Spring is almost here and snowdrops are starting to give way to daffodils as we begin to look forward to some good weather. Visitors to the prestigious Cheltenham National Hunt Festival this month will certainly be hoping for a little bit of sunshine, but whatever the weather you can always be assured of a great atmosphere throughout Cheltenham and beyond during this highlight of the racing calendar.

The start of the lambing season begins later this month and from March 13 can be seen at close quarters at Cotswold Farm Park to coincide with the start of the new season – this makes for a great day out for the whole family.

Howlers are having a busy month and there are events at the Hall, The Venue and The Oak in Cheltenham. Tickets are selling fast so book yours early and arrive early to avoid the front row!

Don’t forget your mum on Mother’s Day 14 March. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat her to a special Mothers Day Sunday lunch afloat on the Oliver Cromwell Paddle wheeler moored at Gloucester Docks, or you could even celebrate it Roman style at Chedworth Roman Villa.

The March competition gives you the chance to win the following great prizes:  

• Easter lunch cruise aboard the Edward Elgar Riverboat Hotel.
• Membership for 2 at the International Centre for Birds of Prey for a year.
• Tickets for the RAF Brass band ‘A Time to Reflect’ concert at Gloucester Cathedral.
• Meal for 2 at Bottelino’s Italian restaurant in Cheltenham ( value £50)
• Tickets to Howlers at the Hall
  

ENTER THE COMPETITION...

Enjoy Exploring Gloucestershire as we leap into spring this month!

Please click on the links for further information.

Featured News SPECIAL Springtime Holiday Cruise Offers!!! An exclusive offer for Explore Gloucestershire visitors only. 2010 Printed Guide out this month! Explore Gloucestershire – much more than just a website. The Wharf House bedrooms are finally READY! The Wharf House will be opening its bedrooms in time for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, extending their excellent standards, stunning riverside views and friendly staff into the accommodation sector. Red Arrows return to their ‘spiritual home’ for two-day flying spectacular The world’s most famous aerobatic display team are returning home for both days of this year’s newly rebranded Cotswold Air Show. Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2010 news The full programme is announced for the unmissable date in the jazz in Cheltenham next month.
Six of the Best Events in Gloucestershire 6 March Howlers at the Venue A great night of comedy featuring George Egg and Dougie Dunlop. 14 March Mothers Day Lunch on the Oliver Cromwell Special Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch afloat on the Oliver Cromwell Paddlewheeler moored at West Quay, Gloucester Docks. 14 March ‘Matronalia’ – Roman Mother’s Day at Chedworth Celebrate Mother’s Day with a difference! 16 - 19 March Cheltenham National Hunt Festival 2010 The highlight of Cheltenham’s racing calendar. 16 - 19 March Guinness Village at The Brewery Celebrating the Cheltenham Festival in Irish style. 23 – 28 March Snow White on Ice at the Everyman Theatre The Russian Ice Stars return with their most lavish production.
EVENT LISTINGS
	Throughout March March Events at The Everyman Theatre
	Throughout March Gloucester Ghost Walks Learn about the ghostly past of Gloucester.
	Throughout March Live music at Café Rene, Gloucester ‘Gloucester’s best known secret’ is the place to be on Wednesdays and Fridays.
	Throughout March Events at Nature in Art
	Highest 1, 2, 3 & 31 March Severn Bore Predicted to reach 10m or over on only a few dates in 2010.
	5 March Howlers at the Royal Oak A great night of comedy featuring George Egg.
	8 - 13 March Dinnerladies at The Everyman Theatre The hit TV sitcom comes to the  Cheltenham stage.
	13 March Diesel Locomotive Gala Day at Dean Forest Railway A Gala Day for diesel rail enthusiasts.
	13 March – 25 April Lambing at Cotswold Farm Park Spring has sprung in time for the new season.
	13 March Winter Gulls Special at WWT Slimbridge An amazing sight of up to 100,000 gulls roosting along the River Severn.
	20 March Showboat Night on the Oliver Cromwell An entertaining evening with a difference.
	21 March Sainsbury's Sports Relief Mile, Cheltenham Rise to the challenge, have fun and raise some money!
	22 March  Family History Day at Dean Heritage Centre Discover your family roots with the Forest of Dean History Society.
	23 March Waterways talk at The Waterways Museum  A free event with film and archive material about life on the River Severn.
	26 March Shopping Event at Hatherley Manor Hotel It's a chance to have a fun, interesting and social day of shopping. Free admission.
	27 March Hawk & Owl experience in aid of PTES In aid of the Peoples’ Trust for endangered Species.
	27 -28 March Spring Diesel Gala at GWR The first big event of 2010 and a great day for diesel enthusiasts.
	28 March Open Gardens in aid of the British Red Cross Lydney Park Estate opens its gardens to the public for charity.
	28 March Bygone Branchline Day at Dean Forest Railway Experience a bygone era with a Day Rover ticket.
	29 March – 3 April Enjoy at The Everyman Theatre The Alan Bennett comedy visits Cheltenham with its original West End cast.
	31 March Howlers at the Hall A great night of comedy in the Pillar Room featuring Craig Campbell.