Cheltenham Jazz Festival started in 1996 and it has successfully established itself as one of the UK's most popular jazz festivals. Every year, around 15,000 music fans come to see some of the most creative musicians in the world. The festival has a varied and adventurous programme, challenging the stylistic boundaries set by other festivals and developing new audiences in jazz. You can buy tickets for Cheltenham Jazz Festival in person at the Town Hall, or by telephone on 01242 227979.

The Tubby Blues Show takes place at Newlands Park Club in Bishop's Cleeve. Bands booked to play include Split Whiskers and Blue Touch. Gloucestershire blues performer Otis Mack will compere the show. Tickets cost £10 each. Tables can be reserved by calling 01242 691998 or 07796 034206. Doors open at 7pm and the show will run from 8.25pm to midnight.

Organised by Gloucestershire County Rugby League, Cheltenham Rugby Festival takes place at the Prince of Wales Stadium. It comprises of two main elements: the All Golds Cup, a rugby league nines event for eight senior teams, and the 1908 Cup, a rugby league nines event for eight local schools at year 8. The All Golds Cup is named in honour of the famous New Zealand team that defeated England at Cheltenham’s Athletic Ground on 15 February 1908 to win the first international rugby league series.

First day of the 2008 season at Sandford Lido will be a celebration of Lido's history. Entrance charges will return to 2p, staff will wear traditional costume, Cheltenham Silver Band will play and traditional games will be organised around the pool.

Prestbury United Reformed Church has its May fair from 10.30am to 1pm. There will be fresh provisions and produce, cakes, plants, high quality bric-a-brac, a tombola, raffle, coffee and light lunches. There is a small admission charge for adults but entry will be free for children.

Bishop's Cleeve Seniors Club is holding a table top sale at Denley Hall, Churchfields, Bishop's Cleeve. Sale of first class bric-a-brac, books, clothing, and many other items. 10am - 11.30pm. Refreshments are available. Admission FREE.

May 5, is Woodmancote May day festival when the whole village comes together for a traditional day of fun and entertainment whilst raising money for local groups and charities. The May day procession leaves the school layby at 1.30pm and will feature lots of local groups, including the preschool, Beavers, Cubs and people in fancy dress. As the theme of May day this year is down on the farm, please get your children kitted out and join in with the fun - just turn up. Other attractions in the procession are the primary school maypole dancers, CST new image baton twirlers, MSD karate, vintage cars and fire engines and of course the May Queen and her attendants.

Once on the playing field there will be is a whole host of stalls and attractions. Punch and Judy performances, the massive climbing wall (open from 1pm), karate demonstrations, the Gloucestershire morris men and maypole and country dancing in the main arena. Come along and cheer on the Tug of War competition which will be ongoing throughout the afternoon and be amazed at the skill of the Bob Hogg sheepdog display.

You can spend this May Day Bank Holiday weekend at the Home and Garden Show where your can find everything for the home and garden under one roof. It takes place at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse from 10am to 5pm. . From garden goods, kitchen wares, furnishings and design ideas, this event showcases products from across the country. This year, some extra suites have been added to cater for a bursting exhibitor list and a food festival is also on the programme. There will be a Cookery Theatre where you can taste the best culinary creations by professional chefs. The Exhibition Theatre will feature workshops and talks on Beauty, Fashion, Gardening, and also children's entertainers. Admission: Adults £4, OAP's £2, accompanied children free.

Garden fete is held at the Bell Inn, Shurdington, on bank holiday Monday May 5, in aid of Gloucestershire Air Ambulance. There is a lot planned from a dog show, children's entertainment, coconut shy, and target football to a barbecue. Children's entertainment will be provided by Mr Music. The event starts at 2pm, is free to enter, and finishes about 5pm.

Hunter Chase Evening is a fixture where amateur jockeys take centre stage on the racecourse. There is a party after the last race to end the 2007/2008 horse racing season, with live entertainment in the Centaur and an outstanding atmosphere throughout the evening.

