Summer events season is in full swing at the Pump Room
THE splendid Grade I listed Pittville Pump Room was built between 1825 and 1830.
It was designed as the centrepiece of property developer Joseph Pitt’s vision of a ‘new town’ as Cheltenham became increasingly popular due to its mineral spa waters.
Back in the early part of the 20 th century, a band played in the park several times a week during the summer and important annual events included the bank holiday fetes and the Mayor’s summer tea party.
During the Second World War the Pump Room was requisitioned for military use and used as an American army depot with Nissan huts set up on the lawns and jeeps stationed in the car park.
It seems fitting then that The Cheltenham Trust launched the first of its summer weekends with Swing in the Park at the new heritage café at the Pump Room portico on July 4,
American Independence Day, with vintage music straight from the 1940s and safe, socially distanced retro swing dancing and café facilities.
There is no doubt that 2020 has been an extraordinary year, and with the lockdown measures being gradually lifted, all of us need to look ahead and have the opportunity to meet friends and family in safe environments.
The Pump Room is located in the park and benefits from its extensive outdoor space which lends itself to hosting a summer of musical weekends.
The heritage café is still in its
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infancy, but is creating history in 2020, as no one has enjoyed a cafe experience at this iconic venue for decades.
This Saturday the café welcomes Cheltenham pianist Finley Corlett who will be playing from 2pm bringing a piano bar atmosphere, and DJ Rob ‘Mr Swing’ Mcelvaney returns on Sunday with the first of the scheduled themed afternoons.
This week’s theme is American diner with BBQ and Rob playing the sounds of the 50s from 3pm to 6pm.
Here’s what’s happening in July and August:
Saturday July 11: Pianist Finley Corlett from 2pm.
Sunday July 12: American diner 50s theme with DJ Rob ‘Mr Swing’ Mc 3pm to 6pm
Saturday July 18: Swing in the Park 2pm to 5pm
Saturday July 25: Pianist Finley Corlett from 2pm.
Sunday July 26: Motown and soul Sunday 3pm to 6pm
Saturday August 1: Nashville theme with DJ Rob ‘Mr Swing’ Mc 2pm to 5pm
Sunday August 2: Friends of Pittville present
Sunday August 9: American diner 50s theme with DJ Rob ‘Mr Swing’ Mc 3pm – 6pm
Saturday August 15: Swing in the Park 2pm to 5pm
Sunday August 16: Gloucester Excelsior Band
Saturday August 22: Swing in the Park 2pm to 5pm
Sunday August 23: Friends of Pittville present
Saturday August 29: Swing in the Park 2pm to 5pm
Sunday August 30: The JJ Swing Band
The Cheltenham Trust is delighted to welcome everyone to the Pump Room to be part of making history, and to enjoy the heritage café with a summer of afternoon teas, music and dance.