Issue #24 · Thursday, 1 October 2026
Win Christmas at Westonbirt, weekend plans and ten October picks
October already. Last week Christmas was creeping into the events calendar. This week we're giving away tickets to Christmas at Westonbirt. I appreciate this may be more Christmas than some of you wanted on 1 October, but I thought you'd forgive me if there were free tickets involved.
This weekend I'm off exploring Tetbury and Malmesbury. I'm planning a proper wander around both towns, with a few stops for food and a look at what they've got to offer. If there's somewhere you always take visitors, a lunch you swear by or a little place that's easy to walk straight past, reply and point me towards it.
Sunday evening is accounted for too: a pub quiz in my local village. Walking, eating and finding out how little I remember under pressure. That should keep me occupied.
There's plenty for the rest of you as well. The website is packed with October events, so I've picked out this weekend first, followed by ten dates later in the month worth making room for.
But first, two bits of competition news.
Win Christmas at Westonbirt tickets
Our new giveaway is for an evening on the illuminated Christmas trail at Westonbirt Arboretum. Think a walk through the trees after dark, with the lights doing rather more of the work than your torch.
The winner can choose whichever suits them: a family ticket for two adults and two children aged 3 to 16, or two adult tickets if you fancy a date night. A pre-booked parking space is included either way.
The trail runs on selected evenings from 27 November to 31 December. The prize is for an available standard or off-peak date and timed entry slot, so the winner will need to book ahead.
Already subscribed to this newsletter? You're already entered. If you have a friend who'd enjoy it, send them the competition page so they can subscribe and enter too.
Entries close at 11:59pm on Saturday 31 October, and we'll announce the winner on Thursday 5 November.
See the Christmas at Westonbirt competition and full terms
This giveaway is funded by Cotswold Digest and is not sponsored or endorsed by Forestry England or Westonbirt.
Our fireworks winner has been drawn
We've drawn the winner of our South Cerney Fireworks tickets and emailed them to let them know. If you entered, have a look in your inbox, including the spam folder. I'd hate for the good news to be sitting next to a dubious parcel-delivery message.
Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to our winner. If it wasn't you this time, you're still in with a chance of the Westonbirt tickets above.
This weekend: 2 to 4 October
Friday and Saturday
The parish and Round Table are hosting their first beer festival at the Parish Church of St John Baptist, with beer, cider and live music supporting the parish and local charitable causes. One ticket covers both days, so you don't have to settle the Friday-or-Saturday question immediately.
Friday 2 October
A Luciano Pavarotti Opera Candlelight Experience, Stow-on-the-Wold
An evening celebrating Pavarotti's music at St Edward's Church, with candlelit performances at 7pm and 9pm. A rather different use for a Friday night than collapsing in front of the television.
Forever Billy Joel, Chipping Campden
Phil Mountford and his band bring Billy Joel's songs to Cidermill Theatre at 7:30pm. If your idea of a good night involves recognising the opening bars and singing along, this is more your territory.
Saturday 3 October
Music for Miniatures: Autumn Concert, Tetbury
Live saxophone and piano at the Goods Shed, with music ranging from The Pink Panther to Bluey. It's aimed at babies and children up to four, and nobody expects them to sit perfectly still. Starts at 10:30am and lasts 45 minutes; bring a cushion for the floor.
Eynsham Cellars brings around 120 wines to the Corn Exchange, including bottles from smaller producers. Tickets are available for the 6pm to 9pm session, with tastings included. Probably one to arrange the lift home for before you go.
Timeless Voices of Jazz, Chipping Norton
An evening of vocal jazz and swing inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Diana Krall, with musicians who've performed at Ronnie Scott's. If those names are already on your playlists, this could be your Saturday night sorted. Starts at 7:30pm at The Theatre.
Sunday 4 October
The Bubble Show, Chipping Norton
A bubble volcano and a fire tornado are among the promises here, which puts my old bottle of bubble mixture firmly in its place. The Highland Joker mixes bubbles with magic, storytelling and science in an hour-long show for ages three and over. Performances at 11:30am and 2:30pm at The Theatre.
An Evening with Alison Steadman, Chipping Campden
Alison Steadman joins interviewer Fiona Lindsay at Cidermill Theatre to talk about the work behind those familiar characters, including Beverly in Abigail's Party and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey. Starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are selling fast, so book ahead.
There's far more happening than I can fit into one email. Browse all the events on the website for the full choice and booking details.
Ten to put in the diary for later in October
Once this weekend is over, there's still most of the month to fill. These are ten of my picks from 5 October onwards.
Cirencester Mop Fair, 5 and 12 October
The fair takes over the Market Place on two Mondays, with rides and stalls from noon to 10pm. Entry is free; you pay for rides. A practical warning for anyone heading into town: road closures for setting up begin at 4pm on the preceding Sundays, 4 and 11 October.
Dursley Walking Festival, 7 to 11 October
A chance to explore with company and someone else in charge of the route. There are walks of different lengths and difficulty levels, including some substantial full-day outings. Look for the festival walks in the calendar and choose one that suits your legs.
The King's Speech, Cirencester, 9 October to 7 November
George Rainsford plays King George VI opposite Stefan Dennis as speech therapist Lionel Logue at the Barn Theatre. David Seidler's play follows the unlikely relationship behind the king's struggle to speak in public. This new production opens at the Barn before touring the UK next year, so here's your chance to see it first.
Music at the Abbey, Malmesbury, 10 October
Wiltshire Concert Band and Cantanti Choir fill Malmesbury Abbey with show songs, popular classics and singalong favourites, finishing with a Last Night of the Proms finale, in support of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Drinks and canapes are included. Starts at 6:30pm.
Fearlessly Taylor, Chipping Campden, 10 October
A Taylor Swift tribute with a live band and dancers at Cidermill Theatre, starting at 7pm. One for the Swifties who'd like a night of the songs without organising a stadium expedition.
24K Magic with Danny Lee Grew, Witney, 10 October
Magic and comedy at the Corn Exchange, for ages eight and over. If you're trying to find an evening out that works for older children as well as adults, this is worth a look. Starts at 7:30pm.
Cirencester Autumn Market, 17 and 18 October
Food, crafts and street food in the Market Place, with free entry. An easy excuse for a wander into town and the sort of afternoon where a small purchase can become lunch and several bags.
Westport Sound, Malmesbury, 23 to 25 October
A small-scale music festival spread across four spaces, with folk, electronics and contemporary classical music among the mix. Stick in the Wheel and Voka Gentle are on the bill. Worth investigating if you enjoy discovering something you haven't heard before; check which performances each ticket covers.
Cirencester History Festival, 23 October to 1 November
Talks, tours and family activities give you several ways into the town's history and the wider stories around it. Some sessions have already sold out, so browse the festival listings and book individual events rather than leaving your plans until the day.
The Big Bat Trail, Painswick, 24 October to 1 November
A half-term hunt around Painswick Rococo Garden, with bats to find, facts to collect and a treat at the end. The maze and play area give children more to do once the detective work is finished. Garden admission applies.
That's a fair amount of October spoken for, and we've barely started it.
Have a lovely weekend, and wish me luck at the quiz on Sunday. I'll let you know how badly it went.
Alex and the Cotswold Digest Team
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