'People are really ready for a good time' - Cheltenham town prepares for racing

Welcome back! That is the message from the people and businesses of Cheltenham to the thousands of racegoers whose presence has been greatly missed in the town for the last year and a half.

Four days of festival magic brings £60 million into Cheltenham's economy – which equates to 35 per cent of its annual tourism income – but all 16 racedays are crucial to any hospitality business in the town.

Yet the deep pockets of winning punters are not all that has been yearned for. The place stops (particularly on the roads) as racegoers come to town – and it creates a buzz like no other.