Adrian Chiles | Alan Hollinghurst | Alexander Armstrong | Alison Steadman | Amber Guinness  Amy Jeffs | Ann Cleeves | Anna James | Anton du Beke | Arthur Parkinson | Asako Yuzuki Ashley-John Baptiste | Bettany Hughes | Bob Mortimer | Carol Vorderman | Caroline Quentin Caitlin Moran | Celia Imrie | Craig Brown | Dan Snow | David Nicholls | Dharshini David 

Dina Macki | Elif Shafak | Emma Freud | Fern Britton | Fearne Cotton | Floella Benjamin 

Fred Sirieix | Gemma Styles | Geoff Hurst  | Geri Halliwell | Harriet Walter | Ian Rankin 

Jodi Picoult | John Torode | Jordan Stephens | Judi Dench | Julian Clary | Justin Webb 

Kate Mosse | Katy Hessel | Katherine Rundell | Kapka Kassabova | Laura Whitmore 

Lionel Shriver | Lisa Faulkner | Liz Earle | Lorraine Kelly | Lynda La Plante | Marina Hyde 

Mary Beard | Matt Haig | Matthew Syed | Mehreen Khan | Michael Lewis | Michael Palin 

Mike Batt | Mike Tindall |  Miranda Hart | Miriam Margolyes | Monty Don | Nandini Das 

Neneh Cherry | Norman Ackroyd | Nussaibah Younis | Paddy O’Connell | Pam Ayres 

Patrick Grant | Paula Hawkins | Peter Frankopan | Prue Leith | Rachel Joyce | Richard Ayoade Richard Coles | Richard Osman | Rick Astley | Robert Harris | Robin Niblett | Rupert Everett Russell Watson | Sally Phillips | Sathnam Sanghera | Simon Armitage | Tracy Chevalier 

Trevor McDonald | William Dalrymple | Zandra Rhodes | Zeinab Badawi 

GUEST CURATORS:   

Ann Morgan | Danielle Jawando | Joelle Taylor | Rónán Hession | Virginia Nicholson 

FAMILY AND YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMME:   

Adam Stower | Adeola Sokumbi | Alice Roberts | Andy Darcy Theo | Annemarie Anang 

Ashley Thorpe | Ben Miller | Catherine Rayner | Cornelia Funke | Craig Glenday 

Cressida Cowell | David Roberts | Elle McNicoll | Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé | Frank Cottrell-Boyce Greg Jenner | Hamza Yassin | Harriet Muncaster | James Fox | Jenny Pearson 

Jodie Lancet-Grant | Jordan Lees | Josh Silver | Kathleen Glasgow 

Katie Kirby | Kes Gray and Jim Field | Krystal Sutherland | Kwame Alexander 

Laura Ellen Anderson | Laura Nokes | Lauren Child | Leigh Hodgkinson | Mariajo Ilustrajo  

Marije Tolman | Max Boucherat | Michael Rosen | Moira Buffini | Nadia Shireen | Neill Cameron Onjali Q. Rauf | Pari Thomson | Preet Chandi | Robin Stevens | Roopa Farooki | Russell Kane Sam Sedgman | Sharna Jackson | Simon Mole | Tim Budgen | Tolá Okogwu 

The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2024 celebrates its 75th anniversary with a must-see line-up. From 4 to 13 October, the Gloucestershire spa town will bring 75 years of literary milestones to life and reflect on the legacy of the world's longest-running literature festival, while looking to the future. 

With a jam-packed programme of 400+ events over 10 days, the Festival returns with the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats, political debates fresh from the party conference season, a vibrant family and schools programme, and performances and literary happenings scattered across the town. 

The Festival will continue to lead the way in celebrating the written and spoken word, with an array of thought-provoking discussions and exploration of emerging trends across politics, culture and lifestyle. World-famous names will sit alongside brand-new voices, emphasising the Festival’s commitment  to look towards – and help create – the future. 

