Cheltenham Festivals has announced that Cheltenham Music Festival is enjoying its 'healthiest ticket sales since Covid-19', as the charity gears up to celebrate the event's 80th year in July 2025.
The number of seats sold across the programme already mean that Cheltenham Music Festival 2025 is the best-selling season since the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the live music industry in 2020.
It has sold 50 per cent more tickets compared to the same time in 2024, with the charity citing its strong lineup of 'star performers' as one of the reasons for its success, despite the current challenges facing the live entertainment industry.
This year's festival is the first under the stewardship of artistic director Jack Bazalgette and marks a particularly special milestone as Cheltenham Music Festival marks 80 years since it was founded by Imogen Holst in 1945.
He said: 'It’s so wonderful to report such rude health in our 80th year. We’re especially grateful to our audiences, returning and brand-new alike, for responding so positively to our anniversary programme.
'This 80th year is about celebrating our glorious past and also looking to an amazing future. It’s definitely going to be a season to remember — and we can’t wait to welcome audiences for some seriously special music!'
Dame Imogen Cooper, who is performing at the festival on Wednesday 9 July 2025, added: 'It’s a pleasure to see Cheltenham doing so well in advance of its 80th year. Festivals are so important to the health of classical music more generally and seeing this one thriving again is hugely welcome.'
In a climate where music education in schools is being reduced, audience numbers are stagnating and public funding for the arts is in decline, Cheltenham Festivals hopes the success of this year's event will act as a beacon of hope nationally.
Cheltenham Music Festival takes place from Friday 4 to Saturday 12 July 2025 and tickets are on sale now. For more information, see Cheltenham Music Festival 2025.
