Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026: The Perfect Autumn Escape for Book Lovers

The 2026 Festival promises an impressive programme of more than 500 events.  Alongside talks from bestselling authors and major literary names, visitors can expect conversations covering current affairs, history, culture, popular entertainment, writing, wellbeing and much more.

Highlights of the 2026 line-up

National Treasures

Richard Osmon – 16:45 Saturday 17th October @ The Times and Sunday Times Forum

A face we all recognise, Richard Osmon returns to the Cheltenham Literature Festival with We Chase Shadows, the latest addition to his popular We Solve Murders series. Expect an exciting, in-depth discussion about the latest plot development and trials and tribulations for his characters all while unpicking what makes a mystery novel impossible to put down.

Mary Berry – 15:30 Wednesday 14th October @ The Times and Sunday Times Forum

In this interview, hosted by former Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedriyc, Mary Berry delves into her second passion: gardening. Listen in on this lively discussion between friends and ex-colleages, discovering Mary Berry’s life between the kitchen and garden, while uncovering details about her new cook book Mary All in One – My Favourite One Pot Recipes.

Bestselling Authors and Prize-winners

Yann Martel – 14:30 Tuesday 13th October @ Pillar Room, Cheltenham Town Hall

International bestseller and author of  Life of Pi, Yann Martel introduces his new novel Son of Nobody. This latest release tells the story of an esteemed scholar who discovers a lost account of the Trojan War and finds his own life heavily influenced by his discovery.

Hernan Diaz – 14:30 Sunday 18th October @ Pillar Room, Cheltenham Town Hall

Winner of the Pulizer Prize with his 2022 novel Trust, Hernan Diaz dismantles the role of technology in the future of America. Due to release on 26th September 2026, his latest novel Ply is set in a dystopian future which centres around an orphaned ‘pincher’ protagonist, who steals electricity off the grid to be sold on the black market.

Maggie O’Farrell 16:45 Saturday 10th October @ The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Bestselling author of Hamnet introduces her lastest release Land, which follows a nineteenth century Irish family pulled apart by the Great Hunger. Inspired by her own family history, the audience can expect an in depth conversation about the historical and social matters tackled in the novel.

Highlight Events for Families and Kids

Ridiculous Raps and Rhymes with MC Grammar and Michael Rosen

– 10:00 Saturday 17th October @ The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Get ready for a morning filled with rhymes, raps and roars of laughter as former Childrens Lauriete joins teacher and author MC Grammar for a musical showdown.

Quietly, Quietly QUACK! – Tuesday 13th October (various times)