There is also a commitment to widening accessibility to the arts. At least 25% of the programme is free, including drop-in family events and activities in The Wild Wood and there are events for everyone to enjoy in The Huddle and The Snug thanks to the support of the Benefact Group, VOICEBOX, and as part of the Lit Crawl in venues across Cheltenham. The Festival also inspires over 12,500 school children with a love of books through its Literature for Schools programme, in line with Cheltenham Festivals’ year-round mission to bring joy, spark curiosity, connect communities and inspire change.  

New venues for 2024 include The Snug and The Hush, where visitors can join book clubs, be immersed in crafts, join in with lively post-event debates or rest and contemplate new thoughts or ideas. There is also a series of events and unique dining experiences hosted at The Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s spectacular rooftop restaurant; and Dunkertons Taproom will host street food vendors, vibrant discussion, lively quizzes and captivating cabaret. VOICEBOX once again brings young voices and ideas to the forefront through a free programme of talks, workshops, panels, music, comedy and more. Featuring well-known names and emerging talent and covering topics including mental health and wellbeing, activism, and inclusivity, the full, free line-up will be announced early September.  

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS 

The Festival looks to celebrate its 75th anniversary by exploring some of the most famous works of literature published since 1949, examining how societal and technological advances have evolved and changed, and asking what discoveries have been made – and what the next 75 years might look like.  

A number of literary anniversaries are celebrated as part of 75th programming, including George Orwell’s 1984 and Nancy Mitford’s Love in a Cold Climate. In the current affairs strand, 75 years of NATO are examined. Looking forward, there are talks on ‘Being Human in the Age of AI’, and the future of the NHS; and the implications of the numerous political elections across the world in 2024 are interrogated via multiple events. A special anniversary event, Future 75, will bring together thought leaders and creatives for an evening of short talks on a range of topics, as speakers set out their vision for the future. 

Significant figures in the development of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival – from its beginnings up to the present day – are celebrated, as are the local surroundings and community. John Moore, founder and driving force behind the Festival, is recognised with a literary walking tour inspired by his Brensham Trilogy, set in and around Tewkesbury. Mark Cummings shares his love of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds in his new book, Glorious Gloucestershire, and is joined by Pam Ayres who shares tales of her life living in and loving the Cotswolds. 

2024 marks the fourth year of the Festival’s five-year theme, ‘Read the World’, which will see participants and Festival directors from all over the world joining live events digitally and in-person to share ideas and learn from each other. Ann Morgan returns as the Festival’s literary explorer in residence, with events including an interview with popular South Korean translator and debut novelist Anton Hur. 

Booking for the Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Thursday 29 August and public booking opens on Thursday 5 September.  

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS 

FICTION 

This year’s fiction programme is packed with leading names and the best emerging voices. Barbara Kingsolver, appearing virtually, revisits her very first book Holding the Line, and discusses using writing to explore the world’s complexities and amplify unheard voices. Booker Prize winner Alan Hollinghurst joins an elite list of winners in receiving The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence 2024 and discusses his literary career and new novel Our Evenings. Paula Hawkins returns to Cheltenham to speak about her gripping new novel The Blue Hour. Author of My Sister’s KeeperJodi Picoult is in conversation with Julia Wheeler about her new novel By Any Other Name which transports readers between Elizabethan England and modern-day Manhattan.  

Richard Osman returns to Cheltenham with the first book in his new series We Solve Murders with his The Rest Is Entertainment co-host, and The Guardian columnist, Marina Hyde. Lorraine Kelly talks about her tale of family rifts and difficult reunions set on the island of Orkney in her debut novel The Island Swimmer. Fearne Cotton presents her debut novel,Scripted, which follows one woman’s empowering journey to reclaim her voice and rewrite her destiny. Author, actor and comedian Julian Clary discusses his hilariously entertaining new mystery novel Curtain Call to Murder.Richard Ayoade speaks to Festival-goers about his new book, a quest to rescue Harauld Hughes – the mythical mid-century playwright – from obscurity. Returning with a cosy crime novel, Richard Coles will be chatting about his new book as well as his life in retirement in East Sussex. The king of crime fiction Ian Rankin will be in conversation about his brand-new thriller Midnight and Blue. David Nicholls revisits the global bestseller One Day in the year it became a major Netflix adaptation, and discusses his new book You Are Here. Contemporary literary legend Nick Hornby speaks with Francesca Segal about her new novel Welcome to Glorious Tuga, his top reading list recommendation. 

