The Covid-19 pandemic has seemingly brought a close to many festive plans this year. With social distancing in place, the usual gatherings have all been cancelled. It seems all doom and gloom but there are some things to bring you Christmas joy in Cheltenham this year – here is what we know is happening.
Christmas Lights
There will be new Christmas lights put up in Cheltenham town centre from the 24th of November. But, there will unfortunately be no light switch on. Cheltenham BID think that these sparkling additions will help draw people into town after the national lockdown, and therefore help businesses out when they reopen
There will also be a new Christmas tree installed at Montpelier roundabout.
A Christmas Spirit Trail
Here is one for parents and children – a magical Christmas trail which will be on from the 7th of December to the 3rd of January.
This interactive trial is designed to encourage children to be active and take their minds off the pandemic.
Families will not have to download anything. They will simply need a device which can scan the QR codes which are situated with 10 jolly characters in venue windows around town. It will make the characters ‘come to life’ in an animation.
It is free and takes around 45 minutes to complete – with the prize of a heart-warming Christmas e-book at the end. What’s not to love?
Socially distanced theatre shows
Although the chances are very slim, there is still a possibility that you could catch a show at the theatre this year.
The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham has still not cancelled their upcoming Christmas shows.
You can currently still book to see ‘Tweedy’s Reduced Pantomime’ which is set to show from the 4th of December to the 3rd of January, and the traditional ‘A Christmas Carol’ which is set to show from the 19th to 31st of December.
Seats must be sold in pods of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 seats due to social distancing protocols.
Online events
Meet Father Christmas virtually
Here is another one for children – a 45-minute online session which includes a private chat with Santa and a variety of Christmas games!
In the booking form you will be asked to provide information on your child’s name, age and recent achievement that Santa can ask them about.
What’s more is that each child will receive a special gift and personalised letter from Santa in the post.
Tickets are £10 each. You can book here.
Trivia
Want to test your knowledge? You can join this free online event and to see just how much music trivia you can guess correctly.
Beware: This event is said to be ‘hastily conceived, poorly executed and totally beer-fuelled’!
