OFF GRID
2026-06-17 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
OFF GRID is a free, informal art group for young people aged 14–17 who want to get creative, try new things, and explore their own ideas. Whether you’re already passionate about art or just curious to experiment, OFF GRID offers a relaxed space to make, create, and connect with other young artists—no experience needed.
Sarah Fox
Stop Motion Animation with Sarah Fox
A 2-hour collaborative animation workshop where you will learn to animate to sound and build a short experimental animation to match. Using everyday objects we will use stop-motion apps to bring sound to life, frame by frame. No experience necessary.
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Please note: a parental permission form must be completed to attend.

Coffee With a Curator
2026-07-01 13:30 - 14:30
First Wednesday of every month, 1.30pm – 2pmThese informal sessions held in The Wilson cafe lounge area at lunchtime on the first Wednesday of the month give you the chance to join one of our curators for a half hour chat as they introduce pieces from The Wilson’s extensive collections.From pottery and works of art to items that reflect the social history of the Cheltenham area, you’ll get to have a closer look at the objects as they are brought out of the archives.
There will be a different object every month. Book a place for £3, which will include a complimentary tea or coffee from the cafe. For updates and more details of the objects and subjects for each monthly session, see our Facebook and Instagram

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
2026-07-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-02 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.

Wilson Nights - FIRST TABLE
2026-07-01 18:00 - 21:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
WILSON NIGHTS: FIRST TABLE
1 July 2026 | 6–9pm | Free Entry
Join us for a special edition of WILSON NIGHTS celebrating artists and makers taking their first steps into selling their work.
FIRST TABLE is a new makers market created for underrepresented and first-time artists who may not usually see themselves represented at traditional arts and crafts markets. Browse original artwork, handmade objects, zines, prints, jewellery, textiles and more while meeting the people behind the work.
Alongside the market, join artist Steven Tatlow for Soulscapes, a free drop-in zine-making workshop using thermal printers. Experiment with image, text and storytelling to create your own unique publication.
We’ll also be hosting Open Decks (Vinyl Only) throughout the evening. Bring along a favourite record and claim a 30-minute slot to share your sounds with the room. Participants receive a free drink.
Whether you’re looking to discover new artists, make something creative, or simply spend an evening soaking up the atmosphere, FIRST TABLE offers a welcoming space to explore creativity and community.
🎟 Free entry📍 The Wilson, Cheltenham🕕 6–9pm

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-07-02 10:30 - 12:00
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 2 July
Thursday 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra @ Cheltenham Music Festival
2026-07-04 12:00 - 13:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Join Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra for their first ever appearance at Cheltenham Music Festival. The orchestra will perform original pieces led by various soloists and players in the group including:
Microtonal Studies (for Strings and Orchestra)
Eccentric Conduction Piece
Sine Waves and Shepard Tones
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.

Curator Led Tour: The Art of Looking
2026-07-08 13:00 - 14:00
Curator-Led Tour: The Art of Looking
Join Senior Curator Layla Gatens for a guided tour of our latest exhibition, The Art of Looking: from Dutch Masters to Modern Britain. Discover how artists across centuries, from meticulous Dutch painters to modern British voices, have shaped the way we see the world, with expert insights into the works and ideas behind the exhibition.
Tour starts at 1pm, from the bottom of the staircase on the ground floor.
Book Now

Art Meditation & Inner Peace
2026-07-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-12 18:00 - 19:30 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Art Meditation & Inner Peace
Join resident artist Albert Chung for a guided meditation experience inspired by artworks from the exhibition, The Art of Looking.
Using selected works from the exhibition as a focus for reflection, Albert will lead participants through a gentle meditation designed to encourage calm, presence, and deeper connection. The session will also incorporate the artist’s i Xing Energy of Light Pyramid as part of the experience.
Explore art beyond the visual and discover new ways of looking, feeling, and being. The session aims to support a sense of inner peace, joy, and wellbeing.
FREE to join. Booking advised.
Book here

Collar Creations: Inspired by the Masters
2026-07-11 10:30 - 14:00
Inspired by the rich details of the portraits in The Art of Looking, drop in to this free family workshop to imagine, and create your own wearable artwork!
Take a closer look at the textures, clothing and hidden stories within artworks in the exhibition and be inspired by the elaborate collars and fine details seen in portraits. Then, using simple materials, cut, fold and build your own paper collars inspired by what you see. This is your chance to experiment, play and see differently.
Drop in anytime, stay as long as you like!
Suitable for all ages. No booking required.

