Take a trip to the Alps by simply popping into the Garden Bar

» AFTER the two years we’ve all been through, and the uncertainty that surrounded last Christmas, it’s now time to reconnect and enjoy the festivities and the spirit of Christmas.

After the lockdown periods we all endured, it became all too easy to become isolated, lonely and to get out of the habit social interaction.

Christmas is a time for socialising and for meeting and partying with friends and loved ones, with colleagues and social groups, for laughter and fun, after all it’s the season to be merry, a time of joy and hope.

During the restrictions of the pandemic, the Garden Bar in Imperial Gardens became a focal point for the community, a safe outdoor environment to meet, to socialise and to connect at a time when social interaction was severely limited. Now it’s transforming for the festive season into an après ski lodge from this Saturday, November 19, offering a cosy retreat bringing the atmosphere of the alpine ski slopes to Cheltenham.

Escape to this little corner of the Alps and enjoy après ski hospitality in our lodge, complete with twinkling fairy lights, cosy tartan textiles, lanterns, festive food and drinks, staff clad in their best skiwear and a host of live music and entertainment. There may even some snow on the windowsills and a flickering fire on the wall to add to the warm welcome.

Come in your best bobble hat or favourite jumper and seat yourself on the bespoke built ski lift. Against a backdrop of alpine scenery, you’ll be able to pose for some fun selfies to share on social media.

Christmas and the festive season starts at the Garden Bar this Saturday November 19 with The Rhythm Slingers and resident DJ Rob Mcelvanney playing from 1pm as the first of our free live music for all the community to enjoy every weekend in the lead up to Christmas. Everyone is welcome and there may be a few dancers adding to the festivities.

As a charity, The Cheltenham Trust re-invests all donations into free community events and activities for everyone to enjoy such as this year’s Christmas programme across our venues. Your support, through donations, enables us to do even more for the community in Cheltenham.

You can show your support by buying tickets for our raffle to win free year membership to trust activities, deluxe hamper and vouchers for us in our cafes; rounding up your bill or making a donation at the till in any of our cafes, donating at the free events, or when you visit any of our venues. We thank you for your support.

You can view our full Christmas programme across all venues at: https://issuu.com/home/published/ christmas_brochure_1_