Extra patrols, temporary toilets, a police hub outside M&S and taxi checks run in Cheltenham for the November Meeting, 13 to 15 November. Updated November 2026.

Extra council and police patrols, temporary toilets and a police community hub on the High Street will be in place in Cheltenham for the November Meeting, which runs at the racecourse from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November.

Cheltenham Borough Council announced the measures on Monday 9 November. It said it and Gloucestershire Constabulary had added facilities and patrols on the Friday and Saturday “in response to feedback from local communities” and to deal with concerns about anti-social behaviour.

What will be in place in town

The council lists these measures for the weekend:

  • a police community hub on the High Street outside Marks and Spencer
  • temporary toilets across town and on the key routes to the racecourse
  • taxi marshals at the Promenade taxi ranks
  • extra council and police patrols on the Friday and Saturday
  • support from voluntary sector partners in the evening and night-time economy
  • joint inspections of licensed venues, including licensed sexual entertainment venues, by the council’s licensing team and the police
  • checks on taxis and private hire vehicles

Licensed venues will run the Ask for Angela and Ask for Clive schemes, which let anyone who feels unsafe ask staff for discreet help. The council says women’s safety “remains a top priority”. The racecourse’s own Love Our Turf campaign asks racegoers to behave respectfully.

Taxis: what to look for

The council advises racegoers and residents to pre-book a private hire vehicle, or to take a taxi licensed by Cheltenham Borough Council from an authorised rank. A licensed vehicle shows a roof sign and a Cheltenham licence plate.

The council says it takes “a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful taxi activity”. Its licensing officers will check vehicles over the weekend, with help from Tewkesbury Borough Council and Stroud District Council.

What the council and police said

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, the council’s cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “The November Meeting brings thousands of visitors to Cheltenham and provides a welcome boost for local businesses, helping to support our local economy.

“We want residents and visitors alike to enjoy a safe and successful weekend, which is why, working closely with partners, we are putting a number of extra measures in place. They include enhancing patrols, extra facilities and support services, and taxi compliance checks. Together they are practical steps to help keep Cheltenham clean, safe and welcoming.”

Inspector Steve Benbow of the Cheltenham neighbourhood policing team said: “Tackling male violence and intimidation against women and girls as well as anti-social behaviour remains a priority for my team.

“We will continue to work alongside our partner agency colleagues to ensure that everyone can have a safe and memorable time during the event.

“In addition to resources working at and around the racecourse, we will have an enhanced community policing presence across the town.

“The team will be conducting high visibility patrols, with a particular focus on identified hotspots, around transport hubs, licensed premises and along popular walking routes.”

What it means for you

If you live near the High Street, the Promenade or the walking routes to the racecourse, expect more uniformed officers and council staff around on the Friday and Saturday, especially around licensed premises and transport hubs. Going out yourself, book a car home in advance or use a marked rank; the Promenade ranks will have marshals.

The council wants residents’ views on how the weekend goes. It asks people to send feedback to their local ward councillors to help shape future events.

For race times, the three themed days and ticket prices, see the racecourse’s dates to New Year and the Jockey Club’s November Meeting page. For roads and trains this week, see Cheltenham roadworks and travel, and for car parks, parking in Cheltenham.