The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Free Programme 2025

Free Events

& Activities 10––19 October 2025

cheltenhamfestivals.org #CheltLitFest

Culture is... joy​, curiosity, connection, inspiration, the future.

Help us realise our vision of a future where everyone can explore and create culture Please donate to support Cheltenham Festivals’ mission to give 80,000 children access to culture in 2025​

Thank you for your support

Charity No. 251765

Welcome We’re delighted to share 10 days of conversations, performances and workshops you can enjoy without spending a thing. This year is extra special as we at Cheltenham Festivals, the arts charity behind the Festival, celebrate our 80th anniversary.

As you wander through our free-toenter Festival Village, every coffee you sip, street food you savour, book you buy, donation you make or ticketed event you attend is helping us keep the magic free for everyone.

It also supports our mission to give 80,000 children access to culture this year. From workshops to boost literacy rates and inspiring author visits, to giving children their first experience of live music and expanding our SEND and BSL provision, your visit to the Festival helps us ensure everyone can experience the life-changing power of cultural experiences and education.

So, thank you! We hope you enjoy everything the Festival has to offer.

Here’s to making this October unforgettable.

Find the full Festival programme at cheltenhamfestivals.org/literature

Contents Free Activities for Families

2

VOICEBOX

7

Free Activities for Adults

8

Lit Crawl

11

Free Activities for Adults Continued...

13

Festival Map

20

Look out for these icons throughout the programme Workshop Music event

Join the conversation.

Follow us @cheltfestivals

0 years of Alice in Wo 6 1 g n i t a r b Cele

Story Shack The Den

Return to Wonderland Don't be late for a very important date!

Accept a mysterious invitation and step into the pages of Wonderland for an immersive family adventure. The Hatter has lost their hat. Solve the peculiar clues, track down the missing hat, and save the day.

But remember... absolutely no unauthorised shrinking!

2

Return to Wonderland

Free Family Activities for a Fun Day Out from 9.30am – 5pm at weekends

onderland Curious Creatures Look out for our giant blackboard and add your curious creature to the imaginative menagerie.

Waterstones Children’s Bookshop

Waterstones Children’s Bookshop Come along to the Waterstones Children’s Bookshop to browse the shelves, get recommendations from our expert booksellers, meet authors after their events and have your books signed.

Picnic Tent

Book Characters Look out for your favourite book characters parading around the Festival Village including the White Rabbit.

With thanks to our supporters

3

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Spark your family's creativity and dive into a world of fun at The Den. This free drop-in activity tent is your destination for making, doing and playing.

On top of our fabulous free storytelling and activities, enjoy picnic areas, a play area, buggy parks, water taps, a children’s bookshop and lots of book characters to meet.

Puppet Play

The Escape Trail

Sensory Nook

Create and play! Make your own Alice in Wonderland puppets, then bring them to life in this magical craft zone.

Are you ready to play the ultimate game? Unlock the levels, find the scattered keys and save the world before it’s too late... Christopher Edge's The Escape awaits. Can you complete the trail in time?

A sensory space to explore natural objects and snuggle up with books.

Tales from Acorn Wood Celebrate 25 years of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Acorn Wood. Spot your favourite characters, lift the flaps and find hidden objects.

4

With thanks to our supporters

Phoenix Comic Books Corner Learn how to draw lots of the characters from across The Phoenix Comic, including characters from Jamie Smart’s Bunny Vs Monkey and Neill Cameron’s Donut Squad.

You can even create your own comic creations and display them on our big comic wall.

Design a Mad Hatter's Hat Head to The Den and use your imagination to design a new hat for the Mad Hatter to be in with a chance to win a signed copy of Alice with a Why by Anna James.

Imagination Station Costumes, mirrors, and props. Perfect for playful roleplay and creative fun.

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Roll up, roll up to the Story Shack for spellbinding storytelling sessions!

Get cosy and let your imagination run wild as our storytellers transport you to magical worlds.

