Cheltenham Poetry Festival

15/06/2026

Beginning your poems with a bang, not a whimper is the subject of Tuesday's online workshop on the theme of first lines, led by Anna Saunders

There are only two tickets left, so grab one from:
https://www.ticketsource.com/cheltenhampoetryfestival/begin-your-poems-with-a-bang-a-workshop-on-the-theme-of-first-lines/e-ljzaed

With writing triggers, a mini tutorial, and inspiration from classic and contemporary poetry, you will explore ways to step out strongly with your first sentence.

06/06/2026

SEEKING A SPONSOR FOR JOHN HEGLEY

Would you like to help bring a 'National Treasure' to Cheltenham?

We are looking for a sponsor to make magic and mayhem happen next April - when we invite back Festival Favorite John Hegley!

John's performances at the Festival are an absolute delight, and we always have large, enthusiastic audiences... so this a is great chance to promote your brand/book/business or biscuit. ( A little John joke there for those in the know..)

John Hegley has captivated audiences all over the country and been described in TimeOut as Fabulously funny’ and in the Sunday Times as ‘Scandalously talented’.

John has published 12 collection, and has written and performed in three series of Hearing with Hegley, Radio 4. He has also been the BBC Online poet in residence.

If you are interested in supporting our hosting of John, please email Anna and Zoe at [email protected]

We usually get a few offers for John, please don't leave it too late to register your interest!

‘Just because he is one of the funniest men alive, don't underestimate his dedicated gentleness.’ Adrian Mitchell.

05/06/2026

We are delighted to announce that Lodders Solicitors LLP remains as Headline Sponsor for the Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2027. Our theme for 2027 is ’ visionary ’, and we will celebrate the work of innovative, inspiring, far-seeing, radical, prophetic writers and thinkers. As part of the festival, we will celebrate the work of visionary artist and poet William Blake, and shine a light on those he has influenced.

We are thrilled to welcome Lodders back as headline sponsors of the festival. As solicitors based in Cheltenham with additional offices throughout the Midlands, they mirror the festival's ethos of being firmly rooted in the local community while also delivering an outstanding national offering.

Lodders Solicitors LLP' 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.

Thank you, Lodders Solicitors LLP, for helping us bring literary brilliance to Cheltenham. We are so pleased to have you on board.

03/06/2026

The slam is back in 2027, and this time we are going to literally put poets in the slammer...

Would you like to see your logo / name on all our publicity materials? Enjoy free advertising in our programme plus lots of other promotional goodies? Please consider being our slam sponsor.

🚨 Calling all brands, businesses, and poetry lovers! 🚨

We’re seeking passionate sponsors for the 2027 Cheltenham Poetry Slam – “IN THE SLAMMER”! This adrenaline-fuelled spoken word showdown takes place in the iconic setting of Cheltenham’s historic courtroom, where poets battle it out for glory.

Partner with us to support creativity, community, and a truly unforgettable night of performance. Gain unique visibility, connect with new audiences, and help make poetry history!

Interested in being part of the action? DM us or email [email protected] for sponsorship packages and details.

01/06/2026

This evening's event. Two very special poets plus open mic.

Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.com/cheltenhampoetryfestival/yousif-qasmiyeh-christopher-crawford-plus-open-mic/e-jzprmb

“Yousif M. Qasmiyeh’s Writing the Camp is a profound meditation on time, family and language, set in his native Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon by a poet with a rare gift for universal imagery and reflection." Bernard O'Donaghue

"Divorcee Disco Music, the debut collection by Christopher Crawford, lays bare the fractures and fissures within contemporary relationships and in the sensibilities with which we’ve sought to understand the world, society, nature, and the people who come close to us."

Tickets are now available for Yousif Qasmiyeh & Christopher Crawford plus Open Mic at Online, Online on Monday 1st June 2026. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

21/05/2026

There are still places on this online workshop on 17th June 7pm.

Tickets are now available for The brilliance of your borrowing light - Persona in poetry - a workshop with Anna Saunders at Online, Online on Wed 17 Jun 2026 at 7:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

18/05/2026

Our open mics are for experienced published poets and for people who are starting out as poets. Everyone is welcome to join us.

They are a way to try out new poems on an audience, to improve your reading skills, to be part of a poetry family, and to hear some great poems (and learn). Give it a go.

We currently have slots for the next two lounges -
1st June - Yousif Qasmiyeh & Christopher Crawford (headliners)
6th July - Helen Ivory and Doryn Herbst (headliners).

Doryn started as one of open mic readers and now is a published poet and headlining!

Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.com/cheltenhampoetryfestival

17/05/2026

Watch this space.

We'll be announcing the dates and theme for next year's Festival any day now. We'll tell our emailing list subscribers first and then we will go public.

14/05/2026

Join two powerful poets (Yousif M. Qasmiyeh and Christopher Crawford) in our 1st June Online Poetry Lounge along with our wonderful open mic maestros.

Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.com/cheltenhampoetryfestival

“Yousif M. Qasmiyeh’s Writing the Camp is a profound meditation on time, family and language, set in his native Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon by a poet with a rare gift for universal imagery and reflection." Bernard O'Donaghue.

"Divorcee Disco Music, the debut collection by Christopher Crawford, lays bare the fractures and fissures within contemporary relationships and in the sensibilities with which we’ve sought to understand theworld, society, nature, and the people who come close to us."

There are still open mic slots available.