Members of Cigarette and Trade Card Collecting Group meet once a month to buy, sell or swap cigarette and trade cards at Cheltenham Civil Service Club, Tewkesbury Road. 7.00pm - 9.00pm

The 82nd Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts offers two weeks of ballet, drama, music, prose, singing and tap dancing performances, Over 300 cups, prizes and shields can be won by competitors in every possible art discipline ranging in age from toddlers to pensioners. The patron of the festival is the Mayor of Cheltenham and the vice-presidents of the festival is Dame Felicity Lott, Russell Maliphant and Phyllida Lloyd.

Cheltenham's award winning Farmers' Market is held on the second and last Friday of each month. There's a wide range of local, fresh produce available, such as meat, fruit and vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, cheese, cakes, bread, wines and ciders, and much much more. It's a great opportunity to sample and buy locally grown and made produce from Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Cheltenham Farmer's Market takes place from 9am to 3pm by the Long Gardens on the Promenade.

The Lions Club of Cheltenham is holding an open evening at The Tithe Barn in Bishop's Cleeve on May 9 at 8pm. The club is keen to welcome potential new members, and this will be an opportunity to hear about its activities and its past successes in raising money for local good causes. Further information can be obtained from Alex on 01242 239212, Peter on 01242 519497 or Ron on 01242 675286.

Learn how to Salsa for Sue Ryder Care. The night, which starts at 7.30pm, includes a fun 45 minute salsa workshop with Latin dance professionals Salsa del Sol, a two course finger buffet and Latin disco with DJ Thomas Melendez. Tickets are £19.95 per person with a £3 contribution to Sue Ryder Care Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Visit Cheltenham Bournsied School for an evening of pampering, relaxation & indulgence. Stall Holders offering taster sessions for a minimum charge. Body Massage/Indian Head Massage or Reflexology. Be pampered with a Manicure. Selection of Jewellery, Perfume and Make-up to buy. Also Facials, Mini-Makeovers, Chocolates, Candles, and Gifts. Even have a go at line and belly dancing! An exclusive night for ladies only to have some ‘Me Time’. Minimum age for entry 16yrs. Stalls subject to change and prices set by stall holders. The event starts at 7pm, admission £3:00 in advance - includes free drink & raffle ticket or £4:00 on the door - free drink only.

On May 10 St Stephen's Church in Tivoli is holding a Spring Fair from 10am to noon. To book a sales table telephone Mary on 01242 231510 between April 30 and May 5.

Holy Apostles Primary School is holding a car boot and table top sale. Bring along your Car boot stuff to sell, open to all public. Cars cost £6 to set up. Tables also available. Refreshments will be on site. Starts from 10am, set up from 9am.

Cheltenham Society of Model Engineering opens its grounds to the general public between 2 pm and 5 pm for Steam or Diesel locomotive hauled Train Rides. Model Boats will be on the lake and refreshments will be available. Entrance is free. The grounds are situated in Hatherley Lane, near Cheltenham Film Studios.

Bag a bargain at Leckhampton Court Sue Ryder Care Hospice. Enjoy the usual mix of quality bric-a-brac, nearly new clothing, shoes, bags and hats and then sit back and anjoy a tea or coffee with a delicious homemade cake. From 10.30am - 12pm. For further information please contact: duncan.willoughby@suerydercare.org Telephone: 01242 246281

Charlton Kings Infants' School is holding a children's Fashion Show on Wednesday 14 May at 7pm. This is a great opportuity to buy new children’s clothes from age 0 to 16 years from major high street stores at huge reductions. Admission for adults only is £4 which includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Come along and have fun! Tickets available from Smith and Mann, Lyefield Rd.

Holy Trinity School PTFA will be holding a "Ladies' Night" on Thursday, May 15 from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at the school in Jersey Street, Fairview. The cost is £3 in advance, £3.50 on the door; this will include a glass of wine and nibbles. There will be stalls such as jewellery, beauty products, crafts, cards, books and alternative therapy treatments. For information call Rachel on 01242 580081 or Helen on 01242 237695.

