It’s already February and so far this year we’ve been dodging snow and ice, colds, winter bugs and now potholes! Although we’re sure that there is more cold weather ahead it is nice to see a little hint of spring appearing with the arrival of the first snowdrops. This is a great time of year to get wrapped up and head off for a winter walk.

February has some great events and we hope to bring you the best.  If you missed the Winter Owl Evenings at the International Centre for Birds of Prey at Newent during November and December, two more evenings have been scheduled to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Why not take your loved one for an atmospheric evening out with a difference?

You still have time to catch the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition  at Nature in Art, which recently made news headlines regarding its controversial winner.  February brings  the 14th Cheltenham Folk Festival which is guaranteed to “banish the winter blues”. 
The first school holiday of the year is upon us and we’re here to help keep that well known  saying “I’m bored” at bay. Some attractions will be opening for the half term holiday, although more will be opening in March, the start of the tourist season in Gloucestershire (and when our annual printed guide is out).

You may have noticed a few changes to the site. We have been busy making improvements to the navigation facility. All the 2010 events have been assigned categories and locations. You are now able to search for the events that you’re interested in via the date, location or category.  (Although, if you prefer to grab a coffee and ‘go for a scroll’ you can still do so). Take a look…
We have also added a Google map facility to each event, which may save you the hassle of looking it up yourself.  

Competition
This month we have a fantastic top prize of a weekend break for 2 at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel which also includes an evening meal.  Set at the foot of the Cotswolds it is in a prime location to explore Gloucestershire. It also has an excellent leisure facility with beauty treatments which come highly recommended (the Chocobeauty facial is a fabulous experience).  For the thrill seekers there is a Darklight Lasertag experience for up to 6 people and tickets to Howlers at the Hall if you’re in need of a bit of a giggle after a gloomy January.

ENTER COMPETITIONS...

Have a great February.
Explore & Enjoy!

Please click on the links for further information.

Featured News February Half Term School holidays in Gloucestershire Your daily guide to events and activities – updated daily. Cotswolds Connect – the social networking site for the Cotswolds We endeavour to support Gloucestershire and local businesses.  This new website is an exclusive networking site for the people of the Cotswolds. Go check it out! Jessops Photography competition We have a winner!! Take a look at the winning photo which has won £250 of vouchers to spend at Jessops. Air Tattoo offers 'Earlybirds' big savings - offer ends 28 Feb! Book early for big savings.
Six of the Best Events in Gloucestershire Until 28 February The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition Tthe first showing out of London of the World's largest and most prestigious wildlife photography competition. 12 - 13 February Valentine’s Day Owl Evenings See the owls at night and enjoy mulled wine and a hog roast. 12 - 14 February  Cheltenham Folk Festival 2010 The 14th Folk Festival arrives to ”banish the winter blues”.  13 February 'Walk in the miners' footsteps' at Clearwell Caves Your chance to explore the Deep Level caves. 24 February Howlers at the Hall A great night of comedy in the Pillar Room at the Town Hall. 22 – 27 February When Harry Met Sally at the Everyman Theatre The hit movie comes to the Cheltenham stage.
EVENT LISTINGS
	Throughout February February Events at The Everyman Theatre
	Throughout February  Swans by floodlight at WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre Enjoy the magical winter spectacle on the floodlit lake.
	Saturdays & Sundays Snowdrops at Colesbourne Park The ideal opportunity for a winter walk amongst the first snowdrops of the season in England’s premier Snowdrop garden.
	Highest 1 & 2 February Severn Bore in February 2010 The bore is expected to reach 10m on only a few dates this year.
	Throughout February Gloucester Ghost Walks Learn about the ghostly past of Gloucester.
	5 - 6 February Tewkesbury Winter Ale Festival 2010 A CAMRA celebration of winter only ales.
	6 February  Kung Hei Fat Choi - Chinese New Year Event Celebrating the Chinese year of the Golden Tiger.
	6 February Howlers at the Venue A great night of comedy featuring Brendan Dempsey.
	11 February Under 18s Valentine Party A fun night for young lovers!
	from 13 February Clearwell Caves open for school half term Now open until the end of October 2010.
	13 - 21 February Puzzlewood open for half term The magical maze of footpaths in the Forest of Dean opens for the school holiday.
	14 & 27 February Boaters Craft Demonstrations at The Waterways Museum Come and see canal craft in action.
	15 - 18 February Half Term Holiday Activities at the Corinium Museum Educational activities for children during the school holiday.
	15 – 20 February Present Laughter at the Everyman Theatre Noel Coward’s classic comedy starring Robert Bathurst .
	16 - 19 February Half Term Holiday Activities at Nature in Art Lots of things for children during the half term holiday.
	17 February  Children's Introduction to Bird Watching A great start for the young ornithologist.
	17 February Birds & Bagels at Out of the Hat A half term workshop for children.
	17 – 20 February Theo the Mouse’s Sketchbook An exciting new show the kids will love this holiday.
	20 - 21 February Dog Days at Westonbirt A great day out for dog lovers, dogs and their families!
	23 February Waterways talks at The Waterways Museum A free talk organise by the friends of the museum on the history and restoration of the Hereford and Gloucester Canal.