Cheltenham’s next literature festival runs 8–17 October 2027. The completed programme ranged across fiction, history and other subjects, giving readers several reasons to make an autumn visit. The six examples below are past conversations from 2026. For the coming edition, use the main festival’s official programme, with its own events and booking details.
Confirmed for 2027
The 2027 programme hasn’t been announced yet.
2026 headline events
These events took place in 2026.
Ian Rankin: The Heights
· The Cunard Stage, Town Hall
Ian Rankin discussed his standalone thriller about a murdered concierge and the powerful residents of an exclusive high-rise.
Richard Osman
· The Times and Sunday Times Forum
Richard Osman explored the characters, mysteries and twists of We Chase Shadows, alongside his journey into writing crime fiction.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Andrew and Lee Child
· The Times and Sunday Times Forum
Andrew and Lee Child discussed Chain Reaction, their writing partnership, Jack Reacher’s continuing appeal and the screen adaptations.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Maggie O’Farrell
· The Times and Sunday Times Forum
Maggie O’Farrell introduced Land, following an Irish family divided while mapping a country devastated by the Great Hunger.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Robert Harris
· The Cunard Stage, Town Hall
Robert Harris returned to ancient Rome, exploring friendship and power through Octavius and Agrippa after Julius Caesar’s murder.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Elif Shafak
· The Cunard Stage, Town Hall
Elif Shafak discussed One Brief Moment All Eternity, portraying Gustave Flaubert through the women who shaped his life.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Explore the guide’s 2026 programme highlights.
Book your room first
Choosing the town and dates can come before choosing individual talks. If you reserve at that stage, compare the actual rate’s payment and cancellation conditions and keep its deadline with your festival plans. The search starts with the first festival night, two adults and one room; change it to fit your stay.
Where to stay for Cheltenham Literature Festival · Cheltenham Literature Festival visitor guide
Authors who appeared in 2026
Ian Rankin, Richard Osman, Lee Child, Maggie O’Farrell, Robert Harris, Elif Shafak.
Plan the festival visit
The reviewed programme used Montpellier Gardens and town venues, so check the new event’s building before making a room choice depend on an earlier layout. A town-centre stay and a wider Winchcombe or Tewkesbury base give you different evening journeys. Leave space for food and a rest if you choose several sessions. The guide brings the festival practicalities together, while the stay page compares the areas and named properties. Confirm your accommodation’s actual arrival and luggage conditions before using it as a base between talks.