The upcoming 2026 Cheltenham Festival is expected to attract horse racing enthusiasts worldwide. Interestingly, a growing number of punters are opting to experience the festival in Benidorm, Spain, rather than in the UK.
Scheduled to commence at Cheltenham Races on Tuesday afternoon, the festival will span four days filled with racing, betting, and socializing. While ticket sales are projected to be high, a notable trend has emerged with some fans choosing to celebrate the festival in Benidorm.
Reports from The Sun reveal a staggering 225% surge in hotel bookings in Benidorm during the festival period, with The Marina Resort Hotel emerging as a popular spot. This resort offers amenities like big screen TVs, pool parties, and live DJ performances to enhance the festival experience.
In addition to enjoying the races, many attendees dress up in racing-themed costumes. Prices for beverages in Benidorm are notably more affordable, with the cheapest pint costing around £1.70 compared to the approximately £7.50 at Cheltenham, albeit with a decrease from the previous year.
Zoe Harris, the chief customer officer of On the Beach, expressed excitement about the anticipated lively atmosphere in Benidorm during the festival. The surge in visitors suggests that this year’s Cheltenham Festival in Benidorm will be the largest to date.
As part of the 2026 festival updates, prices for Guinness and other beverages have been reduced, with attendees now allowed to move freely with their drinks within the venue. Moreover, enhancements have been made to the food and beverage offerings, and a new PA system has been installed.
The reintroduction of Ladies Day and a slight reduction in overall racecourse capacity to around 66,000 attendees are among the changes for this year’s festival. These adjustments aim to enhance the overall experience for participants and ensure a memorable event for all.
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