The Big Read 2025

One book. One community. One Big Read.

After a 10-year break, The Big Read returned for Cheltenham Festivals’ 80th birthday — and we couldn’t be more excited to bring readers back together through the power of one shared story.

This year's pick was The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley — her bold, time-bending debut novel. Part love story, part thrilling exploration of what it means to rewrite history, The Ministry of Time invites readers to travel through time, question the past — and maybe fall in love while doing it.

To celebrate, we sent 80 free copies of the book out into the world, through the post, and hid a further 40 on trains, in cafés and around Cheltenham for curious readers to discover, enjoy and pass along.

Join us here next time to get involved...

How to join in next time:

• Find a copy — or grab your own
• Read along with book clubs, libraries, and fellow Festival-goers
• Share your thoughts on social media using #TheBigRead

Together, let’s get everyone talking, reading — and passing the story on.