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Welcome to Cheltenham Festivals Changing lives through culture

Literature for Schools 2026 Tickets Now on Sale
Join us from 9–18 October for inspiring events with Michael Rosen, Katherine Rundell, Nadia Shireen, Nathanael Lessore and many more.
This year's programme offers something for every age group, with events designed to spark imaginations, nurture creativity and inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing.
Book Your PlaceWe believe in a world where everyone can explore and create culture
Our charity brings joy, sparks curiosity, connects communities and inspires change year-round through four world-class Festivals in Jazz, Science, Music and Literature and projects for education, community and talent development
What's On What's on

Shakespeare's Sisters
Mothers and mistresses, saints and sinners, fairies and murderers, witches and wenches – this recital puts Shakespeare’s female characters centre-stage and lets them speak their minds. Harriet Walter (Succession, Killing Eve, The Crown and…

Angela Hewitt
An unforgettable evening with one of the most mesmerising musicians of our time. Angela Hewitt brings her signature freshness and technical finesse to a programme that blends playfulness with emotional depth. Widely regarded as one of the…

Pre-concert Talk: Mahler
Following his wonderfully informative and engaging talks in 2025, Professor of Composition at the University of Bristol John Pickard, returns to delve deeper into the world of Mahler. In this illustrated introduction to Das klagende Lied,…

The Last Night...with Sinfonia of London and John Wilson
Often described as a ‘super-orchestra’ (ArtsDesk), Sinfonia of London under the baton of John Wilson brings together outstanding musicians from the UK and abroad, including principals and leaders from of the world's greatest orchestras,…

Opus13
First Prize winners at the 2025 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, Opus13 is rapidly emerging as a leading voice on the international chamber music scene. Named after Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13 —…

Vision String Quartet
Returning to Cheltenham after a spectacular recital in 2025 which demonstrated their precocious artistry, Vision String Quartet play pieces from every corner of the quartet repertoire with one signature difference: there are no music…

It's time for the Next Chapter
Since 1945, thanks to your support, we've been changing lives through culture. And now it's time for the Next Chapter. Read all about our Five Year Strategy today.
Keep up to date with Festival news See all news

The Big Read 2026
Tuesday 16 June 2026The Big Read 2026One book. One community. One Big Read.
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Announces Women's Prize for Fiction Winner 2026 ‘Big Read' Title
Tuesday 16 June 2026The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has today announced Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Virginia Evans’ and The Correspondent as this year’s Big Read title, launching a celebration of reading ahead of the Festival…
Inspiring the Next Generation of Curious Minds
Friday 12 June 2026Last week our Festival Village sparked the curiosity of thousands of Festival-goers with over 100 vibrant talks, explosive demos and creative workshops during Cheltenham Science Festival 2026.


