Celebrating poetry's power to 'enchant and transport, entertain and transform' Cheltenham Poetry Festival is back this April 2026 – with the theme of this year being Possessed.
When and where is Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2026?
Cheltenham Poetry Festival takes place from Thursday 9 until Saturday 18 April 2026 at venues across Cheltenham, from the atmospheric St Paul's Church and Francis Close Hall Chapel, to the Cheltenham Friends' Meeting House.
What's on the lineup for Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2026?
Curated by acclaimed poets Anna Saunders and Zoe Brooks, the programme features readings, workshops and immersive performances spanning classic works to new voices.
The Guardian poetry reviewer, Rishi Dastidar, opens the festival with a workshop on the theme of memories, followed by a conversation with award-winning broadcaster Jo Durrant and reading with poet David Punter, covering the poems that haunt them, as well as expert insights into what makes a poem powerful enough to feel like a possession.
Other highlights include An Evening of Gothic Poetry from Cheltenham-based immersive theatre company Moth Sanctuary Productions, where they bring the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson to life through spoken word and live music; 'heavy-metal poetry' from the highly acclaimed Gregory Leadbetter's The Infernal Garden; a walk in the footsteps of the romantics with Fiona Sampson's Starlight Wood; Verses with Voltage from slam champions Chloe Jacquet, Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell; and a new voices showcase with Jennifer Wong and Angela France reading alongside writers from the University of Gloucestershire's creative writing course.
The festival also offers open mic slots at many events, giving amateur poets a chance to perform their work in front of a receptive audience.
How much are tickets for Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2026?
Tickets prices vary per event, starting from £5 for readings, up to £25 for workshops.
How to book tickets for Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2026
Tickets for all events are available to book via Ticketsource.
