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Welcome to Cheltenham Festivals Changing lives through culture

Literature for Schools 2026 Tickets Now on Sale
Join us from 9–18 October for inspiring events with Michael Rosen, Katherine Rundell, Nadia Shireen, Nathanael Lessore and many more.
This year's programme offers something for every age group, with events designed to spark imaginations, nurture creativity and inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing.
Book Your PlaceWe believe in a world where everyone can explore and create culture
Our charity brings joy, sparks curiosity, connects communities and inspires change year-round through four world-class Festivals in Jazz, Science, Music and Literature and projects for education, community and talent development
What's On What's on

Pre-concert Talk: Mahler
Following his wonderfully informative and engaging talks in 2025, Professor of Composition at the University of Bristol John Pickard, returns to delve deeper into the world of Mahler. In this illustrated introduction to Das klagende Lied,…

Mixtape x Squidsoup
Mixtape returns in 2026, refreshed by a brand new collaboration with world-leading arts collective Squidsoup, masters of beautiful immersive lighting design. Grab a drink, sit, stand, or lie back and get lost in the magical interplay of…

Fantasia Orchestra with Jasdeep Singh Degun
Experience a unique and carefully constructed evening of hypnotic US minimalism, French Baroque delicacy and new work by a trailblazing orchestra and soloist.Composer and sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun has been on an extraordinary run of…

Idrîsî Ensemble
Idrîsî Ensemble return to Cheltenham Music Festival for a second instalment of their extraordinary exploration of the sounds of the medieval Mediterranean. The ensemble are pioneering a fresh approach to historical performance with a…

Mariam Batsashvili
Since making waves with her winning performances at two of the world’s top piano competitions, Mariam Batsashvili’s name has been indelibly linked with one of the greatest virtuosos of all: Franz Liszt. Here she celebrates 140 years since…

Life and Director's Circle Patrons Dinner
The event will begin at 5pm where you’ll be greeted by the Patrons team and Co-CEO Ali Mawle, who will be sharing the Festivals’ five-year strategy.A two-course dinner will be provided, followed by a short performance from young musicians…

It's time for the Next Chapter
Since 1945, thanks to your support, we've been changing lives through culture. And now it's time for the Next Chapter. Read all about our Five Year Strategy today.
Keep up to date with Festival news See all news

The Big Read 2026
Tuesday 16 June 2026The Big Read 2026One book. One community. One Big Read.
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Announces Women's Prize for Fiction Winner 2026 ‘Big Read' Title
Tuesday 16 June 2026The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has today announced Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Virginia Evans’ and The Correspondent as this year’s Big Read title, launching a celebration of reading ahead of the Festival…
Inspiring the Next Generation of Curious Minds
Friday 12 June 2026Last week our Festival Village sparked the curiosity of thousands of Festival-goers with over 100 vibrant talks, explosive demos and creative workshops during Cheltenham Science Festival 2026.