Each month Howlers Comedy Club brings you the very best in stand-up comedy from the UK and beyond. With great sound and light from DJ's FAB plus a late bar, 'Howlers At The Venue' is a Saturday night out in Cheltenham that you will not want to miss. This time Howler's Comedy Club brings Patrick Monahan and Lloyd Langford. Shows run from 7.30pm until late at 'The Venue', The Wheatsheaf Inn, Leckhampton. Admission: £10. Tickets are available now from the Cheltenham Town Hall Box Office on 01242 227979 (£1 booking fee applies), direct from the Wheatsheaf.

There will be a guided walk, led by Tony and Francis Meredith from Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common, on Saturday May 17 at 9.15am. It will be a spring walk for birdsong.

Charlton Kings Choral Society will be performing Handel's Samson on Saturday May 17 at All Saints' Church, Cheltenham, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 on the door.

Cheltenham District Fete and Fun Day is held at Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham from 11am - 4pm. There will be a raffle of which first prize is £100 and the proceeds will go to County Air Ambulance. There will also be a bbq, refreshment marquees, and lots more fun side stalls. You will be able to try your skills on the climbing wall. For more information contact Elaine Green on 01242 237883 or email aegreen@talktalk.net.

Irish Night is held at Hillview Community Centre, Hulbert Crescent, on Saturday May 17. The Irish group will this time be lined up as Jimmy Shaun and Phil with the Cheltenham Irish Dancers. Tickets are priced at £8, which includes a hot supper, and can be reserved by ringing Sheila on 01242 523017.

Saturday, 17 May 2008 at Bishop's Cleeve Community Centre there will be a gardeners' market between 9.30am - 12.30pm. A good selection of unusual plants will be on sale grown by local nurseries.

The Friends of Leckhampton Animal Shelter has a fundraising event on May 17 in the Exmouth Arms gardens in Bath Road, from 11am to 3pm. They have books, bric-a-brac, plants and CDs.

Matinee Musicale in memory of Bill Waterhouse by kind invitation of Mrs Elisabeth Waterhouse will take place at 3.00pm at the Music Barn, Cleeve Hill Admission: £15, Friends of HBM £12 to include concert and tea. Tickets available from The Holst Birthplace Museum.

On Sunday May 18, there is a tea dance at St Christopher's large hall, Warden Hall, from 2pm to 4pm with ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing for all, and with refreshments and a raffle.

Monthly Cardmaking & Papercrafting Club. Tuesdays (3rd in month) 9.45am-11.45am. Quedgeley Community Centre. To book a place, or find out more information, please contact: Su Davis on (01452) 615363 Email - StampinSu@gmail.com Http://www.StampinStudio.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/page8.html

The Cleeve School Reunion, class of '78, will take place on May 23 at the Garrison Savannah suite, King's Head, Bishop's Cleeve at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 and should be booked in advance, however, there will be some on the door. To book, contact Nina Ilsley at nina.ilsley@googlemail.com or Ann Rossi at annamariachelt@aol.com or Laura Scott at laura.scott@kingsleyit.com

A talk entitled Our Heritage Through the Eyes of an Artist will take place on May 24 at 7pm in St. Mary's Church, Prestbury. There will be an informal introductory talk by Canon John Mead followed by a view of drawings on the big screen, by local artist Derek Henman from New Barn Lane. Then the framed drawings and etchings will be sold at auction to support the St. Mary's repair fund. Admission is by ticket at £6 (to include supper and a glass of wine). Enquiries at the parish office on 244373.

Charlton Kings Festival weekend is being revived this year from May 24 to 26. There will be fun for all the family, a town crier competition, children's races, picnic in the park, family fun walk and much more. As part of the festival, there will be a village fair on Sunday May 25 in the Grange Field from 2pm to 5pm. Anyone wishing to run a stall, please contact 01242 241412. Stalls cost £10.

