From Prestbury Park to the Mediterranean: Aussies Flock to Benidorm for Festival Week, Despite the Weather
While the rolling hills of Cheltenham might be over 17,000 kilometres away for many Australians, a growing number are opting for a different kind of festival experience: swapping the renowned Prestbury Park for the vibrant shores of Benidorm during the UK’s premier horse racing event. The lure of significantly cheaper drinks and accommodation in the popular Spanish resort has proven irresistible for many seeking to enjoy the thrill of the festival from afar.
However, this year, the usual sun-drenched image of Benidorm has been somewhat dampened, quite literally, by unseasonably wet weather. As the Cheltenham Festival basks in unexpectedly warm winter sunshine back in England, festival-goers in Benidorm have been forced to abandon their T-shirts and seek refuge indoors from the persistent rain.
The usual scene of race enthusiasts gathered around massive outdoor screens, enjoying alfresco drinks, has been replaced by rolled-up screens and largely empty outdoor seating areas. This meteorological hiccup has left some punters feeling a touch disappointed, finding their Spanish getaway bearing an uncanny resemblance to their homeland.
“We came here to watch Cheltenham in the sun with cheap beer and hotels – but the rain, well, we could practically be back in Cheltenham,” remarked Daniel Sewell, who is spending the festival week in the bustling Mediterranean resort.
Sewell, a 35-year-old from Warrington, has attended the festival several times previously, with his most recent trip being in 2018. This year, he booked the week away with a group of 14 friends as a combined stag do, seeking a more budget-friendly and social way to experience the racing action.
The group has managed to secure an apartment for a total of £800, with return flights costing each member £130. At the Ibrox Bar in Benidorm, they were seen sharing €10 buckets, each containing five bottled beers, a stark contrast to the prices back at Cheltenham.
For comparison, on-the-gate tickets at Cheltenham can start at a hefty £70, and even with a price reduction this year, a pint of beer still commands a £7.50 price tag.
“I couldn’t have drunk any more last night if I tried, and I still only spent £50,” Sewell added, highlighting the significant cost savings. While the affordability is a major drawcard for revellers, the unpredictable weather has certainly tempered expectations.
Sewell recalled the initial inspiration for the Benidorm pilgrimage: “We first got the idea through those pictures on social media of people watching Cheltenham in huge outdoor seating areas, watching big screens, in the sun. So far this year, the weather has not been great, but the atmosphere is still really good. I think for some of the people who are not into racing so much, this is a great way to watch racing.”
The financial benefits become even more pronounced for those who would typically attend the Cheltenham Festival for the entire week, including overnight stays. Ronnie Russell, from Hull, who used to make the annual pilgrimage to Cheltenham, is currently enjoying a five-night full-board stay at the four-star Hotel Rosamar in Benidorm, having paid a mere £500.
This marks his third festival week spent in the Spanish resort, where the traditional “Cheltenham roar” on the first race is replaced by what’s affectionately known as the “Benidorm bellow.”
“Three years ago it was sunny,” the 67-year-old reminisced. “Last year, and this year so far, we haven’t had the weather, but I’d still rather be here than stuck in the Cheltenham car park and covered in mud. We love the €2 pints – but the prices are creeping up, and it’s getting so popular here for festival week you need to book in advance. The experience is still great.”
Data from travel retailer On the Beach supports the growing popularity of Benidorm during festival week, revealing a 65 per cent increase in bookings compared to the previous year, with hotels experiencing more than double the number of reservations.
Wilma Wallace, from the Ibrox Bar, confirmed the trend: “It started about eight years ago and it has got bigger every year. We just hope the weather gets better on Thursday and Friday.”
Meanwhile, back at Cheltenham, attendance figures have seen some fluctuations. While last year’s overall attendance stood at 218,839, a 5 per cent decrease from 2024, the opening day of this year’s festival saw an encouraging increase in numbers. This uptick followed strategic changes implemented by the racecourse, including a 30p reduction in the price of draught beer and cider, and a relaxation of rules surrounding outdoor drinking areas. The popular Ladies Day also made a triumphant return on Wednesday after a five-year absence.
Guy Lavender, the racecourse chief executive, expressed his delight at the renewed engagement: “It is wonderful to see so many people wanting to engage with and celebrate the event. Whether fans are watching from the comfort of their own home, while on holiday in Benidorm or soaking up the unbeatable atmosphere on course, we want them to feel a part of it and we are proud that these four days in March are a key marker in people’s calendars each year.”
This sentiment underscores the evolving ways in which people connect with major sporting events, with technology and aspirational travel offering diverse viewing experiences. While the weather in Benidorm may have been a talking point this year, the allure of affordable revelry and a unique festival atmosphere continues to draw a significant crowd, proving that the spirit of Cheltenham can indeed be found on foreign shores, rain or shine.
