Cheltenham-based Lodders has announced it is returning as the headline sponsor for Cheltenham Poetry Festival in 2026.
The firm says the sponsorship has 'reaffirmed its commitment to the local literary community' as Cheltenham Poetry Festival celebrates its 15th year.
Inviting audiences to be 'possessed' by poems which haunt, enchant, possess and resist from both well-known names and exciting emerging writers, the festival receives no public funding and is reliant on donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations.
Lodders' headline sponsorship is invaluable in supporting its work in bringing the world's finest poets to Cheltenham, while also providing opportunities for local poets to share their creative endeavours with multiple open mic slots across the festival.
Dawn Oliver, who is a partner in Lodders' private client team, said: 'As a business with roots firmly in Cheltenham, Lodders is proud to support events that bring the community together.
'Our long-standing connection with the Cheltenham Poetry Festival makes our return as headline sponsors especially meaningful and we very much look forward to championing an event that plays such an important role in the cultural life of the town.'
Founder and CEO of Cheltenham Poetry Festival, Anna Saunders, added: 'We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lodders back as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Cheltenham Poetry Festival.
'Lodders’ support will enable us to continue celebrating creativity and community in extraordinary ways, to offer a world-class live literature event and to make our 15th year a very special one.'
Cheltenham Poetry Festival takes place from Thursday 9 to Saturday 18 April 2026.
To find out who's on the lineup this year, see Be possessed by poems at Cheltenham Poetry Festival this spring on SoGlos.
