http://blog.paddypower.com/blog/index.php/2010/03/17/making-of-the-giant-sign-at-cheltenham-video/

Top bookie Paddy Power unveiled the world’s longest free-standing billboard today located on Cleeve Hill overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse.

The colossal Paddy Power sign is a staggering 270ft long eclipsing the previous world record holder which stood at 160ft long and also dwarfs the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

As well as being the world’s longest sign, the giant Paddy Power sign stands at a mighty 50 feet in height – making it taller than three double-decker London buses stacked on top of each other.

Paddy Power himself said: “Cheltenham is the biggest and the best race meeting in the world so we wanted to build a monument to reflect and celebrate that. Everyone knows how much the Irish love Cheltenham, so we are delighted to finally have built them a sign to celebrate what many people call the Irish people’s second home in true Hollywood style.”

Paddy Power statistics:
• 270 feet long (82 metres)
• 50 feet high (15 metres)
• Almost 100 tonnes in total
• 60 man build crew
• 3 years in the making
• Over 1000 man hours to design and build

Landmarks dwarfed by the Paddy Power sign:
• At over 270ft wide that’s longer than the world’s largest free-standing billboard in Manila, Philippines (160ft)
• Taller and bigger than the Hollywood sign (45ft by 200ft)
• Longer than the famous Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset (180ft)
• At over 50ft high that’s taller than three double-decker London buses stacked on top of each other

Content courtesy of betzoo

The photo above was taken by James F Clay

11.30am:
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will arrive at Roman Quay.

11.35am:
Lt James Reynolds will invite Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to board the patrol boat for journey to Docks. The ship will proceed through High Orchard opening bridge to the Dock basin.

11.50am:
Arrive in main Dock basin for a slow turn around to view principal Dockside developments. The party will pass through the ruins of the Llanthony Tithe Barn and up the steps to the college.

Noon: Opportunity to retire.

12.15pm:
Leave retiring room when HM Lord-Lieutenant will present to Her Majesty Mr Mohamed Patel – chairman of Barton and Tredworth Trust Volunteers who will explain the work of the trust.

12.35pm:
The royal party will move to the pre-lunch reception area where the Lord Lieutenant and Lady Elwes will present three groups: GHURC directors, developers and business partners and the Rt Rev Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester.

12.45pm: Move to dining room.

2pm: The loyal toast.

2.10pm:
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will proceed to the exit where the principal will invite them to sign the visitors’ book.

Afternoon: Arrive at GCHQ.

The parties will join up in the museum area and proceed to the main entrance.

HM Lord-Lieutenant and Lady Elwes will escort Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to waiting helicopter and take leave.

Source: Gloucestershire Echo

She will view the new developments at Gloucester Docks including Gloucester Quays, she will then visit Gloucestershire College and later GCHQ in Cheltenham.

The Queen last visited Gloucestershire six years ago.

Buses on the 94 route have been upgraded! On September 12th Stagecoach launched a fleet of 12 brand new luxury gold buses. You can view more pictures here.

Linford Christie by Alistair Morrison 1996, © Alistair Morrison, National Portrait Gallery.

4 July to 30 August – Fresh from the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Athletes and Olympians exhibitions promises county art lovers a real summer treat.

Coming direct from the National Portrait Gallery in London – for its first showing outside the capital, no less – the Athletes and Olympians exhibition at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum will be celebrating sporting heroes and heroines of the last 100 years in their true glory.

www.soglos.com/art-culture/29085/Athletes-and-Olympians-in-Cheltenham