Cheltenham Literature Festival is back in town this autumn, bringing big-name authors, celebrities and the most exciting up-and-coming writers around to the Regency town.
When is Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026?
Cheltenham Literature Festival takes over Montpellier Gardens from Friday 9 until Sunday 18 October 2026.
What's on at Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026?
Some of the biggest names on this year's lineup include Celebrity Traitors 2025 faithfuls Joe Marler and David Olusoga, Last One Laughing favourite Mel Giedroyc, QI host Sandi Toksvig, Radio 1 breakfast show presenter Greg James, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, comedian Katherine Ryan, and national treasure Mary Berry.
There's also a special, limited appearance of West End hit Austentatious, with an all-star cast.
Little book lovers have the chance to see Harry Potter illustrator Levi Pinfold, space scientist Maggie Aderin, and How To Train Your Dragon creator Cressida Cowell, as well as taking part in creative and interactive events like Gruffalo Granny storytime, Draw With Rob from illustrator Rob Biddulph, and Aardman model making.
The Big Read Book Club is back for 2026, with this year's pick being The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, who is taking part in two events at the festival.
One third of this year's programme is free to attend, with free stages including youth-focused VOICEBOX, family-oriented Story Shack, The Snug, and The Huddle – with live interviews being broadcast on Times Radio from Times Square, too.
And around town, festivalgoers can take part in the Cheltenham Bookshop Crawl; rooftop restaurant, The Nook on Five, is hosting a special whisky tasting; while Dunkertons in Charlton Kings is hosting a series of fringe events, including cabaret and quiz nights.
How to get tickets for Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026?
Tickets for Cheltenham Literature Festival are available via the Cheltenham Festivals website.