Saturday 18 October

Saturday 11 October

Fairytale Mix Up Age 3+

Join in the fairytale fun with Becci Books as she presents much loved tales, for little ones, with a twist.

EVENT TIME

10.30–11am

Mock Turtle Tales Age 3+

Join Louby Lou’s Storytelling for shows inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Meet the Mock Turtles and the Potion Professors.

EVENT TIME

11.30am–12pm 1.30–2pm 3.30–4pm

Spellbinding Stories Age 7+

Magical myths of giants, dragons and heroes with Amy Jeffs.

EVENT TIME

12.30–1pm 2.30–3pm

Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins Age 7+

Boggarts, ghost and things that go burp in the night with Gav Cross.

EVENT TIME

Super Great Kids Stories Age 5+

Join storyteller Kim Normanton for folk and fairy tales from around the world.

EVENT TIME

4.30–5pm

Sunday 12 October

Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins

10.30–11am 12.30–1pm 2.30–3pm 4.30–5pm

Potion Professors Age 3+ EVENT TIME

11.30am–12pm 1.30–2pm 3.30–4pm

Age 7+ EVENT TIME

10.30–11am 12.30–1pm 2.30–3pm 4.30–5pm

Potion Professors

Sunday 19 October

Super Great Kids Stories Age 5+ EVENT TIME

Age 3+

Join Louby Lou’s Storytelling for shows inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Meet the Mock Turtles and the Potion Professors.

EVENT TIME

11.30am–12pm 1.30–2pm 3.30–4pm

10.30–11am 12.30–1pm 2.30–3pm 4.30–5pm

Mock Turtle Tales Age 3+ EVENT TIME

11.30am–12pm 1.30–2pm 3.30–4pm

5

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

e activities e r f e r Mo

for families

Saturday 11 October

Sunday 12 October

Sunday 19 October

Mog Storytelling

Meet Mog the Forgetful Cat

Big Children's Book Swap

Dunkertons Taproom

Picnic Tent

Age 3+

Grown out of The Gruffalo?

Read every book in the Bunny vs Monkey series? Donate your pre-loved children's books and pick up some new family reads at this friendly book swap with Little Planet Cheltenham and The Motherhood Society.

Waterstones Children's Bookshop Age 3+ Enjoy a purrfect storytelling session featuring everyone's favourite forgetful cat, Mog. EVENT TIME 11.45am–12.05pm

Mini Writers' Showcase

DROP IN

The Huddle All ages Inspired by Anna James’ reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, young storytellers perform their own retold tales.

EVENT TIME

Meet Mog, the lovable and curious cat from the children's book series by Judith Kerr. Join in the furbulous activities!

2–3pm

10am–12pm

Saturday 18 October

DROP IN

Mog Storytelling

Mog Storytelling

Waterstones Children's Bookshop Age 3+

11am–1pm

Waterstones Children's Bookshop Age 3+

EVENT TIME 11.45am–12.05pm

EVENT TIME 11.45am–12.05pm

Family Day Out Discount* Make the most of your trip to the Festival and get 10% off when buying tickets to two or more family events

Say Hello to Our Newest Friend!

Calling all children aged 12 and under – Benefact Group's bear is missing a name... can you be the one to name it? The child who enters the winning name will win £1,000 for their school. T&Cs apply.

As well as exploring a whole host of free events and activities for families, you can now enjoy our exciting ticketed events for less with 10% off* Valid on family events taking place on the same day.

Excludes workshops, book and ticket and YA events.

Kindly supported by Benefact Group

*

6

With thanks to our supporters

E nt

e r h er

e

VOICEBOX amplifies young voices, turns up the volume on big issues and creates change.

From new writing and pop culture to politics, wellbeing and society, VOICEBOX delves into the issues that matter.

Join us for free events throughout the Literature Festival.

Expect short talks, debates, workshops, live music, comedy and spoken word. Witness unmissable experiences and one-off moments, all in one dynamic space.

Past guests include Tom Daley, Francis Bourgeois, Daze Aghaji, Ellie Middleton, #Merky Books and Alex George.

