Cheltenham Literature Festival set to welcome up to 1,000 authors
Notable names include actor Stanley Tucci, horror novelist Stephen King and U2 lead singer Bono
Last updated 7th Oct 2022
Once again, Gloucestershire's historic spa will host over 500 events and up to 1,000 authors across 10 days. Visitors can buy tickets to certain events whilst organisers encourage those coming to the Cheltenham Literature Festival to also enjoy a host of free events. These include Local Voices such as the writers of Stroud Short Stories and students from the University of Gloucestershire.
Cheltenham Literature Festival is no rookie in hosting the biggest names that the publishing industry has to offer. Former authors have included former First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton, ex Primer Minister David Cameron and novelist Salman Rushdee.
This year is no different, hosting big political names such as former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt alongside talk show host Graham Norton, Chef Jamie Oliver and American actor Stanley Tucci. U2 leader singer, Bono is also in attendance as a part of his worldwide book tour for his new memoir 'Stories of Surrender'.
It's not just about politicians and celebrities that have dipped their toes in the world of books. The festival also welcomes the world's biggest novelists, including horror fiction writer Stephen King, although he's only appearing via video link.
UKRAINE DAY
This year will see the festival hold Ukraine Day, which Head of programming Nicola Tuxworth told us provided Ukrainian authors a chance to share their stories and allow those visiting Cheltenham to understand how war has impacted the country.
Ukraine has had its main literature festival, The International Book Arsenal Festival, cancelled due to Russian invasion. Head of programming Nicola Tuxworth says they've worked closely with their organisers to co create a series of events that will celebrate the country's unique and rich culture.
Awakening people's curiosity
Head of programming Nicola Tuxworth added that she hope this year's events awakens people's curiosity, " I would love you to go away thinking, well that wasn't what I expected.
"That was really exciting and relaxed and, and interesting, and I didn't feel out of place.
"I suppose the thing that drives me on in terms of what we programme, and the people we put on our stages, is I love people to come out of the venue thinking, well I never knew that before, or I've never thought about something in that way.
"And I think that's great if we've made people a bit more curious about something."
The Cheltenham Literature Festival will run for 10 days starting on the Friday 7 October, before being wrapped up by Sir Lenny Henry on Sunday 16 October.