The Cheltenham Festival is quickly approaching, and organisers are optimistic about this year’s race week attendance after last year’s notable decline. In 2025, just hours before the event commenced, CEO Guy Lavender acknowledged expectations of fewer in-person attendees compared to previous years. The numbers confirmed this, with opening day recording its lowest turnout in 13 years, and ‘Style Wednesday’—formerly Ladies' Day—seeing attendance dip to levels unseen since 2009.
Overall, the 2025 Festival experienced a 4.9% drop in attendance compared to 2024 and a significant 22% decrease from the record-breaking crowds of 2022, totaling 218,839 spectators over four days.
However, signs point to a positive turnaround this year. Mr Lavender reports that ticket sales for the 2026 Festival are “really strong,” with attendance expected to surpass 2025 figures. He anticipates over 220,000 fans will attend across the four days, indicating a promising rebound.
READ MORE: Man Ordered to Demolish Illegal Flats Built in Gloucester Barn After Planning Appeal Rejected
READ MORE: Cotswold Council Confirms Financial Stability, Rules Out Need for Bailout
Despite the projected increase in visitors, the Festival’s daily capacity has been reduced from 68,500 to 66,000, a strategic move implemented last year aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. “We asked our team what the optimal capacity should be to ensure the best possible experience,” Lavender explained. He emphasized the commitment to improving facets such as parking, hospitality, and race viewing.
“This reduction is about quality over quantity,” Lavender said. “We want to guarantee value and enjoyment for every attendee. While 2025 served as a reset year, we’re now focused on building a better, more enjoyable Festival. This year’s event is shaping up to be both successful and iconic.”