The Wilson Museum

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-10-01 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London)
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
2026-10-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-18 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra is a community group enabling musicians and performance artists from a range of different backgrounds. The group was established to explore a collaborative space for improvisation and is open to anyone regardless of their ability or education. The group is led by award winning musician Chris Cundy with regular live performances taking place at Cheltenham Festivals.

These workshops explore exercises in creating surprise and spontaneity, conducting with visual pathways into communal music-making, exploring deep listening, and embracing new ways of performing music in public spaces.
Free on every first and third Wednesday of the month, 6-8PM.

Performance, Costume & Storytelling with Eddie Langham
2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
An interactive and collaborative creative workshop exploring identity, narrative, performance, and image-making through styling and costume. Participants will work together using garments, accessories, live models, and collaborative direction to create visually driven characters and stories that are captured through photography during the session.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Performance, Costume & Storytelling
2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
21 October – Performance, Costume & Storytelling with Eddie Langham
An interactive and collaborative creative workshop exploring identity, narrative, performance, and image-making through styling and costume. Participants will work together using garments, accessories, live models, and collaborative direction to create visually driven characters and stories that are captured through photography during the session.

Grand Museum Reopening: Community Party!
2026-10-23 17:00 - 19:00
Be among the first to step foot in the new collections galleries and explore Cheltenham’s rich heritage before joining the community party. Celebrate the opening of the museum with soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes for everyone! Live music, crafty workshops, conservation station and more will make this a party to remember!
5pm Ribbon Cut and Procession
5.30 – 6.30pm Party tea and workshops
6-7pm Music
24th Oct – 1st Nov – A week of free events, workshops, tours and much more
Please note that anyone arriving without a ticket may not be admitted to the party if the building is at capacity.
Book Now

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-11-05 10:30 - 12:30
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Where the Birds AR: Meditative Ink Wash with Albert Chung
2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Inspired by migratory birds and contemporary ink painting, this workshop combines colouring, ink wash and augmented reality. Participants will colour and paint their own bird using Chinese ink and watercolour, then bring it to life through the Where the Birds AR app. The session will also include a short-guided meditation and meditative ink wash activity, encouraging creativity, calm and reflection. No experience needed.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Where the Birds AR
2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
18 November: Where the Birds AR: Meditative Ink Wash with Albert Chung
Inspired by migratory birds and contemporary ink painting, this workshop combines colouring, ink wash and augmented reality. Participants will colour and paint their own bird using Chinese ink and watercolour, then bring it to life through the Where the Birds AR app. The session will also include a short-guided meditation and meditative ink wash activity, encouraging creativity, calm and reflection. No experience needed.

We Are Creators Sessions
2026-11-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-16 18:00 - 21:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
We Are Creators Sessions bring together a growing community of makers, performers, musicians and creatives who meet monthly at The Wilson. Led by local artists and organisations, these monthly sessions offer welcoming spaces to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and explore your creativity together.
Community Theatre Group
The Foyle | 6–8pm
A free creative drama group for anyone aged 18+ with an interest in theatre, TV or film – whether on stage or behind the scenes. Explore performing, writing, improvisation, sound, film, design and more through regular practical workshops in a friendly, supportive environment.
There are no auditions, no pressure and no previous experience needed. The group develops creative projects together, from performances and podcasts to film, while offering opportunities to collaborate with professional practitioners along the way.
Who is it for? Anyone aged 18+ with a curious mind and an interest in creativity, whatever your experience.

ND Hub
The Courtyard | 6–8pm
A welcoming peer support group for neurodivergent adults, combining art, craft and conversation in a calm, inclusive environment. Led by ND Hub Gloucestershire, each session uses creativity to explore wellbeing, self-expression and connection in a relaxed, supportive space.
Who is it for? Neurodivergent adults looking to connect creatively with others.

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
Play Cafe | 6–8pm
An open community for musicians, sound-makers and performance artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Led by award-winning musician Chris Cundy, the group explores improvisation through listening, collaboration and experimentation, creating original music together in a welcoming environment.
Who is it for? Anyone curious about improvisation, from complete beginners to experienced performers.

Cheltenham Craftivist Collective
The Lounge | 6.30–8.30pm
An inclusive group for anyone interested in craft, creativity and positive change. Bring your own project – or simply come along to be inspired – and enjoy an evening of making, sharing skills and connecting with others. The group also hosts occasional artist-led textile workshops and collaborative creative projects.
Who is it for? Everyone is welcome, whatever your experience.

Zesty Queer Life Drawing
Community Gallery | 7–9pm
A free, welcoming life drawing session celebrating creativity, queerness and self-expression. Hosted by artist Jussara Nazaré, each session combines life drawing with playful creative challenges, colourful costumes and conversations about art, culture and identity.
Who is it for? LGBTQ+ people and allies aged 18+, from complete beginners to experienced artists.

OFF GRID
Artist Studios | 6–8pm
OFF GRID is a free monthly creative club for young people aged 14–17, led by The Wilson’s Artists in Residence. Each session explores a different art form – from animation and photography to wood carving, drawing and performance – giving participants the chance to experiment, develop new skills and meet other young creatives in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Every workshop is designed and led by a different resident artist, offering a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of creative practices throughout the year.
Who is it for? Young people aged 14–17. No previous artistic experience is needed.
How to join
Our monthly We Are Creators Sessions are free and open to everyone – just drop in and get involved. Whether you’re coming on your own or with a friend, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
OFF GRID workshops for 14–17 year olds require advance booking due to limited places. You can book your place through each workshop’s individual event page.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss access requirements before attending, please contact Oliver Tipper at oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk.

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-12-03 10:30 - 12:30
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00.

Wood Carving Motifs with Richard Woods
2026-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Carve and paint your own hand-carved motif inspired by printmaking blocks of the past! Taking inspiration from the museum’s collection and festive themes.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Wood Carving Motifs
2026-12-16 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
16 December – Wood Carving Motifs with Richard Woods
Carve and paint your own hand-carved motif inspired by printmaking blocks of the past! Taking inspiration from the museum’s collection and festive themes.

OFF GRID - Line by Line: Guided Drawing
2027-01-20 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
20 January – Line by Line: Guided Drawing with Atul Bhunkal
A relaxed drawing workshop focused on slowing down, noticing details, and experimenting with mark-making. Through quick prompts and collaborative activities, you’ll create drawings that respond to the people and space around you. No experience needed “” just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
