Coming up
Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026
The world's longest-running literature festival returns to Cheltenham for ten days with a programme of more than 500 events.
- Dates
- 9–18 October 2026
- Where
- Cheltenham, England
- Type
- Festival
- Organiser
- Cheltenham Festivals
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is run by Cheltenham Festivals, a charity based in the town. It describes itself as the longest-running literature festival in the world and is one of the largest in the UK.
The 2026 festival runs from 9 to 18 October with a programme of more than 500 events, tied in with the National Year of Reading. More than 30 per cent of the programme is free, including drop-in family events, informal on-site venues and activities around the town. A Literature for Schools strand offers more than 50 author talks and careers events for pupils from reception to sixth form, and the programme marks several literary anniversaries.
It suits readers planning a day or a weekend of talks, families looking for free activities, and writers who want to hear how published authors discuss their work and careers.
Sources: Cheltenham Festivals: 2026 full programme announcement; Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Organised by Cheltenham Festivals. Tingle Press lists it as an event worth your time and is not the organiser. Check the organiser's website for final details.