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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

Relaxed Concert for Families
Join us to explore a musical rainbow in this very special orchestral concert. Will we find a pot of gold…?For children with disabilities or additional needs and their families, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fully relaxed…

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…

Pavel Kolesnikov
Pavel Kolesnikov is hailed by The Guardian as an ‘outstanding pianist in every degree’ and for the ‘great emotional intelligence with understated virtuosity’ of his playing. He returns to Cheltenham Music Festival with a very special…

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…

Mixtape x Squidsoup
Mixtape returns in 2026, refreshed by a brand new collaboration with world-leading arts collective Squidsoup, masters of beautiful immersive lighting design. Grab a drink, sit, stand, or lie back and get lost in the magical interplay of…

Aurora Orchestra and Benjamin Grosvenor
“I’ve never seen an orchestra take so much ownership over a performance” was Bachtrack’s response to Aurora Orchestra’s 2016 Proms performance of Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ from memory. There’s an infectious freedom and energy to Aurora’s…

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.