Guest Curator Rónán Hession has focused on highlighting international fiction and diverse literary voices. His events include a celebration of Irish fiction featuring Jan Carson and Mike McCormack, and an interview with acclaimed Japanese writer Yoko Tawada. 

The New Voices Spotlight event will celebrate some of this year’s hottest debut fiction. Hosted by BookTokker and content creator Joel Rochester, Olivia Gatwood (Whoever You Are, Honey), 2024 Booker Prize longlisted author Colin Barrett (Wild Houses), Amy Twigg (Spoilt Creatures) and Elle Machray (Remember, Remember) talk about becoming novelists in 2024, the stories they’ve chosen to tell, and what the future holds for them. This spotlight forms part of a New Voices series across the fiction programme, featuring debuts from Varaidzo, Kaliane Bradley, Hanako Footman, Lauren Elkin, Aimée Walsh, Sinéad Gleeson, Jennie Godfrey, Harriet Constable, Oisín McKenna, Jonny Flynn, Fiona Williams and Elizabeth O’Connor. 

Authors Rosie Price, Rachel Khong and Kieran Goddard return with their much-anticipated second novels, while Rebecca F. Kuang joins Abigail Bergstrom to discuss her novel Yellowface, one of 2023’s biggest success stories.Asako Yuzuki celebrates the success of her cult Japanese bestseller, Butter, and Yoko Tawada discusses her latest novel Spontaneous Acts and her celebrated literary career.Join Jo Hamya and James Walton as they introduce audiences to the authors and books on this year’s Booker Prize shortlist, and present the world premiere of the award-winning filmed readings for each book.  

CURRENT AFFAIRS 

The Festival explores many of the major issues facing society today, championing dynamic and nuanced discussion. With less than a month to go until the US election, John Pienaar chairs a discussion with foreign policy expert Robin Niblett, chair of Republicans Abroad Sarah Elliott, Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein and Conservative Home founder Tim Montgomerie on the likely result and global consequences. Elsewhere in the programme, Niblett shares his sobering analysis of the New Cold War between China and the US in an event chaired by China Dialogue founder Isabel Hilton. In an anniversary event, political scientist Sten Rynning and journalist Peter Apps discuss the intriguing history of 75 years of NATO, from the Korean War to the chaotic evacuation from Kabul and look ahead to what might be the most dangerous era it has ever faced. Journalist Stephanie Baker brings together Russian strategy expert Andrew Monaghan, former diplomat Leigh Turner and North Korea specialist Edward Howell to discuss the global implications of the burgeoning relationship between Russia and North Korea, two of the world’s most sanctioned nations. Meanwhile, former UK diplomat Samir Puri, journalist Elisabeth Braw and Iraq’s former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Allawi explore whether we’re witnessing a seismic shift in global power away from the West. 

Analyst Chietigj Bajparr, author Kapil Komireddi and Sunday Times journalist Oliver Shah reflect on the outcome of the 2024 Indian election, why Prime Minister Modi is such a divisive figure, and what we can expect over the next five years. Two of the most prominent China experts, Michael Sheridan and Kerry Brown debate on the long history of China’s relationship with Britain and offer new insights into the life story, personality and ambitions of Xi Jinping. Exploring political leadership from an insider angle, Phil Elwood – a former PR operative in Washington, who made news for dictators, politicians and tycoons – appears in conversation with David Yelland, Former editor of The Sun and presenter of When It Hits the Fan. Carol Vorderman discusses her unlikely pivot from the daytime television queen of arithmetic to one of the country’s most fearless political activists. 

