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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

Verdi's Requiem
Verdi poured all his skill into depicting the extremes of human emotion in his Requiem. Already the grand master of Italian opera, Verdi borrowed his experience dramatising heartache, grandeur, violence and intense beauty to create perhaps…

Astatine Trio
BBC New Generation ArtistThe award-winning Astatine Trio has emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting young ensembles and opens this year’s series of recitals by current BBC New Generation Artists. From 2022–25 the trio benefited from the…

Hana Chang
BBC New Generation ArtistHana Chang has emerged as a unique and gripping violinist and performer. After a spectacular rise to prominence following her winning the 2023 Young Classical Artists Trust and Concert Artists Guild International…

The Unthanks
‘The Unthanks are capable of such beauty that sometimes I can hardly bear to listen to them’ said Martin Freeman of the band who ‘ask you to consider everything you know and un-think it’. Using the traditional music of the North East of…

Isata, Mariatu & Braimah Kanneh-Mason
Three members of the internationally renowned Kanneh-Mason family come to Cheltenham for a rare concert featuring both ensemble pieces and works for solo piano. Bookending the programme are two of Beethoven's most well-loved, virtuosic and…

Oleg Shebeta-Dragan
BBC New Generation ArtistUkrainian clarinettist Oleg Shebeta-Dragan is one of today’s most distinctive young artists. He first gained international recognition in 2022, when he won the prestigious Carl Nielsen International Competition in…

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.
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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.


