The arts organisation has been nominated for Charity of the Year and its Jazz and Literature Festivals have each been separately nominated for Event of the Year in the region’s highest-profile awards for lifestyle and entertainment.

The nomination for Charity of the Year recognises the remarkably broad charitable activity of Cheltenham Festivals, which encompasses a range of educational and schools programmes, accessibility activity which champions inclusivity and expanding opportunities to enjoy and be inspired by live experiences, and a range of world-leading subsidised and free cultural events.

The charity is especially excited to have an opportunity to tell the varied and valuable stories generated by this activity, which takes place alongside and beyond its four annual world-famous Festivals. 

Two of those Festivals are also each nominated for Event of the Year. In 2023, Cheltenham Jazz Festival bought the best of jazz - and jazz-influenced - music to the Regency town, including Gregory Porter’s last year as Artistic Director, banner sets from Laura Mvula and MIKA, and the usual vibrant, family-friendly Festival site. 

The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, meanwhile, brought together world-class novelists, incisive global thinkers and high-profile speakers in a celebration the arts, culture, current affairs, the media and more. 

Both Festivals are internationally recognised, and feature a wide-ranging set of events taking place across Cheltenham itself - just as Cheltenham Festivals as a whole dedicates itself to valuable community work throughout the year. The three shortlistings are a hugely welcome recognition of all the charity’s work - and places it alongside so much of the other wonderful work being undertaken in the county and beyond.

Finalists for the SoGlos Lifestyle Awards are announced on April 22. The awarding ceremony will be held on May 16.