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Entertainment

How the Cheltenham Festival Captivates Racing Fans Every Year

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The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the horse racing industry, attracting thousands of attendees every year. But when and why did it become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the Cheltenham Festival, including its history and rise to fame. 

What is the Cheltenham Festival? 

The Cheltenham Festival is a popular annual horse racing event that spans four days in March. It’s held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and, over the course of the event, hundreds of millions of pounds are bet, making it one of the largest betting events in the jumping calendar. 

History of the Cheltenham Festival 

The festival loosely dates back to 1860, but it was known then as the Grand National Hunt Meeting and took place in several locations over the years. However, it was primarily held at Warwick Racecourse during this period. It wasn’t until 1911, after several upgrades to the racecourse, that the festival settled at Cheltenham, where it has remained ever since.

Growth in Popularity 

Once the festival had found its permanent home at Cheltenham, traction rapidly increased, with several key milestones in particular contributing to its increasing popularity: 

  • The introduction of the Gold Cup in 1924
  • Golden Miller success – between 1932 and 1936 the horse ‘Golden Miller’ won five consecutive Golden Cups, drawing considerable attention to the festival 
  • Television coverage – in 1964, the BBC began covering the festival, opening it up to a much wider audience 

But for the most part, its popularity comes down to the quality and competitiveness of the racing, and the atmosphere it generates. The ‘Cheltenham Roar’ simply can’t be replicated anywhere else, and allows for a truly unforgettable week of entertainment. 

Races 

The four day festival was originally just three days, but in 2005, a fourth day was added. The festival now consists of 28 races, which include both grade 1 hurdles and chase races. 

Each day has its own theme:

  • Day 1: Champion Day
  • Day 2: Style Wednesday (Ladies Day)
  • Day 3: St Patrick’s Thursday 
  • Day 4: Gold Cup Day 

Betting at Cheltenham 

Horse racing and betting go hand in hand and the Cheltenham Festival is certainly no exception, marking the largest betting window in the racing calendar. The event is a significant time for bookies and punters alike, with most bettors turning to sites like oddschecker to make more informed decisions in an attempt to boost their chances of securing the record-breaking prize money. 

Will You Be Watching?

The festival kicks off today with The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – will you be joining the thousands of other spectators watching? 

 

Entertainment

Free waterfront cinema screening to celebrate start of school holidays

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FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate the start of the school holidays with a free outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar favourite Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront.

The Torch Theatre will launch its 2026 Sunset Cinema season at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with the marina and Milford Haven Waterway providing the backdrop.

Sponsored by Milford Waterfront, the family screening will be shown on the Torch Theatre’s new outdoor LED cinema screen. Gates will open at 1pm, with the film beginning at 2.30pm.

Admission is free, although tickets should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre.

The entertainment will continue into the evening with a screening of the 1980s classic Back to the Future at 7pm.

Tickets for the evening film can also be purchased through the Torch Theatre website. Audiences are encouraged to arrive from 6pm and bring their own chairs and blankets.

A selection of food and drink vendors will be available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Summer starts here. We’re delighted to kick off the Torch Theatre’s 2026 Sunset Cinema season and the school holidays with a free waterside screening of Finding Nemo.

“Then, as the sun goes down, film fans can buy tickets to join us for the ultimate time-travelling adventure, Back to the Future.

“There’s something special about watching a great film by the water, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families, friends and visitors for a day of cinema, community and summer memories at Milford Waterfront.”

Chelsey Gillard, from the Torch Theatre, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with Milford Waterfront to offer this special Sunset Cinema screening completely free for our community.

“Watching Finding Nemo on Mackerel Quay is going to be absolutely magical. Bring a deckchair, gather the family and join Nemo, Dory and Marlin for an unforgettable adventure on the big screen.

“Let’s just hope Bruce the shark doesn’t decide to make an appearance. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of term and kick off the summer holidays.”

Tickets for both screenings should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre booking office.

Further details about events taking place at Milford Waterfront this summer can be found on the Milford Waterfront website.

Photo caption: Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront on Friday, July 17.

 

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Entertainment

Ashmole & Co to sponsor Wales YFC dance competition at Royal Welsh

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ASHMOLE & CO, one of mid and west Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to be supporting Wales YFC by sponsoring its dance competition at this month’s Royal Welsh Show.

The firm has worked closely with the Welsh farming community since it was established in 1897 and remains deeply committed to the agricultural sector.

Many of Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff are past or present members of Wales YFC and have benefited personally and professionally from their involvement with the organisation.

Supporting the next generation of farmers and rural leaders is therefore of great importance to the firm.

The Royal Welsh Show is one of the highlights of the year for YFC members, with competitions including shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging.

The dance competition sponsored by Ashmole & Co will take place on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, July 21, from 1pm.

Ceri Llwyd, a partner at Ashmole & Co’s Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said: “As the auditor of Wales YFC, we understand the importance of this bilingual rural youth organisation in helping young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

“It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years. We have developed an excellent working relationship, and I very much hope this will continue for many years to come.

“We would like to wish everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show the very best of luck and hope they enjoy the tremendous experience.

“I will be there on Tuesday to watch the competition and show my support.”

Wales YFC is a vibrant organisation that encourages young people to take responsibility and play an active role in their communities while developing their skills through a wide range of member-led programmes and activities.

The organisation has more than 5,000 members aged between 10 and 28, as well as thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends.

Mared Rand Jones, chief executive of Wales YFC, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members, and we look forward to seeing them once again representing their counties and competing in a wide variety of competitions.

“Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best of its membership, and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the show.

“We thank Ashmole & Co for its tremendous support. As a charity, we depend on generous sponsorship to provide activities and competitions for our members.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the show.”

The 2026 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday, July 20, to Thursday, July 23.

Widely regarded as one of the leading events in the British agricultural calendar, the show will feature four days of livestock and equine competitions, forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink, alongside a packed daily programme of entertainment, attractions and displays.

 

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Entertainment

Glow-in-the-dark puppet spectacular returns to the Torch Theatre

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A MAGICAL glow-in-the-dark puppet show featuring colourful characters, music and family-friendly humour is returning to the Torch Theatre this August.

The Puppet Spectacular Glow Show is a captivating one-hour UV performance designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

Combining puppetry, comedy, music and striking black-light visuals, the interactive show encourages children and adults to sing, clap and cheer along with the characters.

Magic Light Productions has been creating professional puppets for its own productions and for companies around the world since 2006.

The company specialises in UV black art, with its puppets having appeared in numerous variety shows across the UK, including 12 theatre tours with the BBC’s Chuckle Brothers.

Drawing from an extensive collection of puppets, the production promises an immersive sensory experience for the whole family.

Last year’s Puppet Spectacular Glow Show sold out at the Torch Theatre, with audience members praising the inclusive and interactive nature of the performance. Visitors were also given the opportunity to meet some of the characters after the show.

The Puppet Spectacular Glow Show will take place on the Torch Theatre stage on Saturday, August 8, at 2pm.

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12.50 for under-16s, with a family ticket available for £48.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

 

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