OFF GRID
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a free, informal artist-led art group for young people aged 14–17 who want to get creative, try new things, and explore their own ideas. Whether you’re already passionate about art or just curious to experiment, OFF GRID offers a relaxed space to make, create, and connect with other young artists—no experience needed.
Steven Tatlow
Beginners’ Portrait Photography Workshop with Steven Tatlow
This session will introduce the basics of portrait photography, from coming up with ideas to using composition, colour, light, and expression to create striking portraits. Through hands-on practice and creative exercises, you’ll build confidence behind the camera and start developing your own style.
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Please note: a parental permission form must be completed to attend.

Beginners’ Portrait Photography with Steven Tatlow
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
This session will introduce the basics of portrait photography, from coming up with ideas to using composition, colour, light, and expression to create striking portraits. Through hands-on practice and creative exercises, you’ll build confidence behind the camera and start developing your own style.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

Be Brave Balloon: Author Book Reading
2026-07-21 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a special children’s book reading with Roxanne Darby, author of Be Brave Balloon! Be Brave Balloon is a cozy picture book adventure for helping little ones understand that sometimes it’s okay to say goodbye. Perfect for ages 2-6. During this event Roxanne will read the book and lead a couple of interactive activities for little ones. Books will be available for purchase and signing!

Creative Explorers
2026-07-22 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-19 10:00 - 15:00
An artist led holiday club for 4-11 year olds who love to make, share and play. We will collaborate on engaging individual and group craft projects with a focus on nature, the world around us and free play to encourage creativity, language and expression within the arts.
This informal holiday workshop will be fun and light, providing your child with the chance to express themselves artistically while making new friends and learning new skills.
We will take a tour of the galleries, explore the works on display and (weather dependent) we will take a nature walk outside, so please supply a coat if you are happy for your child to join.
Please note:
On sunny days we like to get outside! If you are not happy for your child to leave the building then please let us know on the morning of the session.
Children aged 4 are only permitted to attend on a shorter day of 11-3 according to government safeguarding guidelines. If you book a 4-year-old on to any of our holiday club days you will not be allowed to drop them off before 11am.
We may get messy! Please send your child in old clothes that you don’t mind them making and playing in, as we do occasionally use materials that may be harder to wash out.
Please pack your child a drinks bottle, so that they can help themselves through the day. Feel free to pack them a snack as well exploring can be hungry work!
Children should bring a bag to help them carry home all their crafts and keep them safe through the day.
All children will now need a packed lunch, there is no longer the option to add it to your ticket booking. Please note nuts are not permitted in packed lunches due to allergies.
‘Arty’ lunch boxes will be available to purchase from the cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Promising Artists Showcase
2026-07-26 10:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00
The Cafe Courtyard Gallery
Promising Artists Art School presents a showcase of watercolour & drawing by our adult and child artists, celebrating creativity, confidence and the joy of learning and making art together.
This showcase features artwork created by students attending the Practical Fine Art courses for adults and children at the Wilson Museum. The exhibition highlights the diverse talents, individual artistic journeys, and growing skills developed through these engaging classes.
Upcoming courses
We have upcoming Practical Fine Art courses for adults and children. These include Introduction to Drawing and Introduction to Watercolour. Learn more and book your place here.