We’re creating bold, original content alongside young people in our community and beyond.

Join the conversation.

Make change happen.

Pick up the VOICEBOX zine in print, online and on the Cheltenham Festivals app.

cheltfestivals

cheltenhamfestivals.org/VOICEBOX

DEBATE

Free Activities for Adults Make a day of it and enjoy debates, workshops, talks and live music. There's something for everyone to enjoy and discover on the Festival site and around town.

Food and Drink Grab a morning coffee and pastry in our Feast Cafe, choose from a selection of hot and cold treats from our street food vendors to refuel between events, or unwind with a drink from the Festival bar to round off your day.

Times Square A vibrant hub of literary and cultural activities. Sip wine during 'Wine Hour', relax with The Times Literary Supplement as Times Radio plays in the background and test yourself with worldfamous puzzles from The Times and Sunday Times.

In partnership with The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio

The Hush Drop into The Hush for activities to refresh the body and mind, with breathwork, mindfulness and crafts.

Event listings on page 10.

Kindly supported by The Methodist Church

8

With thanks to our supporters

Did you know?

By purchasing food and drink on site, you’re supporting Cheltenham Festivals as a charity

Help us to keep at least 25% of our activities free There are so many ways to help us ensure everyone can explore and create culture. From purchasing food and drink on site to becoming a Member, Patron, Partner or Donor.

Scan the QR code to find out more

The Huddle Whether you’re after stimulating talks during the day or fancy great entertainment and music in the evening, visit The Huddle in our Feast Cafe for a host of free events celebrating writing from close to home and around the globe.

Cunard presents Sea of Glamour: Celebrating 185 years of Ocean Travel

The Snug The Snug is the perfect book lover’s retreat. Join a community group, swap recommendations, immerse yourself in crafts or join a lively post-event debate.

Look out for the full line up in the free programme leaflet.

Listening Hut by BBC Audiobooks Immerse yourself in captivating stories with BBC Audiobooks, a unique listening experience for all ages to enjoy.

Benefact Group Lounge Join us for a moment of inspiration, where you can read incredible stories and see the impact of thousands of charities supported through our giving.

Step into 185 years of magic, history and unforgettable moments with Cunard’s Sea of Glamour exhibition, curated by renowned photographer Mary McCartney. A selection of images from Sea of Glamour will be on display outside The Cunard Stage for Cheltenham Literature Festival visitors to take in a visual journey through Cunard’s rich 185-year legacy.

9

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS

The Hush From calligraphy and sketching to guided meditation and journaling, drop into The Hush for a range of crafts and activities suitable for all ages.

Friday 10 Creative Poetry, 2–4pm Saturday 11 Explore Storytelling, 10.30am–12.30pm Contemplative Calligraphy, 2–4pm Sunday 12 Stories You Can Feel, 10.30am–12.30pm Creative Calm: Open Craft, Space, 2–4pm Monday 13 Sound Bath: Moment of Peace, 2–4pm Tuesday 14 Contemplative Calligraphy, 2–4pm Wednesday 15 Journeying Without Moving, 2–4pm Thursday 16 The Lost Art of Conversation, 2–4pm Friday 17 Stillness and Sacred Imagination, 2–4pm Saturday 18 Sketch Notes: Drawing Your Journey, 10.30am–12.30pm Journalling for Children, 2–4pm Sunday 19 Creative Calm: Open Craft Space, 10.30am–12.30pm Lectio Divna: Listening for the Sacred Word, 2–4pm

Kindly supported by The Methodist Church

Friday 10 October

Wine Hour Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

EVENT TIME

5–6pm

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

Saturday 11 October

World Music The Cartographer's Showcase Guild The Huddle The Snug Join the guild and create your own fantasy map. Breathe life into your world with islands, lakes and bays using the rolls of dice to inspire your creation.

DROP IN

10am–12pm

Superlative Journal The Snug Whether you're an aspiring short story writer or simply love to put pen to paper, spark your creativity with inspiring prompts from Superlative Literary Journal.

