Celebrating the Joy, Impact and Stories of 2024

As we reflect on an incredible 2024, Cheltenham Festivals has much to celebrate—from milestones like the 75th Cheltenham Literature Festival to inspiring initiatives that brought joy and curiosity to thousands.

Behind each door in our 12 Days of Cheltenham Festivals, discover highlights from a year filled with creativity, innovation, and connection. Click through to explore the moments and achievements that made 2024 unforgettable.

Cheltenham Literature Festival turns 75

Celebrating 75 incredible years, we were honoured to host a reception at Downing Street

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

Our Cheltechne report, Mind The Gap, is paving the way for a stronger digital workforce

A FameLab Winner

The FameLab International Final celebrated the top science communicators from around the globe!

Access to Music

We hosted an inaugural conference, uniting industry leaders and introduced sensory backpacks to all four Festivals

Musicate Inspires Thousands

In 2024, over 3,500 children discovered the magic of music through Musicate

Connections Ticket Scheme

618 local residents experienced our Festivals thanks to our Connections programme

DataFace Empowers Pupils

1,500 students mastered data skills that will serve them well in the future

A Fresh New Look and Feel

We launched our website and updated brand to make engaging with us even easier

You Gave BIG

This Big Give Christmas Challenge - we smashed our funding target with £20,330!

Sustainability Achievements

Reusable cups kept over 40,000 single-use plastics out of the waste stream this year

We went ...around town

At all four of our Festivals we popped up around town to bring culture right to the doorstep of the local community for free

Sparking a Love for Reading

Through our Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils programme, we’re continuing to ignite curiosity in young readers