With the Cheltenham Festival just under two weeks away, Cheltenham Borough Council has unveiled its comprehensive plan to maintain safety and cleanliness throughout the town during the highly anticipated event. Opening on Tuesday, March 10, the 2026 Festival is expected to attract over 220,000 visitors over four days.
Central to the council’s approach is the ongoing ‘war on wee’ campaign, aimed at preventing public urination—an issue that made headlines after the 2022 Festival when a photo showed men relieving themselves in Pittville Park. To tackle this, numerous temporary toilets have been strategically placed around town to provide convenient facilities for visitors.
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, emphasized the importance of the Festival: “This event is a vital occasion for Cheltenham, and we are committed to welcoming everyone warmly while keeping the town clean and safe. We’re tackling illegal taxi operations, anti-social behaviour, and importantly, prioritizing the safety of women and girls. Licensed venues are supporting the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, allowing anyone feeling vulnerable to seek discreet help.”
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Gloucestershire Police are also stepping up their efforts with Operation Vigilant, deploying both plainclothes and uniformed officers to identify and manage predatory behaviour, particularly throughout the festival period.
Supporting young people, the council will back the No Child Left Behind Youth Café at Smokey Joe’s on Bennington Street, operating from March 11 to 13 as a safe space for youths during the busy week.
Superintendent James Glansfield of Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Local Policing Area revealed that increased patrols will run both day and night. “Our goal is to ensure everyone enjoys the festival responsibly and safely. We urge attendees to report serious concerns via 101 and emergencies through 999.”
At the racecourse, Assistant General Manager Andre Klein highlighted their commitment to safety and positive visitor experience through the ‘Love Our Turf’ campaign, which aims to minimise disruption for local residents while welcoming thousands of racegoers.
CEO Guy Lavender also expressed the racecourse’s dedication to the community: “We value our neighbours deeply and work closely with them and local authorities to reduce anti-social behaviour. Providing ample toilets and a dedicated helpline for residents ensures we remain responsive and caring hosts. We successfully managed these measures last year and are determined to continue the same standard this year to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for all.”
Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Racecourse are united in their efforts to make the 2026 Cheltenham Festival a memorable, safe, and respectful event for visitors and residents alike.