Matthew Syed, Rachel Sylvester and Ben Taylor debate the fresh thinking needed to change the troubled institution that is the NHS. Torsten Bell and Kwajo Tweneboa discuss how we can get Britain back on track with Hashi Mohamed. Celebrated US author of Moneyball and The Big Short, Michael Lewis, will be at the Festival to share the epic story of Sam Bankman-Fried and the high-frequency trading and crypto mania that he witnessed first-hand. Marianna Spring, the BBC’s first disinformation and social media correspondent discusses Among the Trolls, telling first-hand stories of people getting caught up in trolling and misinformation. Green industrialist Dale Vince outlines his blueprint for the future of green Britain, while in Green Futures, economist Dharshini David and data scientist Hannah Ritchie explore how we can positively impact our individual and collective futures.Ethicist Shannon Vallor and journalist Madhumita Murgia explore how AI is reshaping society, ethics and human identity. 

As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, journalist Masuma Ahuja brings together Palestinian novelist and journalist Ibtisam Azem, Palestinian author Selma Dabbagh and poet and author Monika Radojevic to discuss the role that artists and writing can play in responding to crisis and shaping our hopes for the future. Meanwhile, Director of Chatham House Middle East and North Africa Programme Sanam Vakil, professor in international relations Christopher Phillips, and historian James Barr provide an expert analysis of the Middle East and implications of the current conflict for the international community.   

CLASSIC LITERATURE  

There will be a number of events reflecting on the last 75 years of literature, and what the next 75 years will hold. 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of George Orwell’s iconic last novel 1984;Orwell’s biographer D.J. Taylor and Dorian Lynskey (author of The Ministry of Truth)discuss how history can inform fiction and how fiction can inform history. 1949 saw the publication of Nancy Mitford’s Love in a Cold Climate and Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, while the Paget twins transfixed London with their friends and lovers. Rebecca Jones chairs a 75th anniversary event charting the overlapping lives of these women who defied convention, with Ariane Bankes, Kate Kirkpatrick and Laura Thompson. Author Ben Macintyre’stales of real-life spies have captured the imaginations of thousands; he joins thriller writers Ava Glass and Charles Cumming as they discuss the evolution of this ever-popular genre since 1949. In another unique anniversary event, The Times Letters Editor Andrew Riley hosts a fascinating journey through changing social attitudes, political upheavals and global events with his pick of letters from readers since 1949. Kate Mosse chairs a discussion with Robbie Millen and Laura Hackett about fifty years of The Sunday Times bestseller lists.  

Curators of the Bodleian Library exhibition Write, Cut, Rewrite,Mark Nixon and Dirk Van Hulle explore the creative decisions made by some of our most renowned authors, from Jane Austen to Alan Bennett, joined by author and guest curator Rónán Hessian as he reflects on his own process. The popular classic literature debate returns with a new theme: Alexander Armstrong, Andrew Hunter Murray and Michael Rosen engage in a fiery battle to decide which two characters from classic literature would create a brilliant relationship. 30 years ago, Adrian Lukis starred as the roguish George Wickham in the renowned BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice;he reprises the roleon his 60th birthday in a one-man show, recounting his own version of some very famous literary events. Guest Curator Virginia Nicholson (Virginia Woolf’s great-niece) discusses managing literary estates of national treasures alongside John le Carré’s son Nick Harkaway andliterary agent Becky Brown, whorepresents authors including A.A. Milne and Douglas Adams. Marking the centenary of Franz Kafka’s death, Daniel Medin from the American University of Paris gathers a line-up of Kafka lovers and experts including Oxford scholar Karolina Watroba, Japanese novelist Yoko Tawada and translator Ross Benjamin for a deep dive ‘study day’. Join four actors for four Shakespeare shows with all elements decided by the audience in You’re Bard; a hilarious, unpredictable show unlike anything you’ve seen before.

