Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026 (reference / just past window)

Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is an international festival of literature held annually in Cheltenham, England. It is part of Cheltenham Festivals. The Broadstairs Dickens Festival started in 1927

Language

English

Genres

general lit

Founded

1949

Duration (days)

10

Next edition

9–18 Oct 2026

Author participation

Same pathway as 2027; useful for pattern planning

Audience

The 2026 festival is scheduled to take place from 9 to 18 October, with more than 500 events featuring authors, journalists and other public figures.

Language notes

Listed working language: English

Genre notes

Primary focus: general lit

Programme

In its varied programme of over 500 events, the Festival touched upon subjects as diverse as history, politics, sport, food and fashion.

Past guests

Michael Parkinson, Prue Leith, William Boyd, Kate Atkinson, John Torode, Pat Barker, Mary Beard

Past editions

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2026

Festival site