Dive Into Cheltenham Lit Fest: Stars, Stories & Free Fun Await!

The Cheltenham Literature Festival is one of the most exciting events for book lovers and anyone interested in stories, culture, and the arts. This year, the festival will run from 10 to 19 October and will feature more than 400 events in Cheltenham town centre. It is known as the world's oldest literature festival, first held in 1949. Some of the biggest names attending include Tulisa Contostavlos, a singer and former X Factor judge, who will discuss her new book Judgement, which explores the ups and downs of her career. Dame Joanna Lumley, famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous, will be interviewed about her upcoming book. Mark Cavendish, the record-breaking Tour de France cyclist, will also be there to talk about his book Believe.

Getting to the festival is easy. The main hub is in Montpellier Gardens, which is a 20-minute walk from the train station or a 10-minute bus ride. If you are driving, the best places to park are the park and ride centres at Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse. There are also large car parks like The Regent Arcade and Cheltenham Walk, as well as smaller ones such as Rodney Road and St George's Road, though these can fill up quickly.

To attend talks and readings, you need to buy tickets, and some events are selling out fast. If there is someone you really want to see, it is best to book early. However, you can enter the lively Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens for free, where you will find many shops and stalls. Every day, there are free events, including family-friendly workshops and talks. Children can enjoy puppet plays and book readings, while adults can join workshops, listen to music, or watch comedy performances.

Events are held at various venues around the town centre, all within walking distance. These include Cheltenham Town Hall, Everyman Theatre, Parabola Arts Centre, and Queens Hotel. Some events are a bit further away, such as The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse and Dunkerton's Taproom in Charlton Kings.

There are many other famous guests to look out for. Michael Palin will share stories about his adventures in Venezuela. Chef Raymond Blanc, actor and presenter Tony Robinson, Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden, and comedian Rhys James will also make appearances.

The festival is committed to being accessible and welcoming to everyone. All venues, including temporary ones, are accessible. If an event features strobe lighting or loud noises, this will be noted in the event information and on-site warnings will be provided. There are fully adapted toilets, and assistance dogs are welcome everywhere. Some events will have British Sign Language interpreters, and sensory aid backpacks with ear defenders and fidget toys can be borrowed for free from the box office.

If you have story ideas or want to know more, you can contact BBC Gloucestershire. The Cheltenham Literature Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books, meet inspiring people, and enjoy a wide range of activities with friends and family.