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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: 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…

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…

Verdi's Requiem
Verdi poured all his skill into depicting the extremes of human emotion in his Requiem. Already the grand master of Italian opera, Verdi borrowed his experience dramatising heartache, grandeur, violence and intense beauty to create perhaps…

Isata, Mariatu & Braimah Kanneh-Mason
Three members of the internationally renowned Kanneh-Mason family come to Cheltenham for a rare concert featuring both ensemble pieces and works for solo piano. Bookending the programme are two of Beethoven's most well-loved, virtuosic and…

Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year with Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra
In a new celebration of Gloucestershire’s outstanding musical talent, the Festival welcomes the winner of the Gloucestershire Young Musician Award to perform one of the greatest and most beloved violin concertos ever written. Superbly…

Violetta Suvini and Friends
Italian-Irish violinist and rising chamber music star Violetta Suvini brings together three of the most creative, bold and thoughtful composers working today for a series of new works for strings and electronics.New York-based Jasmine…

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.


