Cheltenham Festival Sees 200 Arrests Amid Record Attendance

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival, one of the most anticipated events in the regional racing calendar, has concluded with a record-breaking attendance of nearly a quarter of a million visitors. However, the week-long event also saw a significant number of arrests, with police taking 200 people into custody over the course of the festival.

Details

Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed that a total of 200 arrests were made during the Cheltenham Festival, which took place from 10-13 March. The arrests were primarily for public order offences, including drunkenness, assault, and antisocial behaviour.

According to the police, the high number of arrests was a result of the sheer volume of people attending the event, which saw a record-breaking 235,000 visitors over the four days. This was a significant increase from previous years, with the 2025 festival attracting around 210,000 attendees.

Despite the large crowds and number of arrests, Gloucestershire Constabulary stated that the overall event was well-organised and that the majority of racegoers behaved responsibly. Additional police officers were deployed to the area to maintain order and ensure the safety of the public.

What You Need to Know

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival took place from 10-13 March. The event attracted a record-breaking 235,000 visitors, but also saw 200 arrests made by Gloucestershire Constabulary for various public order offences.

For more information, please contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 or visit their website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk.

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