cider Festival
The UK’s biggest cider festival returns to Brockworth from Friday 23rd to Sunday 26th August.

There will be music from acts including Plan B, Faithless, Shy FX and Phats & Small, and Rugby For Heroes will be back again at the festival with lots of fun activities.

For more information visit www.witcombeciderfestival.co.uk

Kids Weekender
A unique event with thrilling entertainment for the whole family, including live parkour shows, magic shows, face painting, workshops, the chance to meet your favourite characters and more.

The event takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July at Gloucester Park.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/somac-gloucesters-summer-of-music-arts-culture/kids-weekender-in-gloucester-park/302041217351210/

Gloucester Quays Food Festival
There will be free, live cooking demonstrations, book signings and a chance to sample treats from across the region and beyond with 120 stalls on offer across the weekend of Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July.

The food market will be open from 10am to 6pm in and around Orchard Square, Victoria Basin and Mariners Square, with live music and performances on the lawn until 8pm.

For more information visit www.gqfoodfest.co.uk

Nature In Art
There will be plenty going on at Nature In Art museum and art gallery, including exhibitions, art courses, and plenty of children’s activity days.

For more information visit www.natureinart.org.uk

Over Farm Summer Trail
The Over Farm Summer Trail takes you around the farm, with the chance to meet the animals and take part in plenty of activities.

There’s even the chance to answer a question sheet on your way around to win a prize!

For more information visit www.overfarm.co.uk

Museum of Gloucester
The current Moon exhibition at the Museum fo Gloucester includes plenty of events throughout summer, including a kids fancy dress day on Saturday 24th August.

There’s also plenty of workshops and activities going on throughout the holidays.

For more information visit www.museumofgloucester.co.uk