Creative Explorers
2026-08-05 10:00 - 15:00
An artist led holiday club for 4-11 year olds who love to make, share and play. We will collaborate on engaging individual and group craft projects with a focus on nature, the world around us and free play to encourage creativity, language and expression within the arts.
This informal holiday workshop will be fun and light, providing your child with the chance to express themselves artistically while making new friends and learning new skills.
We will take a tour of the galleries, explore the works on display and (weather dependent) we will take a nature walk outside, so please supply a coat if you are happy for your child to join.
Please note:
On sunny days we like to get outside! If you are not happy for your child to leave the building then please let us know on the morning of the session.
Children aged 4 are only permitted to attend on a shorter day of 11-3 according to government safeguarding guidelines. If you book a 4-year-old on to any of our holiday club days you will not be allowed to drop them off before 11am.
We may get messy! Please send your child in old clothes that you don’t mind them making and playing in, as we do occasionally use materials that may be harder to wash out.
Please pack your child a drinks bottle, so that they can help themselves through the day. Feel free to pack them a snack as well -exploring can be hungry work!
Children should bring a bag to help them carry home all their crafts and keep them safe through the day.
All children will now need a packed lunch, there is no longer the option to add it to your ticket booking. Please note nuts are not permitted in packed lunches due to allergies.
‘Arty’ lunch boxes will be available to purchase from the cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Coffee With a Curator: In the Footsteps of Edward Adrian Wilson
2026-08-05 13:30 - 14:30
*Please note this month’s Coffee With A Curator has a different format and duration than usual*
Join curator Ann-Rachael Harwood for a special walking tour exploring the life of Edward Wilson in Cheltenham!
Follow in Wilson’s footsteps through Cheltenham and discover the places that shaped his early years. Along the way, consider the striking contrast between his hometown and the Antarctic landscapes he later explored. What did he dream about while surrounded by ice? How did he describe the vastness of Antarctica in letters to his parents back home?
The tour will begin promptly at 1.30pm at the Wilson Museum and Art Gallery. From there, participants will visit a statue by the Town Hall, Wilson’s birthplace, the site of Westal, Cheltenham College, and finally return to the Wilson.
The walking tour will last approximately 60 minutes. Takeaway tea and coffee will be available before the tour begins.
Please note that places are limited, and tickets must be purchased online in advance (no booking fee).
Book Now

Memory lane Cafe
2026-08-06 10:30 - 12:00
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 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

OFF GRID
2026-08-19 06:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a free, informal artist-led art group for young people aged 14–17 who want to get creative, try new things, and explore their own ideas. Whether you’re already passionate about art or just curious to experiment, OFF GRID offers a relaxed space to make, create, and connect with other young artists—no experience needed.
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Please note: a parental permission form must be completed to attend.
Guided Drawing Workshop with Atul Bhunkal
Join artist Atul Bhunkal, one of The Wilson’s 2026 Artists in Residence, for a creative guided drawing workshop.
This session is about experimenting, playing with ideas and using drawing as a way to notice, respond and make. You don’t need to be “good at drawing” — the focus is on trying things out and finding your own approach.
All materials provided.

Line by Line: Guided Drawing with Atul Bhunkal
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
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.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

Creative Explorers
2026-08-26 10:00 - 15:00
An artist led holiday club for 4-11 year olds who love to make, share and play. We will collaborate on engaging individual and group craft projects with a focus on nature, the world around us and free play to encourage creativity, language and expression within the arts.
This informal holiday workshop will be fun and light, providing your child with the chance to express themselves artistically while making new friends and learning new skills.
We will take a tour of the galleries, explore the works on display and (weather dependent) we will take a nature walk outside, so please supply a coat if you are happy for your child to join.
Please note:
On sunny days we like to get outside! If you are not happy for your child to leave the building then please let us know on the morning of the session.
Children aged 4 are only permitted to attend on a shorter day of 11-3 according to government safeguarding guidelines. If you book a 4-year-old on to any of our holiday club days you will not be allowed to drop them off before 11am.
We may get messy! Please send your child in old clothes that you don’t mind them making and playing in, as we do occasionally use materials that may be harder to wash out.
Please pack your child a drinks bottle, so that they can help themselves through the day. Feel free to pack them a snack as well ““ exploring can be hungry work!
Children should bring a bag to help them carry home all their crafts and keep them safe through the day.
All children will now need a packed lunch, there is no longer the option to add it to your ticket booking. Please note nuts are not permitted in packed lunches due to allergies.
‘Arty’ lunch boxes will be available to purchase from the cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Coffee With A Curator: Volunteer Special
2026-09-02 13:30 - 14:00
*Please note this month’s Coffee With A Curator will be delivered by Wilson volunteers*
Join us for a special volunteer-led edition of our popular Coffee With A Curator sessions! In this informal half-hour talk, members of our volunteer team will share their research, knowledge and enthusiasm for some of their favourite objects from The Wilson’s extensive collections.
From pottery and works of art to fascinating items that reflect the social history of the Cheltenham area, you’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at objects brought out from the archives and hear the stories that have captured our volunteers’ imaginations.
Book a place for £3, which includes a complimentary tea or coffee.
Book Now

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-09-03 10:30 - 12:00
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 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December