DROP IN

1–3pm

Tune in to an eclectic mix of sounds at our Music Showcase – an uplifting celebration of music from near and far featuring live performances, stories and cultural connections.

EVENT TIME

Wine Hour Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

EVENT TIME

For more information about events in The Hush, head to our website

3.30–4.30pm

5–6pm

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

The Music Works Presents...

The Huddle Grab a drink and enjoy live music from Jodie O, an exciting artist combining indie folk with an alt-rock edge.

EVENT TIME

10

With thanks to our supporters

7–7.45pm

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Join us for a fast-paced ry Rd evening of comedy, r Rd spoken word ste and uce Glo performances. Pick your favourites as part of your Lit Crawl adventure around Cheltenham Town on Saturday 11 October.

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11

Poetic Activism The Wilson

And Then There Were Nuns Boston Tea Party Drop in for one session or crawl your way through the whole evening of events.

Saturday 11 October

There's been a murder! The culprit was spotted dashing through the Festival crowd, chased around the corner of St Gregory's Church – and then there were nuns! Track the fleeing figure, interrogate shifty sisters and follow outrageous clues. It will take a brilliant sleuth to unmask the killer. Is it you?

DROP IN

Amuse Bouche

6–7.30pm

Miniature Book Making

EVENT TIME

The Wilson Drop into the new exhibition exploring how contemporary artists are using textiles in surprising and radical ways or get your creative juices flowing with local artist-led printing or a playful people's assembly workshop.

Waterstones

DROP IN

Eat your way around France with Carolyn Boyd as she shares the stories behind the country's most fascinating foods and ingredients. Enjoy tasty french treats, whether you're a proud Francophile or don't know your ficelle from your flûte.

Celebrate the works of William Morris with a miniature book making workshop hosted by the team at Morris' Cotswold home, Kelmscott Manor.

Explore the Manor's current exhibition and Morris' links to the world of literature.

Plus, create and take home a memento inspired by the beautiful books Morris made.

People's Assembly

6–7pm

Fairytale Ceilidh

DROP IN

The Bottle of Sauce Interweaving the wild imagination of Grimm's Fairy Tales with magical ceilidh dances, dance your way through the story as the fairytale ceilidh returns.

Become the characters, happenings and magic of the tale.

EVENT TIME

6–7.30pm

Plan your crawl with the Cheltenham Festivals app

6–7pm

Material Worlds

Hatchards

EVENT TIME

12

Join Sonita Alizada, Charly Cox, and Rowan McCabe as they unleash their poetic voices – raw, bold and deeply human. Women's rights, social inequality and mental health awareness are more than buzzwords for these three poets. Experience an evening of powerful poetry that dares to speak, heal and connect. One night. Three unforgettable voices.

6–8pm 6–7pm

6–8pm

Imaginary Landscapes The Wilson Enjoy spellbinding poetry performed by Chris Tutton accompanied by harpist Tara Minton for a mesmerising fusion of music and words to pluck at your heart strings.

EVENT TIME

7–8pm

First Five Live

Incom Gaming

Remember the book that changed your life? The inspirational figure that opened your eyes? The song you’ll never forget? Pick two books, two tracks and one person that define you – you’ve got your first five.

Writer Yomi ode delves into Sonita Alizada's First Five with musical curation by DJ Conrad Kira.

Looking for an adventure?

Whether you're a tabletop trainee or a DnD wizard, dive into an epic campaign with a ready-made character and a talented team of Dungeon Masters. If DnD isn’t for you, have a go at a range of Incom’s board games.

EVENT TIME

7.30–9.30pm

Penny Dreadfuls

Sunday 12 October

Parler

8–9pm

EVENT TIME

The Bayshill Inn Celebrate five years of Moth Sanctuary Productions' Penny Dreadfuls with an evening of eerie music accompanying macabre readings, from ghostly tales to grim goings-on.

EVENT TIME

8–9.30pm

LIT CRAWL TAKEOVER: JUICY READINGS VOICEBOX Local performer Juice NazNaz is bringing a reading like no other. In this immersive performance, Juice will transform into a living, breathing open book.

