Stories have the power to shape us and the world we live in. Reading or being read to from a young age is an integral part of childhood; it enables children to escape to different worlds and ignites a lifetime curiosity for reading and a joy for learning. 

With latest research showing that children and young people's enjoyment is at the lowest level recorded in two decades, we join National Literacy Trust in their urgent appeal to our government to prioritise reading for pleasure as it reaches crisis point. 

We champion reading for pleasure as a national priority, working tirelessly with regional and national partners to place books and reading at the heart of children's wellbeing and development—impacting the lives of children both within Gloucestershire and beyond. Cheltenham Festivals’ Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils (RTRP) programme empowers teachers to inspire change in the classroom by developing a reading for pleasure culture at school. After taking part in a year-long programme in 2023/2024 to boost their skills in reading aloud and talking about books, 30 Gloucestershire teachers noticed students were more engaged and enthusiastic about reading, demonstrating a growing confidence when reflecting on the books they had read. 

RTRP's reach extends well beyond Gloucestershire, with 30 teacher reading groups in regions including London, Birmingham and Leeds. In total, 211 teachers participated in 2023-24, impacting over 6,300 pupils across the UK.  

2025 marks the return of the Reading for Pleasure Conference as part of Cheltenham Literature Festival, where teachers will hear from authors, illustrators, academics and literacy advocates to build on reading culture within schools, with a commitment to reversing the decline in young people’s enjoyment of reading. 

Cheltenham Festivals also works with Gloucestershire schools year-round to foster a love and joy of reading. The 75th Anniversary of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival welcomed over 12,000 school children from 104 Gloucestershire schools to its Festival Village, with 700 more tickets sold than in 2023, showing that schools themselves see the value of stories.    

Pupils engaged with and were inspired by children’s authors including Catherine Rayner, Joseph Coelho, Michael Rosen, Lauren Ellen Anderson, Sharna Jackson, Ashley Hickson-Lovence and more. They explored everything from crafting their own comic books to writing mystery stories, inspiring children to engage with reading, writing and stories in unique and exciting ways. The number of SEND schools attending this year's Festival doubled, reflecting the expanding reach of the Festival’s activities.  

The impact of literature festivals to inspire children to read is clear, with 1,000 more books sold in the Waterstones Children’s Bookshop at the 2024 Festival, compared to 2023. But ultimately, a love of reading starts at home and at school, with teachers and parents being fundamental to championing storytelling; each year over 25% of the Festival’s offering is free, allowing families to experience stories and reading in new and exciting ways, from musical mash ups, live draw-alongs, mask making, book cover designing and treasure hunts in The Wild Wood.  

At its core, Cheltenham Festivals is working to shift the nationwide perception that reading is purely educational. While literature is an intrinsic part of children’s education, reading and being read to also brings joy to children’s lives and ignites their curiosity. Our work with schools and local communities would not be possible without your support; we rely on the generosity of corporate Partners, funders, donors, members, Patrons and ticket buyers to deliver these year-round activities and initiatives.  

Email our Learning and Participation team to find out more.