The Big Read 2026

One book. One community. One Big Read.

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

This year’s pick is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans – fresh from winning the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction. A witty, moving novel told through letters, it explores loneliness, friendship and the quiet power of reaching out across distance.

To celebrate, we’ll be sharing copies of the book with reading groups and placing further copies across Cheltenham for curious readers to discover, enjoy and pass on.

We’ll also be inviting people to take part in creative activities inspired by the book – with more details to follow soon.

Stay in the loop over on social media.

How to join in:

• Find a copy – or grab your own
• Share your thoughts on social media using #TheBigRead
• MORE TO COME

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