The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival in Association with Waterstone Books 7-16 0ctober, 2011

What? One of the oldest and best loved literature festivals in the world… lectures, poetry readings, children’s events, interviews, storytelling, book groups, writing workshops, education projects, live literature… Over 100,000 tickets sell for the ten day event. As big as it gets.

This autumn The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will welcome over 600 of the world’s greatest writers, poets, politicians, thinkers and stars to Cheltenham for an inspiring mix of debate and discussion. Now in its 62nd year – 2011 promises the most ambitious and varied programme to date with Screen legend Christopher Lee, BAFTA-award winning Joanna Lumley, musician and radio broadcaster Jarvis Cocker and presenter and film critic Jonathan Ross all taking to the Cheltenham stage.

The Festival theme Journeys of Discovery has inspired an adventurous programme of over 500 fascinating events. The journey is led by five very different Guest Directors, who promise to delight and inspire with their own unique series of events. Ben Fogle, A L Kennedy, Jo Shapcott, Mike Atherton and Anjum Anand will all host some of the world’s top explorers, poets and literary and culinary treats at the Festival. At its core, the Festival continues to celebrate the pure pleasure of reading.

The very literary line-up of esteemed writers includes Ben Okri, Lee Child and Howard Jacobson as well as the Bonne Maman Big Read project which aims to spread the joy of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. The range of the programme offers something for literary lovers of all ages - from high-profile debate with leading political figures, to big names from the small and silver screen like Marcus Brigstocke and Larry Lamb, to Book it!, the programme of fun and exciting events for families and young readers.

For every hard-hitting debate in Cheltenham Town Hall, there will be a chance to meet Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit or The Gruffalo out in the gardens! For the first time Cheltenham town centre will come alive in the brand new Festival Quarter which takes over both Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens. The Festival Quarter will provide the perfect place to indulge in literary delights with four exciting new venues, a great place to soak up the atmosphere with delicious cafés, free live events and a huge bookshop.

When? 7 -16 0ctober, 2011

Where? Cheltenham Town Hall (GL50 1QA) Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens (GL50 1SD) - AA Route Planner | multimap

Who? 2011 David Wailliams, Larry Lamb, Sue Johnston, Ben Okri, Lee Child and Howard Jacobson, Ben Fogle, A L Kennedy, Jo Shapcott, Mike Atherton, Anjum Anand, Christopher Lee, BAFTA-award winning Joanna Lumley,Jarvis Cocker, Jonathan Ross and many more.

Download 2011 Programme (21MB be patient)

Booking details? Tickets are available on 01242 505 444 or via official site (link below)

Festival Website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Cheltenham on Social Media?

Past Festivals? Kate Adie (B), Melvyn Bragg , PD James (B), Cherie Blair (B), Michael Morpurgo(B), Libby Purves (B), Alain De Botton (B), Jeremy Paxman (B) Humphrey Hawksley, Jo Brand ( early TV performance below), Ruth Rendell , Sebastian Faulks,Richard Eyre, Martin Bell, Michael Palin, Mitchell & Webb, Robert Vaughn, John Humphreys, Marcus Chown, Stephen Fry, Judi Dench, Jo Shapcott,Diana Quick, Kevin McCloud, Jackie Kay, Kate Mosse, Richard Hammond, William Dalyrymple, Tony Parsons, Sophie Dahl, Stella Rimington, Vince Cable, Tony BennVictoria Glendinning & many many more.

We apprecicate you insights into literary festivals that you might have attended or are hoping to get too, or your views on award winning books.