Circus Starr will visit Cheltenham with its latest show. The circus will host the show to raise money for charity group Macmillan Cancer Support. The event - which will include two shows - will be held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday, May 25. The two shows start at 2.30pm and 6pm.

The King's Head will stage a family fun day on May 25 in aid of Cheltenham-based charity Winston's Wish. There will be stalls with art and craft. Elysian will be playing traditional and original Irish music. Stalls cost £20. For more information contact Mark at the King's Head on 01242 673260.

Bank Holiday weekend is going to be packed with Simpsons fun this year at Cheltenham Racecourse. Characters from the popular TV series The Simpsons will appear throughout the day at various intervals offering you the opportunity to meet Bart and Homer personally for the first time. Other entertainment will include a fantastic funfair, hot air balloon displays, Uncle Brian’s Funtime Clown Entertainment and much more. Balloon glow display will take place on Sunday 9.30pm when choreographed to music hot air balloons of various shapes will be lit up. Admission: £2, under 1m go free Times: Sunday 1pm – 10pm Monday 12noon – 6pm

This year's Cheese Rolling at the Cooper's Hill near Brockworth offers as much mad fun as always. There is no need to apply beforehand, just turn up on the day and you can enroll in the race. As the event can be oversubscribed please arrive early to ensure your place in the race. The entry is free, but there is £5 parking charge to cover the cost of the event. First race starts at 12 noon.

As every year Suffolk is holding its Street Fair on May Bank Holiday Monday. The event starts at 10am and will include stalls and activities for children.

The Double Barrel in Warden Hill is holding another Community Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday from 2 pm. Anyone wishing to have a stall please ring 522416.

Cheltenham's award winning Farmers' Market is held on the second and last Friday of each month. There's a wide range of local, fresh produce available, such as meat, fruit and vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, cheese, cakes, bread, wines and ciders, and much much more. It's a great opportunity to sample and buy locally grown and made produce from Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Cheltenham Farmer's Market takes place from 9am to 3pm by the Long Gardens on the Promenade.

The Cobalt Appeal Fund's Crack Cancer Campaign is holding a Big Nite Out at the Century Hall from 7.30pm to 10pm. Tickets in advance are £7 and available from Sylvia Charlewood on 01242 245120, or Shurdington Post Office or the Cobalt Appeal Fund. Tickets on the door will be £7.50 so book now to avoid disappointment. Your host for the evening will be television celebrity Mike Carter, Royal Variety performer and as seen on Michael Parkinson's TV show. Guest appearance of the ex-star of Eastenders and TV series, The Comedians. There will be a raffle and refreshments during the shop.

The Whaddon Lynworth and Priors Neighbourhood Project Centre is holding its official open day on May 30. It will be a great day with events in the park and an Official opening by Eddie the Eagle Edwards. There will be lots of fun for all ages.

2008 Wychwood Music Festival promises a rare collaboration project - Folk/world supergroup The Imagined Village, featuring Billy Bragg, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, Sheila Chandra from Transglobal Underground, Andy Gangadeen from The Bays, Francis Hylton, Johnny Kalsi from The Dhol Foundation, Barney Morse Brown, Sheema Mukherjee and Chris Wood. In addition to The Imagined Village there will be performances from The Proclaimers, Phill Jupitus & the Blockheads, indie up and comers Palladium, a touch of country from Truck favourites Piney Gir and the Country Roadshow and Oxford band The Epstein. There will be more than 80 live acts, comedians and over 100 workshops for all ages. Tickets are £100 per adult for full weekend (includes camping), children under 12 free.

On Saturday, May 31 from 10am to noon there will be a table top sale at the Reddings Community Centre, North Road West, Entrance 50p (children free). To pre-book a table (tables £7 each - any money raised from your table is yours.) or for more information, call James on 01242 704758 or Charon on 01452 548178.