FOOD AND DRINK

At Cheltenham’s rooftop restaurant, The Nook on Five, Festival-goers can enjoy a special series of events and exclusive dining experiences. Amber Guinness, chef and host at The Arniano Painting School in Tuscany, invites visitors to journey with her down the Italian coast over a delicious Mediterranean supper. Over afternoon tea, writer and food critic Tom Parker-Bowles will give a fascinating historical tour of royal tastes and traditions drawn from the royal archives, contemporary accounts and personal insight. Cult indie publisher Persephone Books also offers an afternoon tea, as novelists Amanda Craig and Rachel Joyce and publisher Francesca Beauman trace the post-war experience through the pages of Persephone and share some of their favourite titles.  

Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons hosts a special Festival episode of his award-winning podcast Wine Times, sharing his love of wine, lively conversations and vinous culture, with a three-course dinner with a wine pairing. Over dinner and cocktails, global rum ambassador Ian Burrell reveals the variety, complex history, and distinct flavours that rum has to offer. 

Dunkertons Tap Room will be a hub for dynamic discussion, quizzes and cabaret. Join the ‘Nigella of Wine’ Hannah Crosbie for an evening of top tips for finding wines to suit every occasion. Deliciously Ella’sElla Mills joins chef Max La Manna to reflect on her career and share top tips for curating an irresistible diet that’s good for you and the planet. Cabaret performer and director Ruth Ivo immerses the audience in the dark heart of London’s soho, sharing tales of life behind the scenes. 

ART AND DESIGN  

As part of the 75th anniversary programming, in conversation with Jo Baring, Katy Hessel shares her pick of unmissable women artists and artworks that have shaped art history since 1949. Orlando Whitfield shares the account of his life as an art dealer and his friendship with infamous dealer Inigo Philbrick. Hettie Judah and Claire Kilroy discuss motherhood, creativity and identity in their respective books. Internationally renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick discusses putting emotion back at the heart of building design to help the planet and improve our health and happiness.Art historian Bendor Grosvenor explores British art from 4,000 BCE to the 19th century, illuminated via various moments, objects and individuals. Illustrators Aimée de Jongh and Chris Mould discuss creating graphic novels of classic texts. Martin Bailey and graphic artist Simon Elliott use Van Gogh’s Sunflowers as a starting point to explore the artist’s life and legacy, while acclaimed biographer Sue Prideaux turns her eye to the giant of post-Impressionism, Paul Gauguin. 

Multiple events at the Festival tie in with blockbuster exhibitions at major art institutions across 2024-5, such as the V&A show of Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s unparalleled collection of photography. Curator Lydia Caston and V&A Head of Photography Duncan Forbes share their insights. Monika Hinkel, curator ofDulwich Picture Gallery’sYoshida exhibition, Anna Jackson, keeper of the V&A’s Asian Department, and Masami Yamada, V&A curator for Japan, explore the art and style of Japan through woodblock print, textiles and dress. The Birth of Impressionism is celebrated by the Musée d’Orsay’s Curator of Paintings Anne Robbins and The National Gallery’s Curator of Post-1800 Paintings Christopher Riopelle, illuminating those that defined the movement. Accompanied by the British Museum’s extraordinary collection of drawings, Sarah Vowles and Grant Lewis explore Michelangelo’s relationships and consider his transformation into the figure of artistic genius known today. 

ENTERTAINMENT  

Beloved stars of television, film, music, and comedy are celebrated at the Festival. The legendary Judi Dench discusses her captivating book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent with actor and director Brendan O’Hea, sharing the unforgettable moments and hilarious mishaps of her Shakespeare career. Helen Fielding talks about the life and times of Bridget Jones and the enduring appeal of one of literature’s most beloved characters. Gerri Halliwell joins Emma Freud to discuss her journey from Spice Girl to activist and bestselling children’s author. Michael Palin returns to the Festival to talk about his diaries 1999-2009, tracing a world buffeted by change; and BAFTA award-winning writer and producer Lynda La Plante talks about her memoir, covering her life, loves, sexism, innumerable obstacles, and the inspiration behind her captivating stories. Rupert Everett discusses his varied career and his new collection of short stories, which draws on his wealth of film and TV ideas. Olivier Award-winning actor Celia Imrie (star of the forthcoming film, The Thursday Murder Club) talks about her new novel, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner – inspired by the resilience and camaraderie of women during World War II. Other favourite faces from TV include much-loved actor Alison Steadman, outspoken national treasure Miriam Margolyes, actor and comedian Miranda Hart, and First Dates star Fred Sirieix.  