Bring a quote from your favourite read and add it to their growing ‘journal of life’.

Then, get hands-on and turn your own story into a zine to take home.

All materials provided.

EVENT TIME

The Wonderful Wonderland Quiz John Gordons Fall back down the rabbit hole with author and journalist Anna James for a quiz on all things Alice in Wonderland.

With prizes and plenty of madness, the evening will feature questions about the books, films, characters and other Wonderland nonsense.

Max six people to a team.

EVENT TIME

8–9.30pm

9–9.45pm

Hoedown Throwdown Queens, Regency Suite Saddle up and end your night on a high! No experience?

No problem. Learn simple line dancing steps before it's your turn to hit the floor and show off your new moves. Yeehaw!

EVENT TIME

9.30–11pm

Found Poetry Workshop

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Dungeons and Dragons

The Snug Join our relaxed drop-in workshop and create found poems using words from the streets of Cheltenham: street signs, shop fronts, bus stops and everyday inspiration. Take them home or leave with us to display.

DROP IN

10am–12pm

Re-reading Childhood Books The Huddle An engaging panel reflects on beloved childhood books, sharing their reading memories and exploring how re-reading them as adults transforms meaning, emotion and perspective.

EVENT TIME

12–1pm

The Nobel Prize for Literature The Huddle Just days after literature’s most prestigious honour is announced, Ann Morgan and Rosie Goldsmith discuss this year’s recipient and explore how the selection process works and what it means for authors and nations.

EVENT TIME

1.30–2.15pm

13

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Coffee with…

Benefact Group Lounge Hear Nick Purchase in conversation with writers, curators and others doing fascinating work to bring our culture and history to life. Listen to them discussing their work and ask them your questions over a complimentary cup of coffee.

Monday 13, 12–1pm

Coffee with...

Hilary Floe Tuesday 14, 1–2pm

Coffee with...

Tessa Dunlop Wednesday 15, 1–2pm

Coffee with...

Daniel Hahn Thursday 16, 4–5pm

Community Showcase: Cheltenham Festivals

Local Voices The Huddle

The Snug Connect with the Cheltenham Festivals team and discover how our learning, participation and outreach projects are creating real, positive impact.

3–5pm

DROP IN

EVENT TIME

Wine Hour Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

5–6pm

EVENT TIME

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

Coffee with...

Nicola Tuxworth

Monday 13 October

Friday 17, 2–3pm

Book Doctor

Coffee with...

Andrew Ziminski

Are you looking for some bookish inspiration? Meet with our resident Waterstones Book Doctor for tailor-made recommendations.

11am–1pm

Every ticket purchased helps us keep events like these free to see.

Explore the ticketed programme, enjoy the Festival and make a difference With thanks to our supporters

12–1pm

What Do You Think?

Starmer's Labour The Snug

Drop in for a friendly chat to explore some of the themes covered in the event with our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan.

EVENT TIME

2–2.45pm

The Snug

DROP IN

14

Hear from and support local children’s authors showcasing their literary talent. Lois Kingscott is the author of a series of picture books based on her horse, Dave, who is currently on loan at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association. Jennifer Davy is the creator of Chloe’s Tales, a series of adventures about a plucky labradoodle.

My Global Reading Habit The Huddle Our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan talks to author Georgi Gospodinov about his international reading habits and top global literature picks.

EVENT TIME

4–4.30pm

With the Law on Our Side

Book Doctor The Snug Are you looking for some bookish inspiration? Meet with our resident Waterstones Book Doctor for tailor-made recommendations.

DROP IN

11am–1pm

Local Voices

The Snug Drop in for a friendly chat to explore some of the themes covered in the event with our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan.

3–3.45pm

EVENT TIME

The English Boys

The Huddle

The Huddle

Hear from and support local authors showcasing their literary talent. Ruth End and Christine Whittemore present their dazzling art and poetry about 13 local trees. Emma Bovill, editor and co-author of The Red Dress, explores the award-winning global collaborative embroidery project conceived by artist Kirstie Macleod.

