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Cheltenham Literature Festival breaks ticket sales record

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 06:18 · Archive

Cheltenham Literature Festival sold a record 103,394 tickets across more than 500 events held from 9 to 18 October.

Cheltenham Literature Festival sold a record-breaking 103,394 tickets across more than 500 events, making it the festival's most successful year to date. The festival, held from October 9 to 18, welcomed more than 1,000 authors and speakers, including Michael Morpurgo, Katherine Ryan, Fearne Cotton, Sajid Javid, Celia Imrie, Russell T Davies and Mary Berry.

This year's festival placed a strong emphasis on inspiring young readers and writers. Around 12,000 schoolchildren from across Gloucestershire took part in events, with a dedicated children's programme featuring interactive activities and appearances by authors such as Cressida Cowell and BBC The Sky at Night presenter Maggie Aderin.

MJ Arlidge, Guest Curator for the 2026 Festival, said the festival brings together different stories and voices. 'The best stories entertain us, but they also challenge us, surprise us and help us understand one another,' he said. 'It is particularly exciting to see new writers and young people given the space to share their work alongside some of the biggest names in literature, keeping storytelling alive for the next generation.'

Nicola Tuxworth, Artistic Director for Cheltenham Literature Festival, attributed the success to broad appeal across genres and formats. 'We're thrilled to have achieved a record-breaking year in The National Year of Reading,' she said. 'It shows just how much people resonate with ideas and stories across all genres, ages and forms, from audiobooks and poetry to graphic novels and beloved classics.'

Tuxworth noted that the festival offered something for everyone. 'From conversations with internationally celebrated authors, to the voices of local communities, schoolchildren and emerging writers, the Festival is a place where everyone can find a story that speaks to them,' she said.

Cheltenham Literature Festival breaks ticket sales record
Image: This Is Wiltshire

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In this story: Cheltenham Literature Festival · Michael Morpurgo · Russell T Davies · Mary Berry · MJ Arlidge · Nicola Tuxworth · Gloucestershire

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