Events at The Centaur, Cheltenham

About The Centaur

The Centaur is the large indoor events auditorium at Cheltenham Racecourse in Prestbury, Gloucestershire (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk) (en.wikipedia.org). It is one of the South West’s biggest multi-use venues: in theatre-style seating it holds around 2,200 people and in concert mode it can accommodate up to roughly 3,000–4,000 standing (en.wikipedia.org) (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). This versatility is unrivalled locally – “having the wow factor” for conferences, exhibitions, ceremonies and live events (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). The Centaur’s design is modern and flexible: three sides of the hall are ringed by balconies (ideal for extra exhibition space or a safe viewing gallery) (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). It even incorporates the Cheltenham Steeplechasing Hall of Fame in its lobby (en.wikipedia.org), tying the venue into the town’s racing heritage. In short, the Centaur combines Cheltenham’s famous racing backdrop and beautiful Cotswold setting (en.wikipedia.org) with a first-rate concert hall, making it a signature cultural venue for the region.

Events and Programming

A diverse line-up takes place at The Centaur. It regularly hosts concerts, comedy shows, musicals and speaking events, alongside trade fairs, award_night dinners and even sports tournaments. For example, in February 2019 The Centaur welcomed professional snooker for the first time with the World Grand Prix tournament (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk), and it will stage the 2025 British Open Snooker Championship in September (www.travelandtourworld.com). Music fans have seen big names here: Paul Weller played in October 2024 (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk), Jools Holland in November 2019 (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk), and soprano Alfie Boe in July 2023 (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). The Studio Orchestra has presented film score concerts (celebrating Hans Zimmer’s music) at the Centaur (www.punchline-gloucester.com), and rock acts like Rick Wakeman, KT Tunstall and Stereophonics have appeared on tour. The venue also hosts Cheltenham Festivals events (literature, science, music) when headline talks or concerts spill outside the town centre, plus the University of Gloucestershire often holds its graduation ceremonies and balls here (en.wikipedia.org). In short, expect everything from live music and comedy to exhibitions and corporate galas when visiting The Centaur. Ticket prices vary by event – starting around low-£20 for classical or tribute shows up to £50–£60 or more for top acts (www.punchline-gloucester.com) – so it pays to book according to the type of gig you’re after.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Centaur events are sold through official channels. Each event will have a published on-sale date (often months in advance) via Cheltenham Racecourse (Jockey Club) or approved promoters. For example, Paul Weller’s 2024 Centaur date was announced early and sold so fast that the 10 March ticket release was quickly sold out (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Likewise, the 2025 British Open Snooker tournament has dates set well ahead and tickets are being offered through official websites (www.travelandtourworld.com). Generally, you should purchase tickets from the venue box office (the Hall of Fame reception at the racecourse) or the Cheltenham Festivals/Jockey Club online box office. Do not wait until the last minute for popular shows – they often have multiple price tiers (front stalls, rear stalls, balcony, etc.) and prime seats sell out first. As a guide, many events range from £20–£30 for standard seating upwards, with premium seats or orchestral concerts nearer £40–£60 (www.punchline-gloucester.com). Check each event’s details for age restrictions and timing. If you’re wary of missing out, sign up for the venue’s newsletter or alerts: high-demand shows routinely need fast action to get a ticket, whether via general sale or pre-sales. Sometimes small numbers of tickets may be available on the door if an event isn’t sold out, but it’s safer to plan ahead. Once bought, you’ll either print or present an e-ticket at entry; keep your confirmation email handy until you’ve entered.

Seating and Layout

The Centaur’s auditorium combines flat and tiered seating (www.cheltenhamfestivals.org). It is laid out like a concert hall/theatre: a large stage runs along one end, with the audience seated on the floor and on balconies. In full theatre mode there are about 2,200 fixed seats (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). For standing or exhibition-style setups, that can increase to around 3,000–4,000 people on the flat floor (en.wikipedia.org). There is a balcony on three sides of the room, offering side or rear views of the stage (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Generally, the most coveted seats are center-stalls or mid-balcony seats, which give a direct line to the stage and balanced acoustics. Front-row stalls are closest to the performers (great for immersive experience), while balcony seats enable a full view of the stage area and stage lighting. The stage itself is large and unobstructed, and the Amstelbach (Istabraq) Bar is tucked behind the seating for easy interval access (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). In summary, plan to book central or front seating if you want the clearest sightline to the action, though even the side and rear blocks at The Centaur remain within good viewing range due to the hall’s smart design.

