There aren’t many organisations in Cheltenham that can trace their roots back to 1855, but YMCA Cheltenham can. On Friday 27 February, the charity will mark an extraordinary 170 years of supporting people across Gloucestershire with a special Gala Dinner at Cheltenham Town Hall.

The black-tie celebration will bring together supporters, partners and members of the local community for an evening of dining, music and reflection. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, live music from Tux Fizz and performances from individuals with close connections to YMCA Cheltenham.

Alongside the gala, attendees will be invited to experience a powerful one-off immersive exhibition developed by local artist Stella Ashmead, offering insight into the lived experience of someone navigating homelessness, one of the charity’s core areas of work. An interactive historical display will also chart YMCA Cheltenham’s 170-year journey in Gloucestershire, featuring artefacts, photography and stories spanning from its founding to the present day.

The event forms part of The Cheltenham Trust’s Charity Collaboration programme. As part of this partnership, The Cheltenham Trust is supporting YMCA Cheltenham with complimentary venue hire at Cheltenham Town Hall, alongside dedicated event planning, in-house audio and visual services, staffing support, marketing assistance and access to our established ticketing platform.

As an independent charity managing some of Cheltenham’s most recognisable cultural, leisure and sporting venues, The Cheltenham Trust is committed to ensuring our spaces play an active role in supporting community life. Partnering with YMCA Cheltenham during its 170th anniversary year reflects a shared focus on strengthening connections and supporting vital work across the town and wider county.

Tickets for the YMCA This Is Our Life 170th Anniversary Celebration are £70 per person, including a three-course dinner.

To find out more and book tickets, click here.