Apply to be part of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 

Would you like to be part of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival between 9 - 18 October? Then we'd love to hear from you. We're looking for a host of writers, creatives and performers to be part of our Festival. 

There are several ways you can get involved, with opportunities available across our ticketed and free programmes. If you have an idea for a talk, a workshop, spoken word or something else entirely, you can apply now via the short form below. 

We want to spotlight new talent as well as those who have been writing, creating and performing for years.  Although we welcome applications from anywhere in the UK, we’re keen to include Gloucestershire voices.  

You can find out more about the Literature Festival here.  

You can read more about some of the festival platforms that we may invite you to get involved in here: 

The Huddle and The Snug 

The Huddle and The Snug are free spaces situated in our vibrant Feast Café, home to the best local, national and international talent. There are opportunities to be part of panel events, creative workshops, open mics and much more. This could be through reading, poetry, spoken word, crafts, music, storytelling, the list goes on... 

VOICEBOX 

VOICEBOX. The big sibling that listens and never judges. Founded in 2021, VOICEBOX is a space for young people to create, connect and be heard. Staging timely conversations from grassroots to global issues, it helps shape the next generation of changemakers and amplifies the issues that matter.   

VOICEBOX's free programme takes place in a dedicated space at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. From talks, discussion groups and workshops to spoken word, music and comedy, it brings together big names, rising stars and community changemakers to explore new writing, the arts, wellbeing, politics, pop culture and society.  
  
Through VOICEBOX we showcase the brave, fresh, original voices changing the conversation. Whether you’re a creative wanting to share your work or an organisation empowering young people, we’d love to hear from you! 

Locally Sourced 

Locally Sourced is a series of events on our ticketed programme dedicated to proudly celebrating homegrown talent through poetry readings, spoken word performances, panel or in conversation events and more.

How to apply for The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2026 

Applications are welcome from individuals and groups. 

To apply to be part of the Festival, fill in our submission form and you will be considered for one of the projects above. 

If you would prefer, please send a submission video, no longer than three minutes, answering the form’s questions to literature@cheltenhamfestivals.org 

Performer expenses will be discussed individually with successful applicants. 

If you have any concerns or requirements surrounding accessibility, please contact us at literature@cheltenhamfestivals.org. The Festival site is fully accessible for wheelchair users, we have a designated Quiet Space and Guide Dogs are permitted. We will invite all successful artists to complete an Access form in advance. 

Deadline for applications: Monday 1st June