13Mar
2026

Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch 2026

Our Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch will once again be taking place in the Banqueting Suite, at one of the country’s most famous and iconic cricket grounds, Edgbaston. Cheltenham Gold Cup Friday is the sport at its absolute best, attracting some of the best National Hunt horses in the world to compete over the hallowed turf at Prestbury Park!

On what is sure to be another thrilling day, we are delighted to welcome as our very special guest one of English football’s greatest ever players, former England, Liverpool and Watford star, John Barnes. Our event will also feature a comedy set from a leading TV comedian! With live music from our Irish band, a superb three course lunch, the full Cheltenham card on our giant screen, our in-house bookmaker, and racing tipster service, this is an event not to be missed.

John Barnes

One of the most naturally gifted wingers in the history of English football, John’s early career was spent at Watford, where he was under the watchful eye of managerial great Graham Taylor. He went on to become a legend at Vicarage Road, playing almost 300 games in all competitions, scoring 85 goals and becoming a regular England international. It was inevitable that a giant would come calling, and with Liverpool the dominant side in British football, it was no surprise when Kenny Dalglish made Barnes his marquee signing. Playing alongside some of the greatest players to don the shirt, John quickly became an integral part of the side; he was a key player in the side which won the 1987/88 title, playing 38 times and scoring 15 goals, with John winning both the Footballer of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year Awards. John went on to win the League title again in 1989/90, with other trophies including the FA Cup in the tragic Hillsborough year of 1989, and again in 1991. In total, he appeared 403 times for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring 106 goals. John also represented England for over a decade (79 caps/11 goals), playing in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup Finals, and the 1988 European Championships, missing out in 1992 due to injury. Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005, John was also named in the PFA Team of the Century (1977-1996) in 2007.

Book Now to Secure Your Place at our Ultimate Gold Cup Friday Experience.

A Leading TV Comedian

We are due to announce our comedy star shortly, past performers have included the likes of Andrew Ryan, Paul McCaffrey, and last year’s brilliant set from Lindsay Santoro!

Dave Fulton (Host) 

Dave enjoyed a 15-year professional cricket career with Kent, playing in 200 First Class matches with an average in the high 30s, and over 100 one day games. His best season came in 2001, when he scored an incredible 1892 First Class runs at an average of just under 76, being crowned PCA Player of the Year. Since retiring from the game in 2006, Dave has forged a career as a cricket journalist and event host, appearing regularly on Sky Sports’ cricket coverage and Sky Sports News. A huge sports fan, David has previously hosted our Lord’s Long Room and Birmingham Gold Cup Lunches on numerous occasions, as well as a number of boxing, darts and football events.

Edgbaston Stadium

We are delighted to be holding our event in the Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston Stadium, which is a fantastic large facility, perfectly suited to our event. This is the stadium’s premium pitch-facing facility, enjoying magnificent views over the middle, and plenty of natural light. Our guests will enjoy quality dining and service for which Edgbaston is rightly renowned, with ample complimentary parking for all attendees.

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Speaker Sponsor Package

£2,450 (+ VAT)

As a Speaker Sponsor client you’ll enjoy all of the below benefits and in addition you’ll have our special guest sat at your table during the event. Price is for a table of 10.

What’s included?
  • John Barnes to sit on your table
  • Opportunity to display company literature and giveaways on the tables
  • Opportunity to display banners/exhibition stands in the event room
  • Access to the VIP reception
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Group photo opportunity with John Barnes
  • Logo on our event menu cards (Tables only)
  • Reserved places on a premium positioned table within the Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston
  • Big screen coverage of all of the races of the Cheltenham Gold Cup meeting
  • Three course lunch
  • Entertaining Q & A with England goalkeeping legend, John Barnes
  • Comedy set from leading TV comedian
  • Event hosted by Dave Fulton (Sky Sports)
  • Live music from an Irish band
  • Racing tips from a racing expert
  • Bookmakers in the room
  • Auction & Raffle

Gold Individual

£149 (+ VAT)

Enjoy all the benefits of the Silver Package plus prominently positioned table, a pre-event drinks reception with our star guest, and the opportunity to have a group photo.

What’s included?
  • Access to the VIP reception
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Group photo opportunity with John Barnes
  • Logo on our event menu cards (Tables only)
  • Reserved places on a premium positioned table within the Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston
  • Big screen coverage of all of the races of the Cheltenham Gold Cup meeting
  • Three course lunch
  • Entertaining Q & A with England goalkeeping legend, John Barnes
  • Comedy set from leading TV comedian
  • Event hosted by Dave Fulton (Sky Sports)
  • Live music from an Irish band
  • Racing tips from a racing expert
  • Bookmakers in the room
  • Auction & Raffle

Silver Individual

£99 (+ VAT)

Our Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch offers guests a fabulous day of horse-racing, football chat and live music, a really great value day out for your clients, colleagues and friends!

