Trust’s cultural events have enriched thousands this year
» IT’S been a second rollercoaster of a year as we continue living through the pandemic. Who would have thought that we would be heading into another Christmas and New Year with Covid and its variants continuing to impact on all of our lives?
This year has been a series of taking steps forward as restrictions eased and we began to see life return to looking like it did before Covid, then being hit with the arrival of the Delta variant, followed more recently by Omicron, which is currently sparking concerns about the possibility of more restrictions and changes.
Like others, The Cheltenham Trust has been riding the rollercoaster. Early in the pandemic, we recognised how important opportunities to interact safely would be for the community, and how much the trust, as the lead provider of culture, heritage, sport and leisure in Cheltenham, could provide positive outlets in the darkest of times, and make a real difference to the collective health and wellbeing when it’s been most needed, and continues to be.
This year may have seen fewer restrictions than 2020, but it has also been a year of coming together as a community to enjoy the trust’s cultural events at its iconic venues, both inside and outside, as restrictions have allowed.
From live music and pop-up dances, Tots and Tales storytelling sessions, the opening of The Story of Pittville Pump Room heritage trail, shows and performances at Cheltenham Town Hall and the Pump Room, The Wilson on Tour events and workshops, Santa’s Grotto in Skillicorne Garden, Christmas lights switch-on at the Pump Room, choirs and the artisan market and, of course, the increasingly popular orangery cafes at the Garden Bar and Heritage Deco café at the Pump Room, we’ve created a vibrant programme that has sustained and enriched thousands over the past year.
There’s still time to share some Christmas magic before the big day itself, enjoying carols and Christmas songs at the Pump Room cafe.
Today (23 December) Beauregard Youth Choir (inset) will be performing from midday to 1pm, and on Christmas Eve between 11am and midday.
This year we hosted our first artisan Christmas market, showcasing local creatives, makers and producers. The market proved so popular that it will become a monthly Sunday event at the Pump Room from February.
A call has gone out to the creative community, inviting pre-registration, and bookings for stands will open early in the New Year. If you’d like to register your interest, contact customer. contact@ cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
It’s likely there are some challenging times still to come as we head into 2022 but at the trust we’re looking ahead to brighter days.
Until then, we’ll continue to serve the community and welcome everyone to our lively, vibrant venues, events and activities.
As we head into Christmas, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has visited our venues and cafes for your continued support and custom, and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, safe and healthy 2022.