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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Take a look at last year's brochures:

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  1. A personal led back on a beanbag watching artists plau instruments on stage

    Mixtape x Squidsoup

    Cheltenham Town Hall
    £15

    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…

    General On Sale
    More info
  2. CSF26 W007 The Inside Story of Our Hormones

    The Inside Story of Our Hormones

    Cheltenham Town Hall
    £13

    Harness your hormones for a happier and healthier life with leading endocrinologist Saira Hameed. Take a seat in Saira's clinic as she reveals common misconceptions and 'hormone hacks', with a toolkit for understanding your own body and…

    18-30s Booking Open
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  3. Bat Box Workshop and Walk

    Bat Box Workshop and Walk

    MakerShack
    £19

    Join the Bat Conservation Trust and Gloucestershire Bat Group to make your own bat box for your garden or yard, followed by a short walk at dusk to look for bats in and around the Festival area. You'll be provided with all…

    18-30s Booking Open
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  4. Things Scientists Don't Know book jacket

    Things Scientists Don't Know

    Helix
    £9

    How will the universe end? Will computers become smarter than humans?Voyage to the curious and surprising corners of science that we don't know the answers to... yet! Author Peter Gallivan showcases how scientists uncover new facts about…

    18-30s Booking Open
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  5. CSF26 K009 Deborah Meaden Talks Money

    Deborah Meaden Talks Money

    Cheltenham Town Hall
    £16

    Renowned entrepreneur, investor and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden shares her personal journey and practical advice on taking control of your finances. Build healthy money habits and understand the stock market with Deborah's clear…

    18-30s Booking Open
    More info
  6. Big Bug Show book jacket

    The Great Big Bug Show

    Cheltenham Town Hall
    £9

    Ins(p)ect the secret world beneath our feet in this bug-infested show with poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko. Sing, dance, rap and rhyme about the delightfully disgusting and wonderfully weird world of bugs. We'll discover which beetle…

    18-30s Booking Open
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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.