CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2025
This October, Cheltenham once again takes centre stage as the world’s finest celebration of books, ideas, and conversation returns.
From the 10th to the 19th, the Regency town will play host to The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, welcoming an extraordinary line-up of novelists, poets, historians, chefs, comedians, actors, musicians, and fresh literary voices.
Now in its eighth decade, this remarkable gathering remains the jewel of the literary calendar and a place where stories are shared, big ideas debated, and the written and spoken word are celebrated in all their glory.
With its ongoing Read the World theme, the Festival invites audiences to explore today’s most pressing questions, from the power of technology and the future of free speech to discoveries in health and longevity, all through the lens of some of the brightest minds of our time.
www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/literature-festival
From the 10th to the 19th, the Regency town will play host to The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, welcoming an extraordinary line-up of novelists, poets, historians, chefs, comedians, actors, musicians, and fresh literary voices.
Now in its eighth decade, this remarkable gathering remains the jewel of the literary calendar and a place where stories are shared, big ideas debated, and the written and spoken word are celebrated in all their glory.
With its ongoing Read the World theme, the Festival invites audiences to explore today’s most pressing questions, from the power of technology and the future of free speech to discoveries in health and longevity, all through the lens of some of the brightest minds of our time.
www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/literature-festival
THE LINE-UP
The festival features a stellar line-up including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ian McEwan, Richard Osman, and Jojo Moyes. Highlights include in‑depth conversations on technology and politics with Nick Clegg, plus the New Voices strand showcasing exciting debut novelists like Florence Knapp and Gurnaik Johal. The festival also offers free events, family programming, and previews of forthcoming books, making it a lively celebration of both established and emerging talent.
WHERE TO EAT DURING THE CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Between events, you’ll want to make sure you’re eating well—and fortunately, Cheltenham has an exceptional dining scene to match the brilliance on stage. Here are some of the best spots to book for lunch and dinner while you’re in town.
Bao + BBQ
One of our absolute favourites, Bao + BBQ combines the soft pillowy comfort of bao buns with smokehouse-style barbecue. Expect a lively atmosphere and plates designed for sharing. Perfect for a relaxed festival bite.
Petit Coco
This French bistro has become a Cheltenham institution, serving comforting classics in an intimate setting. The daily specials are always worth checking, and the warmth of the service makes it a favourite for long lunches and cosy suppers alike.
Muse Brasserie
A stylish modern brasserie blending French and global influences, Muse delivers refined plates with flair. Elegant yet approachable, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to linger over dinner with a glass of wine after an evening talk.
Kibou
A Japanese restaurant with a cult following, Kibou is known for its beautifully presented sushi, steaming bowls of ramen, and flavour-packed small plates. Ideal for groups or solo dining when you’re craving something fresh and vibrant.
Lumiere
Holding one of the region’s most respected reputations, Lumiere offers fine dining in a relaxed environment. Chef Jon Howe’s menus celebrate modern British cooking at its best, with a focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Booking ahead is essential.
The Woozy Pig
The Woozy Pig in Cheltenham’s Suffolks has evolved from street-food fame into a lively restaurant serving indulgent burgers, smoked meats and brunch favourites. With craft beer, cocktails and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the Literature Festival.
Purslane
Seafood lovers should make a beeline for Purslane, where the kitchen shines with delicate, precise cooking that lets the day’s catch take centre stage. It’s an elegant yet understated restaurant perfect for lunch between events.
Prithvi
Frequently hailed as one of Cheltenham’s best restaurants, Prithvi elevates Indian dining to an art form. Expect beautifully spiced dishes presented with precision, balancing tradition with contemporary flair. A must for festival-goers seeking something truly special.
The Beefy Boys
For something unapologetically indulgent, The Beefy Boys deliver some of the best burgers in the country. Big, juicy, and inventive, these are burgers worth queuing for—though you’ll be glad you booked.
Dunkertons
Just on the edge of town but home to some Literature Festival events, Dunkertons offers a lively hub of street food traders alongside their award-winning organic cider. It’s the perfect place for a casual feast with friends while soaking up the festival buzz.
AND TO DRINK...
There are few better ways to continue a good conversation than over a pint in one of the town’s best-loved pubs and bars.
