All about Cheltenham’s cultural festivals
Whatever you are into, you’ll likely find a festival to suit in Cheltenham.
All about Cheltenham’s cultural festivals
Whatever you are into, you’ll likely find a festival to suit in Cheltenham.
For nearly 100 years, Cheltenham has been one of Britain’s festival capitals. Starting with Cheltenham Competitive Festival (now Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts) in 1926, the range of festivals has grown over the years to include everything from music to food and drink, craft to literature.
In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to keep track. That’s why we have gathered them here, so you can find your perfect event.
Craft Festival: 21-23 March
The first festival this year will be Craft Festival Cheltenham. This festival does exactly what it says on the tin as it celebrates a full range of beautiful crafts. There will be exhibitors and demonstrators showcasing ceramics, glass, jewellery, printmaking, furniture and more.
Drop-in activities for children, organised by Hereford College of Arts and Carmarthen School of Art, will also be on offer.
On the Friday, popular podcast The Capital of Craft will be recording live shows featuring Kate Humble, Sarah Bayliss, Katy Bevan and Sarah James MBE
craftfestival.co.uk/Cheltenham
Cheltenham Jazz Festival: 30 April-5 May
Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe with performances from both established and up-and-coming artists.
The festival has a stellar line-up this year (as it does every year), with Lulu, Roger Daltrey, Tom Walker, Macy Gray, Amadou & Mariam, Nubya Garcia, and more scheduled.
Tickets go on sale from 10am (GMT) on March 5.
cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/jazz-festival
Cheltenham Poetry Festival: 7-17 May
Cheltenham Poetry Festival began in 2011 with a sell-out performance by iconic punk-poet John Cooper Clarke and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Each year, it presents some of greatest living poets and spoken-word artists, alongside musicians, actors, dancers and filmmakers.
cheltenhampoetryfestival.co.uk
Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts: 9-17 May
Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts is the longest running of all the town’s many cultural festivals. Supporting music, drama and dance, it introduces talented young and adult performers within stately Cheltenham Town Hall.
As part of its offerings, there are Young Performer Awards, with categories covering all aspects of the performing arts, helping entrants to develop into the best performers they can be. This will take place on Friday, 16 May.
Cheltenham Fringe Festival: 26 May -1 June
The most avant-garde of the Cheltenham festivals, Cheltenham Fringe puts on a varied programme of music, comedy, theatre and more.
Highlights for this year are Once more with Feeling – a live performance of the cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode of the same name – and a live performance by hit podcast Abrigd.. Too Far, which retells literature’s greatest works in 1,337 seconds; leaving lots out, but adding plenty of jokes in.
Cheltenham Science Festival: 3-8 June
Delving into the latest discoveries and most cutting-edge of inventions, Cheltenham Science Festival is guaranteed to get your neurons firing.
The programme for 2025 has yet to be announced, but there’s always a wide range of free and ticketed events offering many opportunities to learn more about science and technology.
cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/science-festival
Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival: 20-21 June
Cheltenham Food Festival is the perfect place to enjoy some fantastic food and drink.
This year there will be cooking demonstrations by top chefs, and exclusive recipes from celebrity and local food stars.
Some of the chefs to look out for are national treasure Rosemary Shrager; Eva Humphries, the Wholefood Warrior; and William Watters, a 15-year-old taking the culinary world by storm.
Shining a spotlight on the Cotswolds’ range of extraordinary local ingredients, this festival is sure to satisfy the most discerning palates.
(And don’t let your dog miss out! Enter them into the festival dog show for a chance to win prizes.)
cheltenhamfooddrinkfestival.co.uk
Cheltenham Music Festival: 4-12 July
Ever since it was first run in 1945, Cheltenham Music Festival has hosted wonderful performances of sublime classical music. Each year’s vibrant and varied programme is not to be missed by any classical music fan.
cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/music-festival
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival: 10-19 October
Probably the most revered of all of Cheltenham’s cultural offerings, the literature festival never fails to bring in the greatest writers from around the world. From latest blockbusters to deep dives into politics and history, all genres are well covered by eclectic talks. And there’s always a great range of events for kids.
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