Cheltenham Literature Festival
Cheltenham
Events Experience
Month: October
Cheltenham Literary Festival is world-class and unquestionably thought of as a global highlight of the literary calendar. Held in the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham Spa each October, the festival attracts much-lauded authors and personalities from across an undeniably diverse range of spectrums.
The varied programme spans a wide variety of topics. These include history, food, travel, poetry, art, sport, fashion, science, and current affairs, among many others. The best new voices in fiction appear alongside literary giants and high-profile speakers. Political thinkers and beloved stars of stage and screen. This family-friendly festival also welcomes authors of children’s literature which includes free activities and workshops. It undoubtedly makes for a fascinating 10 days.
No matter what your preferred genre of writing, interests or likes and dislikes the Cheltenham Literary Festival always brings an eclectic and interesting calendar of events to enjoy. Venues are spread across the centre of town. Whilst dining-based events with superbly talented chefs take place in a beautiful old Art Deco cinema. This is where you can hear Tim Peake talk about his time in space and then Rylan Clarke discussing the impact of reality TV on his mental health. Where Teresa May, Nicola Sturgeon and Alistair Campbell talk politics while Jaqueline Wilson and David Walliams enthral younger visitors.
Over the course of the 10-day event, the town of Cheltenham plays host to almost 200 free book-themed events. The Festival Village, which takes over Montpellier Gardens for the duration is the focal hub and where you’ll find child-friendly activities including storytelling, make-and-take craft sessions likewise all manner of literary-themed fun. Lit Crawl is where literature quite literally hits the streets. A series of pop-up events and happenings take place throughout the streets of Cheltenham over the course of an evening. Lit Crawl is certainly popular so get ready to book well in advance.
To note: Booking opens to the general public on 6 September 2023.