Parler
make sure you swing by Parler, the stylish new kid in town. Whether you’re after a quick flat white on the run or perhaps a beer or glass of wine for those with more time between shows.
The Retreat
An institution in the Suffolks, The Retreat has long been a favourite for locals and festival-goers alike. Warm, bustling, and always full of chatter, it’s the sort of place where you’ll inevitably bump into someone you know. Wine drinkers are especially well catered for here, but the atmosphere alone is reason enough to visit.
John Gordons
John Gordons is Cheltenham’s go-to for fine wines, rare whiskies and expertly mixed drinks. With its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for festival-goers to savour a nightcap or two.
Planet Caravan
It might be small, but Planet Caravan is Cheltenham’s go-to for craft beers, inventive cocktails and bold, smoky small plates. Its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for Literature Festival guests to unwind before or after a show.
The Tavern
For those who like their pub with a bit of polish, The Tavern delivers. Stylish but still unmistakably a pub, it combines decent beer and well-executed food. It’s equally good for a quick pint or a full evening with friends, making it a versatile option during the festival.
Tailors
Right in the heart of town, Tailors is a traditional freehouse with a strong reputation for its real ales and relaxed charm. It’s a reliable stop-off between events, with a friendly crowd and a proper pub feel.
The Beehive
Tucked away in Montpellier, The Beehive is a classic Cheltenham pub with bags of character. With its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a great place to settle in after an afternoon of events.
Parler
make sure you swing by Parler, the stylish new kid in town. Whether you’re after a quick flat white on the run or perhaps a beer or glass of wine for those with more time between shows.
The Retreat
An institution in the Suffolks, The Retreat has long been a favourite for locals and festival-goers alike. Warm, bustling, and always full of chatter, it’s the sort of place where you’ll inevitably bump into someone you know. Wine drinkers are especially well catered for here, but the atmosphere alone is reason enough to visit.
John Gordons
John Gordons is Cheltenham’s go-to for fine wines, rare whiskies and expertly mixed drinks. With its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for festival-goers to savour a nightcap or two.
Planet Caravan
It might be small, but Planet Caravan is Cheltenham’s go-to for craft beers, inventive cocktails and bold, smoky small plates. Its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for Literature Festival guests to unwind before or after a show.
The Tavern
For those who like their pub with a bit of polish, The Tavern delivers. Stylish but still unmistakably a pub, it combines decent beer and well-executed food. It’s equally good for a quick pint or a full evening with friends, making it a versatile option during the festival.
Tailors
Right in the heart of town, Tailors is a traditional freehouse with a strong reputation for its real ales and relaxed charm. It’s a reliable stop-off between events, with a friendly crowd and a proper pub feel.
The Beehive
Tucked away in Montpellier, The Beehive is a classic Cheltenham pub with bags of character. With its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a great place to settle in after an afternoon of events.
10 EVENTS YOU SHOULD SEE AT THE 2025 CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
At the time of writing this, lots of the events have sold out, including Michael Palin, Mark Cavendish, Joanna Lumley and Richard Osman who we would have put into this guide.
With that said, there are still many with tickets available,
Katie Piper & Caroline Hirons
When & Where: Friday 10 October 2025, 12:00pm | The Cunard Stage, Town Hall
In this conversation, broadcaster and campaigner Katie Piper joins beauty expert Caroline Hirons to challenge the narratives of beauty and perfection. Expect personal stories, industry insights, and thoughtful discussion about how appearance shapes identity and confidence. It’s not just about skincare or style — it’s about resilience, authenticity, and self-expression. An unexpected but refreshing highlight of the festival.
Surround Sound: Music from the Movies
Where & When: Fri 10 October, 8pm | The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall
Leading film critic Mark Kermode and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson dive deep into the world of film music, chaired by Tim Hubbard. With behind-the-scenes stories, composer insights and unforgettable soundtracks, this exhilarating celebration of cinema’s most powerful emotional force is a must for music and movie lovers alike.
How To Win the Ashes Down Under
Where & When: Saturday 11 October, 12:15pm | The Times and Sunday Times Forum
From blistering fast balls and the heat of the Australian summer to the weight of history and expectation, the Ashes in Australia remain cricket’s most formidable contest. Join The Times’ distinguished chief cricket correspondent and erstwhile England captain, Mike Atherton, alongside the ever-insightful Vic Marks, former Somerset and England stalwart, and the esteemed author and journalist Richard Whitehead, as they regale us with tales of triumph, heartache, and the singular challenges of a tour “down under.” The conversation will be elegantly steered by The Times and Times Radio Executive Editor, Jeremy Griffin.
