The bank holiday weekend is nearly upon us, so here is our top pick of things to do in and around the county.

1# Party at last raceday of Cheltenham season 

Radio 1 DJ Greg James will be kicking off the May bank holiday weekend at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday evening. May 3.

Following a thrilling afternoon of Hunter Chase racing action at the newly named Race Night meeting, Greg James will once again be taking to the decks for an evening of party anthems as he rounds off a fantastic season of racing.

Racegoers and party lovers alike can enjoy an after party in The Centaur with Greg James, host of the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show and co-presenter of the BBC television series Sounds Like Friday Night.

Gates open at 3.30pm on Race Night, with the first race at 5.30pm.

For more details, please visit www.cheltenham.co.uk or call 0344 579 3003 to book tickets.

2# Join a village's annual Cow Hunt 

A charity Cow Hunt which annually attracts thousands of visitors to a Gloucestershire village will once again be taking place this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Amberley Cow Hunt was first organised 11 years ago after being first thought up by school parent and PTA member, Anne Arthur, who had two children at the school at the time.

Every May Bank Holiday the village of Amberley and parts of the surrounding common sees more than 30 marvellously dressed cows adorn a fun, family route.

The 2019 Amberley Cow Hunt will take place on Saturday 4th May and Sunday 5th May, 1pm-5pm.

3# Grab a pint at one of our top five favourite pubs, bars and beer festivals 

What better place to enjoy a Bank Holiday weekend than sat with a beer or cider in hand?

Punchline has collated our favourite pubs, bars and beer festivals to visit this weekend to ensure the pint glass never goes dry.

See more: https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/top-five-places-to-grab-a-pint-this-bank-holiday-weekend 

4# Hear the tale of cycling around the world in 80 days  

Around the World in 80 Days: Mark Beaumont set out to make this Victorian fiction a two-wheeled reality.

Having smashed the circumnavigation cycling world record twice in his career, he now holds this 18,000-mile title in a time of 78 days and 14 hours, averaging 240 miles a day.

Over the past decade, Mark's epic documentaries have taken viewers to over 100 countries, into the Arctic, the high mountains and around the Commonwealth, also surviving capsize in the mid-Atlantic.

The evening is presented by Speakers from the Edge. For more information and tickets, visit the Cheltenham Town Hall website.

5# Join a black-tie event in aid of Winston's Wish 

A black-tie charity event is being held at a stunning Cotswold venue in aid of Winston's Wish, a charity very close to the organiser's heart.

'The Bling Fling' is taking place at Stanway Tithe Barn on Saturday, May 4, to raise funds for the Gloucestershire-based charity that supports children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling.

Organiser Karen Sutton from Hatherley, Cheltenham, said: "This is a charity very close to my heart after suddenly losing my husband Simon, two-and-a-half years ago, leaving myself and our two daughters behind.

"Winston's Wish have been an invaluable support to us at an incredibly difficult time, and sadly their services are in great need. I wanted to give something back so they can continue to provide bereaved children with support and care."

Karen said The Bling Fling was shaping up to be a fantastic evening with a live band, street food, reception drinks and canapés, a magician, an auction, a silent auction and a raffle.

"Some of the amazing lots we have are a year's hairdressing from Stuart Holmes including cut and colour, Lakefest tickets, a vineyard tour and tasting for 16, Land Rover off-road experience day and a Banksy print, to name but a few.

"Tickets are £45 each and if you would like to come along and have a fabulous evening whilst raising money for this amazing charity please contact me at karenlsutton@hotmail.co.uk"