As a region rich in history, the Cotswolds is home to many special events and festivals throughout the year.  The town of Stratford-on-Avon in the region, as many know, was the home of William Shakespeare.  Stratford holds several events in the famous Bard's honor, the most famous taking place each April in celebration of his birthday.  The Shakespeare birthday celebrations take place over an entire weekend and include live music and theater, folk dancing, a special birthday concert and a grand ball.  The Cotswolds town of Bath also holds its own Shakespeare festival in March featuring theater, music, and dancing from around the world.

Other festivals in the Cotswolds region include the Cheltenham Folk Festival held each February, featuring the work of some of the country's best artisans, artists, and musicians and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival held in May.  The Jazz Festival features musicians from across the globe.  Cheltenham hosts three other festivals: Cheltenham Science Festival in June, Cheltenham Music Festival in July and Cheltenham Literature Festival in October. For more information about these festivals visit the Cheltenham Festivals website: http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/

For more information on the Cotswolds festivals and events visit the Tourist Board's events calendar page.