Tony Robinson
Where & When: Sat 11 October, 5pm | The Times and Sunday Times Forum
Beloved actor, presenter and history enthusiast Tony Robinson, star of Blackadder, Time Team and countless documentaries, talks to Julia Wheeler about his thrilling adult fiction debut. With his trademark wit and deep historical knowledge, Tony brings to life an epic tale of Anglo-Saxon intrigue, rebellion and the making of England.
An Evening with Nigel Slater
Where & When: Monday 13 October, 8.30pm | Pillar Room, Cheltenham Town Hall
Nigel Slater presents A Thousand Feasts, a memoir of small joys, quiet rituals, and the sensory pleasures that shape a life. Across years and continents—from a kitchen table to a fisherman’s hut in Reykjavik, a moss garden in Japan, or a Viennese Konditorei—Slater has recorded his curiosities and reflections. In conversation with Julia Wheeler, he shares his observations on noticing and celebrating the simple, beautiful moments that make life rich.
Jojo Moyes
Where & When: Tue 14 October, 6pm | The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall
Join the Me Before You author as she dives into the chaos of the Kennedy household in her latest remarkable novel, We All Live Here. A recently broken marriage, two wayward daughters, an elderly stepfather quietly moving in and an estranged father appearing to make amends. This is Jojo Moyes at her best. Chaired by Julia Wheeler.
Irvine Welsh and John Niven
Where & When: Wed 15 October, 6pm | The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall
Irvine Welsh reassembles the iconic Trainspotting crew in Men In Love, propelling them into a new decade of rave culture, romance and reinvention. John Niven’s The Fathers explores class, masculinity and grief as the lives of two Glasgow men collide. Join them as they explore what it means to be a man in changing times. Chaired by Lucy Atkins.
Tastes of India
Where & When: Thursday 16 October, 1pm | Dunkertons
Journey across India with chefs Roopa Gulati and Romy Gill as they celebrate the vibrant regional food that makes up a nation. From the smoky kitchens of Gujarat to the monsoon-washed backwaters of the Kerala, they bring the sights, sounds and flavours of India to your table, accompanied by light bites from Jai Ho at Dunkertons.
Ticket includes street food bites from Jai Ho.
Bradley Wiggins
Where & When: Sunday 19 October, 4.30pm | The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall
Cyclist Bradley Wiggins appeared a national hero. Despite Olympic golds and Tour de France glory, behind the medals lay trauma, addiction and self-doubt. Bradley shares his powerful story of self-discovery and how he confronted his inner demons to finally find peace and authenticity. Chaired by Matthew Stadlen.
Charlie Mackesy
When & Where: Sunday 19 October, 6.30pm | The Cunard Stage, Cheltenham Town Hall
Charlie Mackesy returns to Cheltenham with his new book, Always Remember, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. Talking to Georgina Godwin, Charlie tells us about his life and work since we saw him last in 2023.
FREE EVENTS AT THE CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
The Cheltenham Literature Festival once again opens its doors to all, offering a rich and varied free programme that makes the town’s literary celebrations accessible to everyone. With over 100 events on offer, it’s a testament to the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, community, and, of course, a love of literature.
There’s something for everyone. You might find yourself trying your hand at fantasy map-making, receiving a personalised book recommendation, or enjoying a showcase of local writing talent. Families are particularly well catered for, with an immersive journey to Wonderland celebrating 160 years of Alice in Wonderland, complete with interactive storytelling and arts and crafts. It’s the sort of experience that makes the festival feel truly magical.
For younger voices, VOICEBOX provides a vibrant platform to explore everything from pop culture and politics to mental health. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Lit Crawl returns, spilling over into venues across the town with spontaneous performances, poetry, and literary surprises around every corner.
Whether you’re a Cheltenham local or visiting for the first time, the free programme is the perfect way to soak up the festival atmosphere, discover new authors and performers, and enjoy a day or evening out steeped in culture. For full details and to plan your visit, check the official Cheltenham Festivals website — and do arrive early for the most sought-after events, as spaces can fill fast.
