Your Guide for Cheltenham Music Festival 2026

Cheltenham Music Festival is returning for its 81st year for 8 jam-packed days of pure talent 

Cheltenham Music Festival returns 3–11 July 2026, bringing eight days of world-class music, emerging talent, and unforgettable live performances to venues across Cheltenham.

From internationally celebrated soloists performing at Cheltenham Town Hall to intimate recitals in the elegant Pittville Pump Room, the Music Festival offers visitors the perfect opportunity to experience exceptional live music while enjoying a summer stay in the Regency town.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend break or planning a longer stay in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Music Festival 2026 promises a vibrant programme spanning classical music, jazz, folk, contemporary composition, and family events.

About Cheltenham Music Festival

Founded in 1945, Cheltenham Music Festival is one of the UK’s most respected classical music festivals, known for championing both established international artists and rising musical talent.

Held annually each July, the Festival transforms Cheltenham’s historic venues into spaces for bold performances, world premieres, and creative collaboration. Alongside its concert programme, the Festival supports new music, young performers, education projects, and community participation initiatives.

The Festival is part of Cheltenham Festivals, the charity behind Cheltenham’s internationally recognised Literature, Jazz, Science, and Music Festivals, which attract more than 225,000 visitors each year!

Festival Highlights

Friday 3 July

Aurora Orchestra and Benjamin Grosvenor

Cheltenham Town Hall | 7pm–9pm

One of the world’s leading pianists joins the acclaimed Aurora Orchestra for an evening of virtuosic brilliance and electrifying energy in the heart of Cheltenham.

Saturday 4 July

Mariam Batsashvili – Pittville Pump Room | 11am–12:45pm

Following major international competition successes, Mariam Batsashvili has earned recognition as one of today’s most exciting pianists, frequently compared to legendary virtuoso Franz Liszt.

Za Górami – Pittville Pump Room | 3:50pm–5pm

Featuring Alice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, and Misha Mullov-Abbado, Za Górami blends folk song, chamber music, improvisation, and acoustic jazz in a richly atmospheric performance.

Dudu Kouaté and Shunya – DEYA Brewery – The Swamp | 8pm–9:30pm

A master of Pan-African instruments — many of which he builds himself — Dudu Kouaté is renowned for performances featuring more than 200 instruments. His recent Newcastle performance was described by Broadway World as “transcendental… the best gig I’ve ever been to.”

Shunya’s work combines folk traditions, electronic textures, and improvisational jazz to create cinematic and deeply atmospheric soundscapes. Alongside his solo work, he has written and arranged music for the BBC.

Sunday 5 July

Vision String Quartet – Pittville Pump Room | 11am–12:30pm

Returning to Cheltenham after a celebrated 2025 recital, Vision String Quartet brings a fresh approach to chamber music by performing entirely from memory without music stands. Their acclaimed album Spectrum showcased the quartet’s own compositions, while works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Edvard Grieg promise a memorable morning performance.

Inspire Orchestra – Glyn Oxley, conductor – Cheltenham Town Hall | 11am–11:50am

Perfect for families visiting Cheltenham during the Festival, this relaxed concert takes audiences on a colourful orchestral adventure filled with fun, imagination, and discovery.

Designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all children and families, the performance is particularly suitable for children with disabilities or additional needs.

Monday 6 July

Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year, Herbie Urquhart-Dixon, with Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra – Pittville Pump Room | 7:30pm–9:30pm

This special concert celebrates outstanding local talent, featuring the winner of the Gloucestershire Young Musician Award, Herbie Urquhart-Dixon, performing Max Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No. 1.

The programme also includes Ludwig van Beethoven’s groundbreaking Eroica Symphony — a bold and inspiring masterpiece performed by the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra.

More Highlights from 7–11 July

Visitors can also enjoy performances throughout the week from:

• Hana Chang
• Fantasia Orchestra with Jasdeep Singh Degun
• Oleg Shebeta-Dragan
• Angela Hewitt
• Opus 13
• Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason
• Pavel Kolesnikov
• Jess Gillam Trio
• Sinfonia of London and John Wilson

For more details on the festival:

Planning Your Stay in Cheltenham?

Cheltenham Music Festival is one of the highlights of the town’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. For visitors looking for accommodation during the Cheltenham Music Festival 2026, staying close to central Cheltenham gives easy access to Festival venues, independent restaurants, cafés, parks, and Regency architecture throughout the town.