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Welcome to Cheltenham Festivals Changing lives through culture
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.
Over the next five years we are pledging to:
- Engage 450,000 children and young people in culture
- Provide at least 50% of our activities for free!
- Double our engagement with residents from the most economically deprived areas of Cheltenham
And so much more...
Find out more about The Next ChapterWe 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
Mariam Batsashvili
Since making waves with her winning performances at two of the world’s top piano competitions, Mariam Batsashvili’s name has been indelibly linked with one of the greatest virtuosos of all: Franz Liszt. Here she celebrates 140 years since…
Jess Gillam Trio
An afternoon programme full of colour, energy and joy from the magnetic saxophonist Jess Gillam. Described by The Times as ‘uniquely mercurial,’ she lights up every stage with her electrifying performances and vibrant personality. She made…
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 —…
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,…
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…
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…
Keep up to date with Festival news See all news
Cheltenham Festivals Unveils Next Chapter
Monday 8 June 2026Today Cheltenham Festivals have launched ‘The Next Chapter’, its innovative new 5-year strategy (2026-2030), placing people, place and collective action at the centre of its mission and vision.Important Notice: Fraudulent Communications
Friday 5 June 2026Cheltenham Festivals has recently been made aware of fraudulent emails and messages circulating that falsely claim to represent Cheltenham Literature Festival.These communications appear to target authors, agents and speakers, inviting…
Cheltenham Jazz Festival Celebrates Record-Breaking 30th Anniversary Year with Record Ticket Sales
Wednesday 13 May 2026Cheltenham Jazz Festival has celebrated its most successful year to date, with its 30th anniversary edition welcoming record numbers of festival-goers to Montpellier Gardens, connecting over music across a sun-soaked Bank Holiday weekend.