There is a strong showing of musicians and those with unique stories of the industry. Rick Astley chats about his memoir, full of nostalgia, truth, introspection and northern humour. Singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry talks about her life and career, and classical singer Russell Watson discusses the struggles and triumphs of suffering two brain tumours and re-finding his voice after treatment. Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood talks about the intimate stories and candid photos in his book documenting the band’s journey from 2003 to 2016 with Radiohead super fan and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Rockonteurs podcastpresenters Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt are joined by Alan Edwards, the godfather of music PR, who worked with David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, The Rolling Stones, Blondie, Prince and The Spice Girls, among many others. Mike Batt – lead singer and creator of The Wombles group – talks about producing music for artists including Art Garfunkel, Cliff Richard, and Katie Melua, and conducting many of the world’s great orchestras.  

HISTORY 

An expansive array of events awaits history fans, exploring different eras and iconic figures from across the ages. In a special anniversary event, campaigning peer Floella Benjamin, broadcaster Mary Ann Sieghart and Guest Curator and social historian Virginia Nicholson consider how much women’s lives have changed in the past 75 years. From the award-winning History Hit channel and podcast, Dan Snow reveals how the England we know came to be, through tales of invaders, immigrants, and visitors and their influence. Stonemason Andrew Ziminski explains how he experiences the tangible history of this country through the materials and buildings he works with. William Dalrymple, Nandini Das and Josephine Quinn consider how the spread of ideas and culture from India across Ancient Eurasia – and between societies mingling across the ancient world – shaped Western civilisation. Former head of the British Army Richard Dannatt and Churchill expert Allen Packwood draw on documents and letters from the archives to reveal the intricacies of Churchill’s planning for D-Day. Broadcaster Zeinab Badawi and British Academy Book Prize-winning author Toby Green talkabout placing African voices at the centre of our narratives of African history. Medieval art historian Amy Jeffs takes visitors on a pilgrimage to the world of medieval saints, with an evening of legends retold through songs, storytelling and live instrumental. Sathnam Sanghera, David van Reybrouck and Simukai Chigudu, discuss the pain and process of rebuilding a nation and navigating the legacies of colonial rule. Omani chef Dina Macki and political historian Or Rosenboim discuss food heritage with Ayesha Erkin, founder of the Brown Girls Food Club. 

LIFESTYLE 

Era-defining designer Zandra Rhodes – who has dressed everyone from rockstars to royalty – shares the story of her incredible life and timeless work, which is woven into the cultural and music fabric of the last 50 years. Mark Ellison – described as the best carpenter in New York City and the man who builds impossible things for clients, including the late David Bowie and Robin Williams – reflects on his unexpected career. Presenter Gabby Logan hosts a special live Festival episode of her popular podcast The Mid•Point, chatting to beauty and wellness expert Liz Earle. Prue Leith and Fern Britton share advice on how to live your best life, whatever your age. For those who love gardening, actress Caroline Quentin and writer and illustrator Arthur Parkinson come together to share their top tips. John Torode and Lisa Faulkner discuss their love of entertaining, creativity in the kitchen, and being an on-screen couple. Food journalist and broadcaster Tim Hayward and publisher Juliet Annan talk to Guest Curator Virginia Nicholson about their love of reading about someone else’s love of food, in The Art of Food Writing. Authors Paul Burston and Jeremy Atherton and poet Joelle Taylor take the audience on a time-traveling, transatlantic bar hop to explore the history and enduring importance of the gay bar.  