Getting There and Parking

The Centaur is reached via Cheltenham Racecourse, off Evesham Road (A435), Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). By car, leave the M5 motorway at Junction 11 and take the A40 then A46/A435 into Cheltenham. Follow signs for “Racecourse/The Centaur” which lead to the Hall of Fame entrance. Ample free parking is provided across multiple lots on site (the racecourse offers over 3,500 spaces) (online.flippingbook.com), so driving is convenient. Expect to walk up to 5-10 minutes from the parking areas to the Centaur, as the racecourse is expansive. Pick-up and drop-off points are available at the main entrance. If travelling by train, Cheltenham Spa station is the nearest: it has frequent services from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and London via Gloucester. From the station, take a taxi (there’s a rank immediately outside the station) or catch a local bus. Stagecoach buses (for example the Gold #94 or festival shuttles on major event days) run along the A435 past the racecourse (www.cheltenhamfestivals.org). Note that public transport at night can be limited, so check return schedules (or pre-book a taxi) for late shows. On festival days and large events, also be aware of traffic: for instance in 2025 an extended road closure on the A435 was scheduled (June–Sept) which could affect arrival times (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). For local travel, some visitors find it easiest to park once and walk to nearby pubs or to a hotel rather than re-park during an event.

Inside the Venue

Enter The Centaur through the racecourse’s grand glass-front Hall of Fame foyer (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Doors typically open 30–45 minutes before showtime (for example, for an evening concert you may see doors open around 6:00–6:30 for a 7:30 start (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk)) to allow guests to find their seats. Expect a routine security check at entry (bag search, walk-through scanner). The lobby features horse-racing memorabilia from the Hall of Fame collection – a unique blend of Cheltenham racing history and event atmosphere. Staff will direct you to your seat; all seating is reserved and ticketed, so simply present your ticket (printed or mobile) at the door. Inside, the Centaur is spacious but intimate: high ceilings, professional lighting and sound systems, and good acoustics. If you need refreshments, there is an adjoining *Istabraq Bar* on the side level (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk) serving drinks, snacks, and light bites during intervals. The venue has its own catering kitchen, with award-winning Jockey Club chefs (so on-site menus tend toward British classics like pies and sandwiches) (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Outside food/large drink containers are generally not permitted. Restroom facilities (including accessible toilets) are located just off the main foyer and by the bar (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). The Centaur offers free Wi-Fi across the racecourse grounds (online.flippingbook.com), so you can stay connected for sharing the show or using mobile tickets. Hearing assistance is provided via induction loop servers installed around the auditorium (www.cheltenhamfestivals.org). Overall, The Centaur aims for an easy experience: an information desk or friendly staff are usually on hand for any questions. You will typically find merchandise stalls for big concerts in the foyer, and there is a coat-rack area but no guaranteed cloakroom. Dress is casual (like most theatres): some guests wear smart-casual attire, others come more relaxed. The lighting in the hall is dimmed during shows, so bring layers to suit indoor climate.

