Cheltenham in spring

It’s not easy following The Festival however The April Meeting makes a brilliant job of it – plus there’s far less crowds. The final chance to watch the professionals test themselves on the track before the summer break, it’s a thrilling two days of races – don’t miss The Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Steeple Chase on ‘Wonderful Wednesday’. Then there’s ‘Tremendous Thursday’ – another super competitive race day thanks to The Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Series Final Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race. In between, there’s plenty of fun to be had – particularly for families, with a horseshoe bouncy castle, rosette making and Junior Jumpers.
17^th+18^th April. Cheltenham Racecourse. Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014; www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Photo on the right taken by the Press association

One of Europe’s leading jazz festivals, the much-loved Cheltenham Jazz Festival is back, with a stellar line-up of international headline acts, cutting-edge jazz and unique collaborations. Offering the chance to dip into many different styles of the genre, there will be large-scale concerts, intimate club shows, world premieres, masterclasses, family-friendly shows and many free events. Don’t miss the jazz at Dunkertons in Dowdeswell Park. Restaurant critic turned Jazz pianist Jay Rayner will be playing on the Sunday – think great music, killer stories and laughter. It’s also the perfect chance to enjoy a pint or two of Dunkertons’ delicious organic cider.
1^st-6^th May. Various venues across Cheltenham. 01242 850270; www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

Photo to the left taken by Still Moving Media

Quite possibly the most magical event of the spring, Cotswolds Farm Park’s lambing season is back. This year, it’s bigger and better than ever, with over 900 lambs and kids due to be born on the farm. Be at the heart of the action and watch the live births up close and personal. There will be a mix of commercial and rare breed ewes, including Kerry Hills, Herdwicks and county breed the Cotswolds. Experts will also be giving the lowdown on all things lambing at daily talks. Sheep aside, there is also lots to enjoy, with a whole range of animals to visit, nature trails and an excellent playground for little ones.
Until 14^th April. Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL. 01451 850307; www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

The brilliant Birmingham Royal Ballet is coming to town. Be prepared for a treat as it’s not just one ballet. Director Carlos Acosta has brought together his favourite productions and get ready for a serious list of classics: Frederick Ashton’s exquisite Rhapsody, Carlos’s own temperature-raising Carmen, Ben Van Cauwenbergh's popular French chanson-inspired Je ne regrette rien and Les Bourgeois, Carlos’s interpretation of Fokine’s The Dying Swan, and spectacular pas de deux from Bournonville’s delightful La Sylphide, the explosive Diana and Actaeon, and, of course, the iconic Swan Lake. Unmissable.

10+11^th May. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573; www.everymantheatre.org.uk