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
Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to be the first for literature news...
Image gallery
Image gallery
Take a look at last year's brochures:
Explore What's On See all events
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…
The Inside Story of Our Hormones
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…
Bat Box Workshop and Walk
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…
Things Scientists Don't Know
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…
Deborah Meaden Talks Money
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…
The Great Big Bug Show
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…
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.
Image gallery
Be on the right page - Follow us at @cheltfestivals
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…