Unmissable events at Cheltenham Literature Festival (which still have availability!)

The globally renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival returns in just 14 days. Don't fret if you haven't yet booked any tickets, help is on hand to make sure you don't miss out.

We've rounded up the best events which still have availability, including fantastic children's authors, some of the biggest names in fiction writing, stars of stage and screen plus well-known food writers. Although you'll have to be quick as they are sure to sell out! 

Limited tickets still available for Lenny Henry, Motsi Mabuse, Delia Smith, Rylan Clark and other household names. See full details below. 

Fantastic children’s authors

Comedian Rosie Jones talks about her new book The Amazing Edie Eckhart (9 October 10am). This event is suitable for ages 9+. Tickets from £7. 

Comedy legend, author and actor Lenny Henry introduces his brand-new story The Book of Legends, an outrageous adventure starring twins who live with their storyteller mum… until she goes missing. Bring along your jokes and questions for Lenny. (16 October 6pm). Suitable for ages 9+. Tickets from £7. 

Bestselling authors Emma Carroll and Lauren Child have joined forces for a feminist retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale in The Little Match Girl Strikes Back  (9 October 10am). This event is suitable for ages 7+. Tickets from £7. 

Guest curator Lydia Monks with her new book Adoette which tells the tale of a tree that became the beating heart of a community until one day, people decided it would be best if she would go. An interactive session with drawalongs, readings and games. (8 October 10am). Suitable for ages 4+. Tickets from £7. 

The UK’s funniest writing duo Greg James and Chris Smith introduce their brand-new children’s book Super Ghost, an epic superhero adventure with a twist. Packed full of laughter and imagination, games and audience participation. (15 October 2.30pm). Suitable for ages 9+. Tickets from £7.

Biggest names in fiction

Celeste Ng* discusses her heart-wrenching new novel Our Missing Hearts, which explores the ways civilized communities can turn a blind eye to the most searing injustice, and the power - and limitations - of art to create change in the world.  (13 October 8.30pm). Tickets from £10. *This participant will appear digitally.

Leading Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard talks about his remarkable writing career and his new novel, The Morning Star.  Karl’s six-volume My Struggle cycle has been heralded as a masterpiece all over the world.  (16 October 4pm). Tickets from £12. 

The six shortlisted authors for the 2022 Booker Prize appear for a special event at the Town Hall.  Director of the Booker Prize Foundation Gaby Wood talks to the talented writers who represent the best of the year’s literary fiction: NoViolet Bulawayo (Glory), Percival Everett (The Trees), Alan Garner* (Treacle Walker), Shehan Karunatilaka (The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida), Claire Keegan (Small Things Like These), Elizabeth Strout (Oh William!). (15 October 4.30pm). Tickets from £12.

The multi-million-selling author Ian Rankin, with over 30 novels translated into 36 languages, adaptations across radio, stage and screen, the recipient of a knighthood and some of the world’s biggest crime fiction prizes introduces his new John Rebus thriller A Heart Full of Headstones. (15 October 10.30am). Tickets from £14. 

Food writers you don't want to miss

Si King half of the Hairy Bikers talks about the Hairy Bikers’ Brilliant Bakes (14 October 3.15pm). Tickets from £14. 

TV cook Delia Smith turns her attention from the kitchen to the nature of existence in her new book You Matter: The Human Solution (13 October 3.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

Celebrity chef, TV personality, food writer and campaigner of food and environmental issues, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, talks about his favourite comfort food (11 October 1.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

Culinary pioneer Heston Blumenthal chats about career highlights and his latest book Is This a Cookbook? His session will be packed with stories, insights and kitchen hacks. (14 October 1.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

Stars of stage and screen

None of the familiar names below need any introduction! Tickets are still available to see all of these stars of stage and screen...

Changing Rooms’ most flamboyant designer, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen (8 October 5pm). Tickets from £12. 

Strictly Come Dancing stars Motsi Mabuse (16 October 10.30am) and Anton du Beke (11 October 7.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

American comedian and actor Rob Delaney (16 October 5.30pm). Tickets from £25, including signed copy of his book. 

Sports presenter and former gymnast, Gabby Logan (15 October 7pm). Tickets from £14. 

Star of the BBC show The Repair Shop, Jay Blades (10 October 3.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

Model and star of The X Factor, Rylan Clark (13 October 8.30pm). Tickets from £14. 

Singer-songwriter Melanie Chisholm (also known as Sporty Spice), Mel C: Who I Am (7 October 6.15pm). Tickets from £14. 

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For a full programme of #CheltLitFest events visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature.

And don't forget to check out all of the free events at the 2022 Cheltenham Literature Festival - including the legendary Lit Crawl and the return of the immersive venue VOICEBOX.

For help planning your stay in Cheltenham check out our helpful guides - Cheltenham Hotels, Cheltenham Weekend Itineraries, Things To Do Cheltenham, Eating Out in Cheltenham.