Cheltenham Literature Festival…around the town

Wednesday June 24, 2026

We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Cheltenham Festivals on an exciting around town programme, forming part of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this October.

Cheltenham Writes Back

This year’s …around town programme at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will invite visitors to take part in a series of letter-writing-themed events and activities across Cheltenham.

We are looking for 10-15 businesses to take part in the project by hosting letter-writing stations throughout September, and during the Festival in October.

Each station, complete with a ‘post box’ provided by Cheltenham Festivals, will offer people a moment to pause and pen a short letter in response to a prompt developed with the Festivals team. Prompts will be tailored to your business, encouraging thoughtful or imaginative notes inspired by the experience of being in your space.

All letters written over the six-week period will be collected and brought together to form part of an interactive letter-writing installation in The Snug at the Festival.

Interested? Fill in the form below.

Don’t worry if you can’t host a letter-writing station, there will be other ways to get involved with Cheltenham Writes Back. Keep an eye out for further updates over the Summer!

What is …around town?

…around town is a dynamic talent development initiative led by Cheltenham Festivals, proudly supported by Cheltenham BID. The programme is designed to spotlight local and emerging artists, bringing a vibrant mix of live performances and creative activity into venues and spaces across the town.

From pubs and bars to shops and unexpected pop-up locations, …around town animates Cheltenham’s high street with free, accessible cultural experiences during the Festivals.

As part of our shared commitment to supporting local talent and enhancing the town’s cultural offer, the programme creates opportunities for audiences to discover new artists, enjoy spontaneous performances and experience the energy of Cheltenham’s creative community.

Whether it’s an intimate gig or a surprise pop-up moment, …around town captures the spirit of Cheltenham at its most lively, showcasing the next generation of talent right at the heart of the town.