The shop windows in the county have been displayed immaculately with roses and chocolates in a sea of red and pink. Couples of all ages walk past looking at each other with warming smiles on their faces. It’s Valentines Day, the international celebration of love and it seems that the passion is blooming in Gloucestershire.
All of the landmark buildings are shining red this evening with Cheltenham BID for Light Up Cheltenham, marking the occasion of Valentines. The big wheel will be turning through the night, with promises of romantic evenings overlooking the towns skyline for those in relationships.
“We would love to see people come into town in the late-afternoon and early evening; taking pictures in front of the buildings, sharing them on social media and maybe even some proposals on Valentine’s Day when the buildings will change colour to red in celebration of the day,” BID Director, Kevan Blackadder.
With everyone talking about love on Valentines, do people still celebrate the occasion or has traditional romance been pushed to the side? Although some couples plan elaborate days out for their celebration of the day, other couples prefer to spend the day together to relax. Either way, looking around the town, it’d be hard to argue this romance is dead.
Iman and David met in Spain where they both went to University 32 years ago. They are celebrating the day with a relaxed day out, Iman said: “We’re just taking it easy having a nice walk, getting a coffee and some cake. Chocolate maybe.”
Lawrence and Jill from the New Forest have been together for 52 and a half years. The couple were walking hand in hand in Montpellier park on this day. For Valentines Day Lawrence said: “We drove down to Cheltenham for the day… and we’re going off and eating out for dinner in Broadway.”
In Cheltenham it seems that the love is still in the air as these couples stand near the park, celebrating the moment they first met.
