One of the highlights of the year in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Literature Festival is back from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 October 2023 — and the line-up for this year's event has just been announced.
A host of high-profile politicians are speaking this year, including former prime minister Theresa May; former foreign secretary and leader of the Conservative party, William Hague; Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan; and former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.
BBC News presenter, Clive Myrie; Channel 4 News presenter, Cathy Newman; Countryfile presenters, Anita Rani and Helen Skelton; and wildlife presenter, naturalist and autism activist, Chris Packham are speaking at the event; while space enthusiasts have another chance to see astronaut, Tim Peake at his second Cheltenham Festivals appearance this year.
Elton John's long-time songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, is coming to Cheltenham to promote his new memoir Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton and Me.
The line-up also features comedy royalty, from actor, travel broadcaster and Monty Python legend, Michael Palin; star of cult comedy shows Bottom and The Young Ones, Adrian Edmondson; star of the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Nick Frost; Peep Show and QI star, David Mitchell; actor, comedian and former Bake Off presenter, Matt Lucas and his partner-in-comedy, bestselling children's author David Walliams; to outspoken stand-up and political commentator Nish Kumar, who we're sure will have plenty to say about some of his fellow headliners.
Everyone's favourite lexicologist Susie Dent shares more word-based wonders; sports fans can hear from world-famous tennis mum Judy Murray and Gloucester rugby legend, Danny Cipriani; mental health campaigner Ruby Wax talks wellness; supervet Noel Fitzpatrick shares his heart-warming new story; while foodies won't want to miss Bake Off darling and cookbook author Nadiya Hussain; cookery writer Diana Henry; and chef Andi Oliver.
There's plenty of literary legends, too, with beloved children's author, Jaqueline Wilson; TV presenter and author of the popular Thursday Murder Club series, Richard Osman; children's laureate and performance poet, Joseph Coelho; bestselling author, classicist and comedian, Natalie Haynes; and Sunday Times bestselling author and podcast host, Emma Gannon all coming to the event in October, too.
Tickets for this year's festival go on sale on Wednesday 6 September 2023.
To find out more, see Cheltenham Literature Festival.
