Cheltenham Festivals

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 8–17 October 2010

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The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival
8–17 October 2010

About the festival

One of the oldest and best loved literature festivals in the world… lectures, poetry readings, children’s events, interviews, storytelling, book groups, writing workshops, education projects, live literature… save the date, 8–17 October 2010.

“One of the biggest events in the literature world.”

BBC Gloucestershire

For a taste of the festival view our 2009 brochure.


Introducing Tweet Poetry…

In the run up to The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival we’ll be looking to the twittersphere for inspiration as poet A F Harrold writes a specially commissioned poem…
read more | follow @chelttwitfest


The Big ReadFar From the Madding Crowd

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is joining forces with Bonne Maman Pâtisserie and Vintage Classics for our 2010 Big Read — Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.
more about the Big Read


British Sign Language event programme

Summerfield Charitable Trust

Following on from last year’s pilot project, and with funding from the Summerfield Charitable Trust, we are delighted to be working again this year with Gloucestershire Deaf Association to offer signing at some of the 2010 Festival events. A British Sign Language interpreter will be on stage and we have allocated the most appropriate seats for members of the audience who would like to benefit from this service. Please visit the box office, or contact the GDA Office by text on 0787 561860, fax 01452 372288 or email at admin@glosdeaf.org.uk to book your seats.

Events which will be signed at the 2010 Literature Festival:

If you would like to know more about the work of the Gloucestershire Deaf Association, please visit www.glosdeaf.org.uk


Extra event — Members’ Bookbinding Workshop

Event W28, Thursday 14 October, 10am – 1pm, £45 (inc. £15 of materials), membership discount is not available for this event.

Join conservator Sue Crossley for an introduction to historic bookbinding skills. Using traditional hand tools you will make a leather bound journal from cotton rag printing paper and vegetable tanned goat skins in a range of beatuiful colours. This workshiop is suitable for complete beginners.


Literature Festival highlights — a look back at 2009…

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One of the oldest and best loved Literature Festivals in the world, with its signature blend of award-winning writers and world-renowned thinkers, the festival is a crucible for topical debate and discussion. It is a celebration of the joy of books, the thrill of debate, and the unique two-way conversation between writer and reader.

“I can’t think where or when I might have such a fine, fascinating entertaining time as I did these past two weekends.”

Erica Wagner, The Times

Take a look at what our celebrity guests thought of the 2009 festival!