The Cheltenham Literature Festival for Schools provides a programme of in-person author events, creative workshops and storytelling sessions for primary and secondary schools. The 2026 Festival runs from 9th – 18th October and booking opens at 4pm on Tuesday 16th June.

With over 40 events for KS1 and KS2 pupils, the primary programme has something for everyone. This year’s lineup of best-selling authors, illustrators and poets includes: Joseph Coelho, Tracey Corderoy & Steven Lenton, Matt Goodfellow, MC Grammar & Michael Rosen, Sharna Jackson, Jenny McLachlan, Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre, Katherine Rundell, Nadia Shireen and Andy Stanton.

The programme for secondary schools includes a teen book swap, a Listening Hut and access to Voicebox, a dynamic free space for young people aged 15+ hosting talks, debates, spoken word events and workshops on a range of topics from pop culture to politics. Dean Atta, Sarah Crossan, Kieran Larwood, Nathanael Lessore, Lucas Maxwell, Patrick Ness, Lucy Strange and David Solomon are among the big name authors available to engage and inspire KS3-KS5 students.

Cost: Events £7.50 per pupil. Workshops £8.50 per pupil. Tickets for accompanying adults are free. There is a £5 booking fee for schools.

About Cheltenham Festivals: Cheltenham Festivals is a charity committed to ensuring that everybody can engage in innovative, world-class content across science and the arts. The charity runs a number of Festivals covering literature, music and science as well as year-round outreach programmes.