Literature Festival
Where stories, ideas and debate take centre stage.
The world’s longest-running Literature Festival returns with conversations that challenge, entertain and inspire — from leading writers and thinkers to unforgettable live moments across the town.
Save the dates
- Festival dates: 9 – 18 October 2026
- Programme announcement: Coming soon
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Stand up Science
Want to laugh and feel smart? This hilarious crossover is an hour of science-themed stand-up comedy. Following four fantastically received years at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, host and animal lover Matt Hobs leads us through a geeky…
The Science of Cider
Uncover the science that transforms orchard harvests into crisp, complex cider. Sharing the craft behind one of the world's oldest drinks are Dunkerton's Cider Maker Robert West, materials scientist Mark Miodownik and chemist Andrea Sella.…
Oleg Shebeta-Dragan
BBC New Generation ArtistUkrainian clarinettist Oleg Shebeta-Dragan is one of today’s most distinctive young artists. He first gained international recognition in 2022, when he won the prestigious Carl Nielsen International Competition in…
Conservation: A Cause for Hope
Can conservation work have a real impact? What happens when we allow nature the space to repair and renew?Across the UK and Europe, conservation and wildlife reintroduction have been carried out to re-establish natural processes and…
Scented Candle Workshop
Make two 9cl scented soy wax candles each during this 1.5 hour workshop, guided by a tutor. Blend your own fragrant essential oils, decide whether to add colour and perhaps even try a marbling technique. Once set, add your…
Dudù Kouate and Shunya
Renowned for his mastery of pan-African traditional instruments, many of which he creates himself, Dudù Kouate journeys through his cultural influences in this rare duo appearance with Irish multi-instrumentalist Shunya.Born in Senegal in…
Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s longest-running literature Festival, leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word. Each year we present the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats, high-profile speakers and inspiring thinkers.
We recently marked the Festival's 75th anniversary where we were joined by our President Dame Judi Dench as well as more than 100,000 visitors.
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Booking for our Literature for Schools programme is now open!
View the full programme and book tickets for your school...Latest Festivals News
Pick Up Your 2026 Festival Brochures
Tuesday 10 February 2026Looking for a brochure? Pick one up at any of the following locations from Tuesday 10 February.Explore the Festival line-ups here.Please note: brochures for Members, Patrons and pre-orders have been posted to your address.
The Times And Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Celebrates The Power Of Storytelling With Record-Breaking Crowds
Monday 27 October 2025The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2025 has concluded with a landmark edition, marking a record-breaking year for ticket sales and reaffirming the enduring power of literature festivals. Over ten vibrant days,…
Run an Event at Cheltenham Science Festival 2026
Thursday 25 September 2025Cheltenham Science Festival 2026 is taking place from 2 – 7 June 2026. The Festival is a celebration of all things science (where science means science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, communicated using all…