PSYCHOLOGY 

Jordan Stephens – musician, actor and presenter best known for being one half of hip hop duo, Rizzle Kicks – opens up about his ADHD diagnosis, navigating the pressures of fame, and what it means to be a modern man. Bryony Gordon returns with the highly anticipated follow up to Mad Girl; eight years on, Mad Woman explores Bryony’s evolving journey through mental health. In This Is Why You Dream, neurosurgeon Rahul Jandial uncovers the hidden secrets of our unconscious brains. A Freud Study Day offers a varied exploration of Sigmund Freud's profound influence on psychology and the modern world as well as to mark the centenary of Hogarth Press commissioning Freud's collected papers to be translated into English. Gemma Styles, host of the Good Influence podcast, talks with Laura Whitmore about stress, loneliness and insecurity in the digital age. 

SPORT 

Celebrated broadcaster Trevor McDonald celebrates his life-long love of cricket. Footballing legend Geoff Hurst from England’s 1966 World Cup winning team reminisces about his ten teammates and old friends. Rugby legends James Haskell,Mike Tindall and Alex Payne discuss the highs and lows of their friendship and rugby. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell made history as world number one in 50m breaststroke and the first Black woman to swim for the British Olympic team; she discusses the pressures of success and her decision to walk away from it all. Motorsport star Nicolas Hamilton shares his remarkable story of defying expectations.  

TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE 

In 1977, Robyn Davidson set off with a dog and four camels to cross 1,700 miles of Australian desert to the sea. Tracks, her account of the journey, became an international bestseller. In a UK first, Robyn discusses the forces of love and loss that have propelled her nomadic existence. Simon Parker chats to Justin Webb – BBC journalist and host of the Americast podcast – about his journey cycling across 4,000 miles in the heartland of the USA ahead of the 2024 election, and the people he met along the way. BBC Radio 3 presenter Petroc Trelawny embarks on a deeply felt exploration of Cornwall and its cultural history. His conversation with Richard Coles is accompanied by pianist Richard Sisson playing an arrangement of Malcolm Arnold’s popular Cornish Dances.  

MEMOIR 

Private Eye diarist Craig Brown discusses his biography of Queen Elizabeth II and the impressions she made on those in her orbit. Award-winning presenter and journalist Ashley John-Baptiste and Lola Young, one of the first Black women in the House of Lords, discuss their personal experiences of the British care system, and their determination to defy the odds. Award-winning Zimbabwean memoirist and foreign correspondent Peter Godwin presents his stunning new book, Exit Wounds, in conversation with his sister, broadcaster Georgina Godwin.Rose Boyt, daughter of Lucian Freud, speaks about her complicated relationship with her father.  

NATURE 

One of Britain’s finest nature writers, John Lewis-Stempel presents his magnum opus on the English countryside, exploring our rich diversity of habitats. What connects Robin Hood, fungi, Shakespeare and sorcery? Environmentalist Jules Acton explores how the oak tree is ingrained in British history, culture, mythology and literature, chatting to novelist Tracy Chevalier about their shared love of trees. Award-winning writer Kapka Kassabova speaks about her time with the last moving pastoralists in Europe, experiencing the intensity, brutality, beauty and isolation of their existence and witnessing the profound interdependence of humans and animals. 

POETRY AND OFF THE PAGE 

Can AI capture the essence of poetry crafted by human hand? Poets Olivia Gatwood, whose debut novel Whoever You Are, Honey, examines love, friendship and the algorithm, and Polly Denny, who works at the intersection of creativity and technology, are joined by Irenson Okojie and an AI poetry bot for an evening of conversation and spoken word with a difference. To mark the mid-point of Simon Armitage’s Poet Laureateship, he appears for a special event of conversation and readings with Julia Wheeler. Award-winning poet and festival guest curator Joelle Taylor performs a staged reading from her debut novel The Night Alphabet, directed by Neil Bartlett. Taylor also presents a spoken word showcase with a stellar line up including K Patrick, Sean Hewitt, Michael Pedersen and Harry Josephine Giles. Performing her poems, full of wit and charm, Pam Ayres joins Mark Cummings to share tales of her life living in and loving the Cotswolds. Following sold-out shows, Hollie McNish is back to celebrate her latest collection Lobster. Wendy Cope, one of Britain’s best-loved poets, speaks about the laugh-out-loud funny to deeply moving poetry in The Orange. Malachy Tallach – one of Scotland’s trailblazing literary writers, a singer-songwriter, and an islander – discusses his new novel set in Shetland with Colin McIntyre and performs songs from the book. Three poets who have turned to prose – Andrew McMillan, Salena Godden and K Patrick – come together to speak about how this influences their work.  

