Cheltenham Literature Festival

The Cheltenham Literature Festival is an international event held in the resort town of Cheltenham. In this article, we will discuss its history, concept, location, and provide an overview of the 2025 programme.

What is the Cheltenham Literature Festival?

The Cheltenham Literature Festival is part of the Cheltenham Festivals, which are dedicated to jazz, music and science and take place annually. The history of this event began in 1949. The Cheltenham Festival has the status of the longest-running literary event. It was founded by manager George Wilkinson and writer John Moore, who was its first director.

The festival features discussions, seminars and other entertainment events for both adults and children. Past participants include Terry Pratchett, Tony Morrison, Ian Rankin, Kate Adie, Patrick Stewart and others.

In 2022, world-renowned author Stephen King participated in the festival via video link from the USA.

In the same year, Richard Osman discussed the third book in the Thursday's Murder Club series.

Graham Norton discussed Forever Home with Mariella Frostrup.

Anton Du Beke presented his latest work at the time, We'll Meet Again.

Dolly Alderton talked about the letters published in her Sunday Times Style mes Style column.

Malorie Blackman told the audience about the ups and downs that had influenced her career.

In 2024, a scandal erupted at the festival involving Boris Johnson, who was listed as a speaker. Journalists were prohibited from recording or transcribing his interview.

Cheltenham Literature Festival programme

The Cheltenham Literature Festival will feature works in various genres, including fiction and poetry. The organisers will honour award-winning writers, renowned thinkers and international stars. Over 450 events are expected to take place over ten days.

The festival programme includes authors from different genres, as well as speeches by politicians and media representatives.

The list of guests includes:

Kevin McCloud — will talk to the audience about architecture and design.

Will Hutton — his speech will be devoted to finance.

China Miéville — will talk about the best works about the future.

Mary Beard — will introduce the audience to works about Ancient Greece and Rome;

Owen Sheers — will discuss poetry.

The first weekend of the festival will feature the most famous representatives of popular culture and political figures: Armstrong and Miller, Peter Mandelson, Stephen Hawking, and Hollywood superstar Michael Caine.

The festival programme is based on book readings, discussions and unique interactions between writers and readers. Truly legendary authors are expected to participate in 2025.

Exciting performances will be combined with debates, live music, free photo sessions and master classes.

The list of planned events includes:

• After Love — 18 October, 6 p.m.; The Parabola Arts Centre Cheltenham Ladies' College, £13.
• Alternative Book Club — 12 October, 6 p.m., The Parabola Arts Centre Cheltenham Ladies' College; £13.
• Cheltenham Bookshop Crawl — 11 October, 10 a.m., outside the festival venue; £16.
• Conspiracyland — 16 October, 8 p.m., The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall; £13 and £16.
• Criminal Records: Jeremy Vine and Simon Mayo – 18 October, 12 noon, Attivo Garden Theatre; £13.
• Diana Henry and Claudia Roden – 13 October, 4 p.m., Attivo Garden Theatre. £16.
• Deborah Meaden Talks Money — 12 October, 2.30pm, Pillar Room, Cheltenham Town Hall, £11.
• The Sunday Times Debate: Universities Under Fire — 12 October, 2.30pm, The Times and Sunday Times Forum, £17, £14.
• Laughs and Drama at Bigg School - 12 October at 3 p.m., The Hive, £8.
• Kate Bryan and David Shrigley: How to Art - 12 October, 4 p.m., Attivo Garden Theatre, £13.
• Sebastian Faulks: A Life - 12 October, 6 p.m., Attivo Garden Theatre, £13.

You can read about all the events planned in a special brochure prepared by the festival organisers, who can also provide information about membership. Details of all speakers, dates and venues can also be found on the official Cheltenham Literature Festival website.

Location Cheltenham Literature Festival

The event takes place in Cheltenham (Gloucestershire, England).

The main venue is Montpellier Gardens. As there are many events planned for the festival, they will also take place at other venues, such as The Parabola Arts Centre Cheltenham Ladies' College and Attivo Garden Theatre.

Cheltenham is a resort town at the foot of the Cotswold Hills, famous for its Regency architecture and cultural life.

Cheltenham Literature Festival Map

Before heading to the Cheltenham Literature Festival, study the festival map. It shows the locations where the main events will take place. The map serves as a guide for festival guests.

How to get to the Cheltenham Literature Festival?

There are various ways to get to the Cheltenham Literature Festival: by train, bus or car.

By train

There is a direct train service between London and Cheltenham. A direct train runs to the Literature Festival, departing from London Paddington station and stopping at Cheltenham Spa. It departs every hour, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Cheltenham Spa railway station is located in the eastern part of the city, approximately a 25-minute walk from Cheltenham Town Hall.

By bus

You can also get from London to Cheltenham by bus. It departs from London Victoria station and stops at Royal Well Bus Station. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes. The journey takes just over 3 hours.

Events as part of the Cheltenham Literature Festival take place at various venues centred around the city centre, including Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room.

By car

The distance between London and Cheltenham can be covered by car in about two hours.

Parking

There are several car parks in the city centre where you can leave your car:

Park & Ride centres. One is located at Arle Court (GL51 6SY), near junction 11 of the M5 motorway, and the other is at Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH).

Large car parks. The closest car parks to the festival venues are Montpellier Gardens - The Regent Arcade (GL50 1JZ) and Cheltenham Walk (GL50 3PR).

Small parking areas with limited spaces: Rodney Road (GL50 1HX) and St George's Road (GL50 3DT).

The Regent's Arcade car park is suitable for people with disabilities.

Information for visitors

Check out the information for visitors before travelling to the festival to find out when the events will take place, how much tickets cost, and where you can stay.

Dates

The Cheltenham Literature Festival will begin on 10 October and end on 19 October. The event will last for 10 days.

Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on the specific event. Prices range from £11 to £16 per event. It is advisable to book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.

Where to stay

There are many good hotels and other accommodation options close to the Cheltenham Literature Festival venues:

Glensanda – a three-bedroom townhouse with a large cosy living room and private garden.

Saint Margaret – located on the opposite side of the city centre, but still within walking distance of the festival. Nearby is the Brewery Quarter entertainment complex with a cinema, bars, restaurants and other amenities.

Citrus Hotel Cheltenham by Compass Hospitality is 0.8 km from the venue.

Jurys Inn Cheltenham is 3.7 km away.

81 The Prom is 0.9 km away.

Hotel du Vin Cheltenham is 0.9 km away.

The Abbey is 0.7 km away.

Queens Hotel Cheltenham — MGallery by Sofitel is 0.6 km away.

Malmaison Cheltenham is 0.7 km away.

Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre is 1.5 km away.

Contact details and postcode

Address: 109 Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7LS.

Festival office telephone: +44 (0) 844 576 79 79.

Fax: +44 (0) 1242 573-902.

Email: [email protected]

Postcode: GL50 1UL

Website

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Frequently asked questions