Would you like to be part of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival from 9 – 18 October 2026? 

We’d love to include you in this year’s programme! We're looking for a host of writers, creatives and performers to be part of our Festival...

We want to spotlight new talent as well as those who have been writing, creating and performing for years.  Although we welcome applications from anywhere in the UK, we’re keen to include Gloucestershire voices.  

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VOICEBOX

The big sibling that listens and never judges. 

Founded in 2021, VOICEBOX is a space for young people to create, connect and be heard. Staging timely conversations from grassroots to global issues, it helps shape the next generation of changemakers and amplifies the issues that matter.  

VOICEBOX's free programme takes place in a dedicated space at the Festival. From talks, discussion groups and workshops to spoken word, music and comedy, it brings together big names, rising stars and community changemakers to explore new writing, the arts, wellbeing, politics, pop culture and society.  
 
Through VOICEBOX we showcase the brave, fresh, original voices changing the conversation. Whether you’re a creative wanting to share your work or an organisation empowering young people, we’d love to hear from you! 

The Huddle and The Snug

The Huddle and The Snug are free spaces situated in our vibrant Feast Café, home to the best local, national and international talent. 

There are opportunities to be part of panel events, creative workshops, open mics and much more. 

This could be through reading, poetry, spoken word, crafts, music, storytelling, the list goes on... 

Locally Sourced

A series of events on our ticketed programme dedicated to proudly celebrating homegrown talent through poetry readings, spoken word performances, panel or in conversation events and more. 

Opportunities include:

• Panel events
• Non-fiction writing
• Poetry and spoken word
• Community storytelling

If you’re from Gloucestershire and have a story to tell, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply

Applications are welcome from individuals and groups. 

To apply to be part of the Festival, fill in our submission form and you will be considered for one of the projects above.

If you would prefer, please send a submission video, no longer than three minutes, answering the form’s questions to [email protected].

Performer expenses will be discussed individually with successful applicants. 

⏳ Deadline for applications: Monday 1 June 2026

We can’t wait to hear from you!

If you have any concerns or requirements surrounding accessibility, please contact us at [email protected]. 

The Festival site is fully accessible for wheelchair users, we have a designated Quiet Space and Guide Dogs are permitted. We will invite all successful artists to complete an Access form in advance.