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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

Composer Academy Showcase
A window into the future of contemporary classical music, featuring four new pieces written by a carefully-selected group of leading young composers performed live by the Carice Singers, led by George Parris.Held in DEYA’s intimate and…

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…

Fantasia Orchestra with Jasdeep Singh Degun
Experience a unique and carefully constructed evening of hypnotic US minimalism, French Baroque delicacy and new work by a trailblazing orchestra and soloist.Composer and sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun has been on an extraordinary run of…

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…

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,…

Idrîsî Ensemble
Idrîsî Ensemble return to Cheltenham Music Festival for a second instalment of their extraordinary exploration of the sounds of the medieval Mediterranean. The ensemble are pioneering a fresh approach to historical performance with a…

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.


