With Cheltenham Festival just days away, local businesses are gearing up for an influx of racegoers.
Venues are stocking up, getting extra staff in and hiring security all in preparation for the annual rush that comes with the races that begin on Tuesday.
At The Bank House Wetherspoon, preparations are well underway. They are bringing in extra staff from around the county and hiring more security in order to control the rowdy crowds.
“Our stock room is full to the brim, lots of Guinness!” Joked shift leader, Simon.
Like many local pubs, this particular week in March is their record week financially.
Staff at Mulligans minigolf are enjoying the quiet before the storm, noting how the festival transforms normal operations.
A manager said, “it’s the one time where we hire security to help deal with the insane crowds that fill the Brewery.”
The whole venue is being hired by Bet365 on Wednesday and Thursday for special post race day events, and for the whole week Mulligans is offering a £5 Guinness deal.
New businesses are also hoping to benefit from the increased footfall this time of year brings.
The new Golf Rooms at Cineworld have opened today (Friday, March 6), just in time to reap the rewards of race week and kick start their new immersive experience.
They are planning to host live music outside Cineworld at peak times to attract racegoers and hopefully acquire some returning customers. As well as the interactive golf games, they have a bar that will no doubt make them a lot of money this coming week.
While local venues are looking forward to earning their annual record figures, some residents are less excited.
“I dread it every year!” said Ruth Hawkins, 76.
“Traffic is a nightmare, I live near the racecourse so leaving the house is near impossible and I hate the thought of all these drunk people stumbling home nearby.”
Many locals choose to leave town during the races, often renting out their homes on sites like Airbnb, where they can make a fortune from those looking for somewhere to stay near the town centre.
The whole town is bracing for impact as the countdown is officially starting.
The Cheltenham Festival runs from March 10th to March 13th.