SCIENCE 

Bestselling author and scientist Tim Spector offers clear answers on what to eat to maintain good health in an age of ultra-processed food. Also discussing our eating habits is philosopher Julian Baggini, questioning whether it is possible to build a global and equitable food system. World-leading hormones doctor Max Nieuwdorp and menstrual cycle expert Maisie Hill examine how we’re wired and how you can better understand your body. 

FAMILY AND YOUNG ADULTS  

Many of the nation’s favourite children’s and YA authors will be at the Festival, entertaining families and young people alike. For younger children, Kes Gray and Jim Field (Oi Dinosaurs!) packs in oodles of prehistoric rhyming fun; there is plenty of Supertato silliness with co-creator Sue Hendra; professional storyteller Lucy Walters hosts interactive storytelling from the books based on the well-known CBeebies series, Bing; and pantomime dame Mama G shares magical stories about everyone’s favourite elephant, Elmer. Fifty years since his first book, former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen celebrates his newest books with totally true stories, out of this world poems and lots of laughs. For those wanting to get involved in the creativity, there is a draw-along with Catherine Rayner, who explores big feelings in Otto the TOP dog; live drawing in an interactive event with George Webster, CBeebies presenter, star of Strictly Come Dancing, and ambassador for people with Down syndrome (Why Not?); and a Crazy Comic draw off with Sophy Henn, Jim Smith and Steve Lenton. Mural artists will paint giant books which are displayed in The Wild Wood throughout the festival. 

In the middle grade programme, in a rare UK appearance, Cornelia Funke returns to the beloved fantasy world of Inkheart alongside daughter and translator Anna Schmitt Funke,and chats about her new novel The Colour of Revenge. In an adventure-packed event, Alexander Armstrong introduces Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, his epic debut children’s book bursting with ancient magic, secret societies and fearsome foes. Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce and author and illustrator Nadia Shireen take part in a live podcastThe Island of Brilliant with Lauren Child to chat about creating books for children. Author-illustrator Harriet Muncaster brings to life the enchanting world of Isadora Moon, half vampire, half fairy, while author-illustrator Alex T. Smith (Astrid and the Space Cadets) hosts an out-of-this-world mission and space adventure. Nadia Shireen hosts a Grimwood party and invites the audience to draw two of her fantastic characters. Kieran Larwood presents a puzzle-solving event to find out if you have what it takes to become a dungeon runner. Sam Sedgman reveals the incredible science behind time and how it inspired his thrilling new mystery adventure, The Clockwork Conspiracy.  

This year’s Festival has a bumper YA programme curated with author and screenwriter Danielle Jawando. Elle McNicoll talks about her new YA cosy romance Some Like It Cold, normalising neurodiversity and the need for representation. Jawando brings together activist Laura Bates, author Natasha Bowen and TikTok sensation and new author Andy Darcy Theo to discuss fantasy as a vehicle to explore social justice and dissect important issues. Dark academia writer Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, gorgeously twisted modern fairy tale writer Krystal Sutherland and supernatural thriller writer Rosie Talbot discuss their gripping YA Halloween reads. Harper Fire spotlights the hottest voices of YA for 2025 with new and familiar faces as Rachel Greenlaw, Leanne Egan and Salomey Doku introduce their YA debuts with BookTok’s @libraryofcalcifer.