EVENT TIME

What Do You Think? Local Voices

12–1pm

Join Dean Close students Louis and Samuel in conversation as they share their love of English literature and insights into their podcast The English Boys where they discuss books, authors and all things literature.

EVENT TIME

The Huddle Nowadays, it’s likely you have some sort of digital presence.

Perhaps it’s in the form of social media, photo storage, cryptocurrency or online subscriptions – but what happens to it all once you’re gone? From the practical to the sentimental, experts from Willans LLP solicitors and Estatesearch discuss how to ensure your digital assets are taken care of.

Wednesday 15 October

Book Doctor

EVENT TIME

1.30–2pm

Kindly supported by Willans LLP

Are you looking for some bookish inspiration? Meet with our resident Waterstones Book Doctor for tailor-made recommendations.

DROP IN

Hear from and support local authors showcasing their literary talent. Simon Fisher recounts his journey hitchhiking North America in the summer of 1970 with just a backpack, a few dollars and plenty of optimism. Jessica Holmes presents her ultimate guide to the life-expanding, adventure-enabling phenomenon of housesitting.

EVENT TIME

11am–1pm

Looking for the perfect book lover's retreat?

Drop into The Snug, located in a cosy corner of the Feast Cafe, to swap recommendations, join a commmunity group or immerse yourself in crafts.

Book Covers Around the World The Huddle Any visit to a bookstore in another country will highlight the variety of covers across the globe. Daniel Li from Sinoist Books teams up with our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan to explore the ways in which international editions differ.

EVENT TIME

1.30–2.15pm

Hannah Moore Storytelling The Huddle Join storyteller Hannah Moore for tales of wondrous journeys from European folk tradition, followed by an interactive session, creating your own exploration of the wild woods.

EVENT TIME

With thanks to our supporters

12–1pm

4.30–5pm

The Snug

Planning For Your Digital Legacy

The Huddle

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS

Tuesday 14 October

3–4.15pm

15

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Thursday 16 October

Book Doctor The Snug Are you looking for some bookish inspiration? Meet with our resident Waterstones Book Doctor for tailor-made recommendations.

DROP IN

11am–1pm

No Child Left Behind: Year of Youth Action The Huddle No Child Left Behind share insights from the Year of Youth Action, with young people speaking on issues that matter to them.

Join us to learn more about this important community collaboration.

4–5pm

EVENT TIME

Spill the Spirituality – Live with Rowan Williams

Friday 17 October

Spill the Spirituality – Live with Abi Millar The Hush Spill the Spirituality is the podcast that's not afraid to dive deep into the stories and issues that matter most.

Hear from host Trey Hall who is joined by journalist and author Abi Millar for a special live event.

EVENT TIME

3.30–4.30pm

Kindly supported by The Methodist Church

The Hush

The Scribbled Self: Writing for Wellbeing The Snug Join our relaxed dropin writing for wellbeing workshop; discover new writing activities and have a go at some yourself. Take a copy of The Scribbled Self away with you to continue your writing for wellbeing journey.

DROP IN

1–3pm

We Recommend...

Rachel Gale The Huddle Waterstones staff have made careers from their passion for books, but what are they reading in their spare time? Join members of the team as they share their favourite books and reading recommendations.

EVENT TIME

16

With thanks to our supporters

1.15–1.45pm

Spill the Spirituality is the podcast that's not afraid to dive deep into the stories and issues that matter most. Hear from host Trey Hall who is joined by Bishop, theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for a special live event.

EVENT TIME

6.30–7.30pm

Kindly supported by The Methodist Church

While on site, every coffee you sip, book you buy, donation you make or ticketed event you attend helps us keep the magic free for everyone.

Drop into our Community Showcases to find out more about what we do.

Wine Hour Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

5–6pm

EVENT TIME

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

Saturday 18 October

Badge Cafe The Snug Fancy a crafty utopian hangout? The Badge Cafe returns, offering space to relax, create and connect by making unique badges from old books and magazines.