Nearby Amenities

Although The Centaur itself has limited facilities beyond the bar and cafe, the surrounding area offers plenty of options. Cheltenham town centre lies about 2 miles north (around a 10–15 minute drive). There you’ll find a wide range of restaurants and pubs: popular choices include gastropubs like The Crown or Gladstone’s, international casual spots like Las Iguanas or Zizzi, and higher-end restaurants (J Blick etc.) for pre-show dining. If time is tight, the Racecourse has a small food court near the entrance (serving coffee, sandwiches and race-day staples) which is open on event days. After the show, taxis and ride-shares are plentiful at the main road; you may use a taxi rank near the Hall of Fame entrance. In Cheltenham centre, pubs such as The Thirsty Crow or The Eagle provide drinks late into the evening. As for accommodation, the closest hotel is Hotel Du Vin (adjoining the racecourse car park) – a convenient option for overnight guests. Other Cheltenham stays include Crowne Plaza, Mercure, and Premier Inn (all in town). If arriving early, consider visiting nearby attractions: the racecourse itself has displays (the Hall of Fame) before/after events. In summary, plan to arrive at least an hour before showtime if you want to dine nearby or use on-site cafes.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Centaur’s charm lies in its unique blend of heritage and modernity. It’s not just another concert hall – it sits in a famous horse-racing amphitheatre, overlooked by sharp Cleeve Hill and set amid Cheltenham’s leafy outskirts (en.wikipedia.org). This means many performances are framed by views of the Gloucestershire landscape outside the windows or over the grandstands. The venue’s design – with glass walls, balconies and the nearby Hall of Fame – creates an atmosphere unlike a plain arena. Its very name nods to Cheltenham’s racing roots (a centaur is half-man, half-horse), symbolically bridging sport and culture. Over the years The Centaur has earned a reputation for hosting memorable events: for example, being chosen as the first ever UK home for the Snooker World Grand Prix (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). Audiences and performers alike praise The Centaur’s (for instance) *“wow” factor* (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk) – from the dramatic foyer to the rigged lighting and sound. Artists often note that the stage feels close to the crowd, making it a very intimate yet grand setting. For the local community, this venue expands Cheltenham’s cultural scene beyond the town’s historic colonnades and parks; it’s where national and global acts come to a classic Cotswold town. All these elements — the history, the top-end production facilities, the views and the racecourse folklore — combine to make visiting The Centaur a special experience that fans remember long after the show ends.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time for parking and entry. Gates often open 30–45 minutes before the advertised show start (for instance, most evening concerts say “doors 6:00pm for a 7:30pm show” (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk)). Arriving 20–30 minutes before doors helps you avoid queues and settle in without rush.
• Tickets: Always bring your ticket (print or mobile) and a photo ID if you bought discounted (student/senior) tickets. Remember that seating is reserved: check your ticket for seat number and row. If you have accessibility needs, notify the box office in advance – wheelchair seating and lift access are available (www.accessable.co.uk) (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk).
• Dress: There’s no formal dress code, but since you may be walking from parking or public transport, wear weather-appropriate layers. The auditorium is heated, so you probably won’t need heavy coats inside (though bring a jacket if it’s cold out). Comfortable shoes are wise, as you’ll walk a bit between lots and entrance. Remember to carry essentials (wallet, phone, keys) in a small bag; large backpacks may be discouraged.
• Bag and Photo Policy: The Centaur generally has a standard bag policy – small bags or camera cases are fine, but large rucksacks or suitcases are not allowed. Professional camera/recording gear is usually prohibited unless pre-approved. Cell-phone snapshots (no flash) are usually acceptable during concerts, but be discreet. Never bring sharp objects, fireworks, or alcohol/food from outside.
• Amenities: Bring cash/cards as needed – the Istabraq Bar accepts both for drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the venue (online.flippingbook.com). There’s no managed coat-check (guests often keep coats at seats), so plan accordingly. Restrooms (including accessible toilets) are immediately off the main entrance and in the bar area (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). If you need an allergy-friendly meal, pack a snack (racecourse staff do their best but choices are limited).
• Transportation: If driving, check traffic before you start (and consider avoiding Cheltenham Festival weekdays if heavy race meeting traffic is on). Car parking at the racecourse is free, but if it’s a very big event, you might be directed to overflow lots – follow the signage or staff instructions. If using rideshares or taxis, the recommended drop-off point is by the Hall of Fame entrance. After the show, there can be a rush for taxis; pre-booked taxis or car shares may save time. Note bus services wrap up around midnight, so plan late returns (train, bus, or taxi) ahead of time.
• Children and Loved Ones: Families are welcome, but check the specific event’s age rules. Some shows (e.g. Alfie Boe) require that under-14s be accompanied by an adult (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk). For comedy or late-night gigs, there may be a minimum age (often 12 or 14+). For children or noise-sensitive listeners, consider ear protection during loud music. A small blanket or cushion might help young kids stay comfy, since the floor-tier seats are standard indoor chairs.
• Other Tips: Always check the event’s listing for last-minute changes or road closures (like local construction on approach roads, as happened in summer 2025 (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk)). If arriving on foot from Cheltenham town, trail via Cheltenham Spa station or local bus stops; walking all the way is lengthy. Remember the Centaur is a non-smoking venue (there are outdoor smoking zones if needed). Most importantly, double-check which entrance to use: signage for “The Centaur” is clear, but some guests mistakenly wander to the racetrack side – so follow the Hall of Fame/Centaur signs on the racecourse site. With these pointers in mind, you’ll be set to enjoy a smooth and memorable visit to The Centaur.