MONTPELLIER GARDEN, CHELTENHAM - JUNE 6 2026 is NOW LIVE

- You must start and finish your artwork on the day

 - All works must have a stamp on the back, administered by the team on arrival 

- Original artwork can be in any medium & any size  

- iPad and photography artwork does not qualify 

- We accept no responsibility for loss, damage or injury during the day 

- Any work bought back after 4pm, will not be eligible for judging. 

- You can create more than one piece on the day, but  you  can submit only  one item for judging, 

- Watch This Space accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury during the day.

Arrive at the  Garden, just by Gardens Gallery, having pre-registered, with your blank surface, be that, canvas, paper, board to be stamped on the back and your materials ready. and your name on the back of your piece.

Go and spend the day creating your artwork within  the gardens on the day,or within 200 metres from the garden boundaries (to include Montpellier Street) within the time allotted, and is made in direct response to the surroundings. Come back to the registration point  (Gardens Gallery) by 4pm for judging. 

There will be a  30 minute window for visitors to  see the work created from the day.

Judging  is at 4.30 / 5pm, winners will be announced by 5.30pm  

Prizes:

£250 Overall Winner                

£100 Contemporary Abstract Landscape prize - sponsored by Gardens Gallery 

£100 Drawing and illustration prize - sponsored by Friends of Montpellier Bandstand and Gardens (FOMBAG) 

£100 Urban artwork prize - 

sponsored by Cheltenham Arts Society

£50 Youth prize (under 14 - 18 years)

4 Highly Commended prizes will also be awarded 

Sponsor websites:

Gardens Gallery

https://www.gardensgallery.co.uk

Friends of Montpellier Bandstand and Gardens (FOMBAG) https://www.facebook.com/MontpellierGardens/mentions/

Cheltenham Arts Society

https://www.theartssocietycheltenham.org.uk

Our  confirmed judges so far are:

 Conrad Clarke, SPRING gallery owner and award winning professional contemporary landscape artist. His work draws inspiration from the natural world around him and often focuses on the interaction between plants and their environment.

Nicola Millington is a painter, arts educator and owner of Cheltenham's 'The Art Studio'. She was a wildcard entrant for the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of the Year 2022 and painted en plein air at Compton Verney. 

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

The competition is open to anyone aged 14 year olds and above.  (Under 14’s are free, but not eligible for judging and 14-18 years tickets are £5 )  Go to the shop to register, and bring id with you on the day.

Do I have to pay to get into the garden?

Entry into the garden is  FREE - you just need to register for the event itself. 

* What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? 

Montpellier Gardens is situated in the centre of Cheltenham, so there are lots of parking options available in the vicinity, including on-road paid parking and pay and display car parks only a 5-10min walk away. The Montpellier Park is only a short 5 min walk from the centre of town where all public buses drop off and pick up. Cheltenham Railway station is a 20 min walk or a 5min taxi ride away.

* What can I bring into the event?

All you need to bring is your blank canvas and all materials ready to paint for the day, including an easel and a chair if you wish. No materials are supplied. Plain background cover only, no preparatory drawings or painting to be on your artwork prior to the day. Please note that your canvas will need to be stamped on the back upon arrival to qualify for the judging process at the end of the day. You will also need to provide your own refreshments for the day. There is a fantastic cafe onsite.

* Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

If you're able to arrive with a print out of your booking confirmation that would help us out immensely on the registration desk, alternatively you can have it on your phone, 

* Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

If you wish to transfer your booking to another name and it is not within 30 days of the event, then please do email through the details to hello@wtscollective.co.uk and we will endeavour to transfer the details for you. We will not be able to make these changes within 30days of the event and certainly not on the day .

* How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch, via email hello@wtscollective.co.uk , or phone

Niki Whitfield on 07821 098171.

* What's the refund policy?

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the event, however you will still be required to pay the booking fee. We are unable to refund any payments within 30 days of the event.