DROP IN

10am–12pm

The Huddle Waterstones staff have made careers from their passion for books, but what are they reading in their spare time?

Join members of the team as they share their favourite kids' books and reading recommendations.

EVENT TIME

12–12.30pm

Cultural Threads The Huddle Daniel Hahn talks to author Emily Itami and Guest Curator Oyinkan Braithwaite as they delve into the rituals, traditions and customs that shape their fiction.

EVENT TIME

1.30–2.15pm

Travel Doctor Ever wanted to experience an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery retreat or see the magic of Prince Edward Island like Anne Shirley?

Sit down with travel expert Niamh Martin from Our World Is a Book for personal recommendations for your next literary-themed getaway.

3–5pm

Anna February The Huddle YA author Anna February discusses her thrilling dystopian murder mystery The Hive, described as The Hunger Games meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

Chaired by Andy Darcy Theo.

EVENT TIME

With thanks to our supporters

Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

5–6pm

EVENT TIME

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

The Music Works Presents...

The Huddle Grab a drink and enjoy live music from TRINITY, a dynamic artist fusing jazz, R&B and pop with a touch of indie flair.

EVENT TIME

7–7.45pm

Sunday 19 October

Quill Crafting

The Snug

DROP IN

Wine Hour

The Snug Let your creativity take flight and turn old pages into something special. Make and take away your own unique quill pen from used books.

DROP IN

10am–12pm

We Recommend...

The Huddle Waterstones staff have made careers from their passion for books, but what are they reading in their spare time?

Join members of the team as they share their favourite books and reading recommendations.

EVENT TIME

12–12.30pm

Community Poetry Showcase The Huddle Join us for an open micstyle Community Poetry Showcase with original poems and unique voices from across our creative, local community.

EVENT TIME

1.30–2.30pm

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

We Recommend...

Children's Books

Community Showcase: Cheltenham Festivals The Snug Connect with the Cheltenham Festivals team and discover how our learning, participation and outreach projects are creating real, positive impact.

DROP IN

3–5pm

Wine Hour Times Square 18+ Join us for 'Wine Hour' in Times Square for engaging conversations and complimentary wine tastings each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

EVENT TIME

5–6pm

In partnership with The Sunday Times Wine Club

Join the conversation and share your Festival experiences with us Follow us and tag @cheltfestivals in your social posts

3–3.45pm

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More than a ticket…

Every ticket purchased enables us to provide life-changing cultural experiences and education to people of all ages year-round. Enjoy the Festival and help us make a difference.

This year's programme features...

Miriam Margolyes

Joanna Lumley

Larry Lamb

Jordan Stephens Katie Piper

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Graham Norton Oti Mabuse

Charlie Mackesy

Michael Palin

GK Barry Richard Osman Scan the QR code to view the full programme 19

Cheltenham Town Hall, Queens Hotel Nook on Five, Lit Crawl ...around town Parabola Arts Centre Hotel du Vin

MONTPE LLIER W ALK

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Festival Village

The Wild Wood

The Hive

Borneo Orangutan Survival UK Buggy Park

Waterstones Children's Bookshop

Plantlife

Freddie’s Flowers

The Den

Story Shack Buggy Park Return to Wonderland Box Office

Benefact Group Lounge

The Hush

Covered Picnic Area

Times Square

Too Far Media

Playgr

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MONTPELL

Site open from Friday 10 October, 10am

IER SPA RO

AD

Free entry

FREE ACTIVITIES ADULTS

Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1UL

VIP Lounge in partnership with Cunard

The Times and Sunday Times Forum Feast Cafe Festival Bar

The Snug The Huddle

The Bandstand

Waterstones Bookshop

First Aid

Fauna & Flora

round

Listening Hut by BBC Audiobooks

Attivo Garden Theatre

The Garden Gallery

Dunkertons Taproom 3 miles

MONTPELLIER TERRACE 21

Free Events

& Activities 10––19 October 2025

cheltenhamfestivals.org #CheltLitFest