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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

Jess Gillam Trio
An afternoon programme full of colour, energy and joy from the magnetic saxophonist Jess Gillam. Described by The Times as ‘uniquely mercurial,’ she lights up every stage with her electrifying performances and vibrant personality. She made…

Pre-concert Talk: Coates
Our guest speaker John Pickard explores the evocative sound world of Eric Coates, once dubbed the ‘King of light-music’. Focusing in particular on the two works to be performed this evening, including Cinderella – which Coates himself…

Angela Hewitt
An unforgettable evening with one of the most mesmerising musicians of our time. Angela Hewitt brings her signature freshness and technical finesse to a programme that blends playfulness with emotional depth. Widely regarded as one of the…

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…

Aurora Orchestra and Benjamin Grosvenor
“I’ve never seen an orchestra take so much ownership over a performance” was Bachtrack’s response to Aurora Orchestra’s 2016 Proms performance of Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ from memory. There’s an infectious freedom and energy to Aurora’s…

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.