What’s included?
  • Reserved places within the Banqueting Suite at Edgbaston
  • Big screen coverage of all of the races of the Cheltenham Gold Cup meeting
  • Three course lunch
  • Entertaining Q & A with England goalkeeping legend, John Barnes
  • Comedy set from leading TV comedian
  • Event hosted by Dave Fulton (Sky Sports)
  • Live music from an Irish band
  • Racing tips from a racing expert
  • Bookmakers in the room
  • Auction & Raffle

Prices are per person, and exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.

Speaker Sponsor Package
£2,450 (+ VAT)
Package details
Gold Individual
£149 (+ VAT)
Package details
Silver Individual
£99 (+ VAT)
Package details

Prices are per person, and exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.

Sample Itinerary

From 11.00amGuests Arrive.
11.55amIntroduction
12 noonYour Starter and Main Course are served.
12.50pmJohn Barnes with Dave Fulton
1.30pmFirst Race
1.40pmDesserts are served. Auction.
2.00pmSecond Race
2.10pmAuction
2.30pmThird Race
2.40pmLeading TV comedian
3.15pmFourth race: Cheltenham Gold Cup
4.00pmFifth race
4.45pmSixth race
5.30pmSeventh and final race
7.00pmCarriages
Please note that this a sample itinerary and final timings will be subject to change.

Your Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch

  • How can I see what Gold Cup Lunch packages are available?

    Simply visit our dedicated hospitality page to see all our latest packages;

    Then either chat with us live online, call 0800 195 4250, email sales@galahospitality.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form.

  • Is the package price per person or per table?

    In general, prices are shown on a per person basis. However, some private tables have a minimum number of people.

  • Can I alter my booking at a later date?

    Subject to our Terms and Conditions and availability, your booking cannot be altered. Although, we will always do our best to accommodate changes.

  • How will I receive my Gold Cup Lunch tickets

    You’ll receive your Gold Cup Lunch tickets via post. Please ensure that the Gala Team have your most up to date delivery address when you confirm your booking. Either chat with us live online, call 0800 195 4250, email sales@galahospitality.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form.

  • When should I expect to receive my Gold Cup Lunch hospitality documents?

    For peace of mind, we’ll post your tickets and documentation approximately ten to fourteen days before your Gold Cup event takes place. All tickets will be sent via Royal Mail Special delivery.

  • I've purchased my places for the Gold Cup Lunch, can I upgrade these?

    Yes, we'll accommodate this upgrade if possible. Please speak get in touch with our team on 0800 195 4250 or sales@galahospitality.co.uk

  • Where should I meet my guests upon arrival at The Gold Cup Lunch?

    As each member of your party arrives at The Gold Cup Lunch, a member of the Gala team will escort them to your table in the hospitality suite.

  • Can you bring bags into The Gold Cup Lunch?

    Yes, although there isn't a cloakroom or storage area. We'd advise to only bring a small bag, that would fit under your seat, if necessary.

  • Does the Gold Cup Lunch have a dress code?

    Smart-casual wear is suggested for our Gold Cup Lunch hospitality. Jackets and ties aren’t necessary, but avoid wearing ripped/faded jeans, sports wear or trainers.

  • Can I bring my camera to the Gold Cup Lunch?

    Yes. And if you take any great photos during your day out, we’ll be happy to share them on our Gala social channels.

  • Will there be an official photographer during the Gold Cup Lunch event?

    Gala regularly works with some of the UK’s best photographers and videographers, and we’re happy to make the arrangements if you’d like a professional keepsake of your special day. Just speak to our team on 0800 195 4250 or sales@galahospitality.co.uk

  • Can I use cash at Edgbaston?

    Edgbaston is a cashless venue and only card payment will be taken.

  • What's the best way to get to Edgbaston by car?

    Car parking at nearby sites is available to purchase for all major matches. But first, please do consider using public transport as road closures will be in place for all major match days.

  • What’s the best way to get to Edgbaston by bus?

    Edgbaston run regular buses from Birmingham New Street Station to the car park at Edgbaston. These are very regular and really well managed, so we very much recommend using this form of transport.

  • What’s the best way to get to Edgbaston by rail?

    Birmingham New Street Station is the main rail hub for the city with connections from all over the country. There are regular trains to Manchester and London, with a journey time under 90 minutes.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Horse Racing Race Course Corporate Sports Hospitality
13Mar
2026

Birmingham Gold Cup Lunch 2026

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Prices are per person, and exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.