10 unmissable Cheltenham Literature Festival events that still have tickets

There's only one week until The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns to Cheltenham for its 75th anniversary!  

From 4 - 13 October, visitors from across the country will come together to celebrate the written and spoken word with some of the foremost writers, thinkers and performers in the world.

This year's jam-packed schedule is proving as popular as ever, with many talks quickly selling out. But don't fret, there are lots of entertaining and insightful events coming up that still have tickets for you to grab! Check out 10 of our highlights below.

Trevor McDonald, Russell Watson, Lorraine Kelly

Trevor McDonald on Cricket

Sun 13 Oct, 12.45pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Trevor McDonald is one of Britain’s most celebrated broadcasters and his devotion to cricket is almost as well-known as his legendary professional achievements. In conversation with Hannah MacInnes, he explores his childhood in the Caribbean and celebrates his life-long love of the sport.

Russell Watson

Thu 10 Oct, 3.30pm - Cheltenham Town Hall

Much-loved classical singer Russell Watson enjoyed a meteoric career until he suffered two brain tumours in 2006 and 2007 and underwent lifesaving treatment and surgery. Incredibly, he refound his voice and is performing internationally again to sell-out arenas. He talks to Rebecca Jones about the struggles and the triumphs, detailed in his memoir, Encore.

Lorraine Kelly

Tue 8 Oct, 5.30pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Lorraine Kelly might be best known for her infectious laugh and chatty style on the sofa, but she’s been charming readers all summer long with her debut novel, The Island Swimmer. Join her as she talks to Sam Baker about her tale of family rifts and difficult reunions, set on the island of Orkney.

Lynda La Plante, Cathy Newman, the cast of 'You're Bard'

Lynda La Plante

Fri 4 Oct, 6.15pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

From her early days in Liverpool, her unexpected acceptance into RADA, beginning her scriptwriting career with Widows and Prime Suspect to becoming a BAFTA award-winning writer and producer, Lynda La Plante’s life is stranger and more outrageous than her plots. She talks to Julia Wheeler about life, loves, sexism, obstacles and the inspiration behind her captivating stories. 

Cathy Newman's The Ladder with Neneh Cherry

Fri 11 Oct, 6.15pm - Cheltenham Town Hall

In December 1988 the world sat up as a young woman made her debut: gold bra, gold bomber jacket, and proudly, gloriously seven months pregnant. This was no ordinary artist, it was Neneh Cherry. She talks to Cathy Newman on The Ladder for Times Radio about her life, career and memoir, A Thousand Threads.

Sunday Times Culture Interview with Helen Fielding

Sun 13 Oct, 3pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Long before the bestselling books and star-studded films, Helen Fielding began writing an anonymous weekly column in The Independent – Bridget Jones’ Diary. She talks to journalist and broadcaster Martha Kearney about the life and times of Bridget Jones, including the origins, impact and enduring appeal of one of literature’s most beloved characters.

You're Bard

Fri 11 Oct, 8.30pm - Cheltenham Town Hall

Four actors. Four Shakespeare shows. Endless possibilities. You – the audience – decide everything, from the play to the performance style. Even which actor plays which part. This hilarious, unpredictable show promises an unforgettable evening of Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before! 

Rick Astley, David Nicholls, Geri Halliwell

Rick Astley: Never

Sun 13 Oct, 8pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

When Never Gonna Give You Up propelled Rick Astley into the pop stratosphere, it changed his life forever. Nothing could have prepared the young boy from Lancashire for what was in store. Join Rick as he talks about his memoir Never, a book full of nostalgia, truth, introspection, northern humour – and the astounding power of contentment.

The Sunday Times Must Reads: David Nicholls

Fri 11 Oct, 8.30pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

The bestselling and beloved author of One Day, David Nicholls, chats to The Times chief literary critic Johanna Thomas-Corr about his new novel, You Are Here. This affecting love story follows two lost souls thrown together on an epic coast-to-coast walk. Witty, effortless and perfectly attuned to the motions of the human heart, this is the work of an author at the peak of his powers.

Emma Freud Meets Geri Halliwell

Sat 12 Oct, 2.30pm - The Times and Sunday Times Forum

Geri Halliwell has been a spirited and passionate dynamo since she first burst into our lives as Ginger Spice.  She joins Emma Freud to discuss her charismatic career, including her current work as the author of the bestselling children’s book Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen. They’ll explore Geri’s journey from Spice Girl to activist and author.

---

Of course, these are just a few of our highlights. There's so much to see and do over the 10 days! Check out the Cheltenham Festival's website for the full schedule.

For its 75th Anniversary, Cheltenham Literature Festival is hosting a full programme of fantastic free events. See our blog for a roundup of what's coming up.

The ...around town Lit Crawl, in collaboration with the Cheltenham BID, also returns for another riotous evening of interactive activities on 5th October. See what's happening here.

Wondering where to eat in the town between events? Our helpful dining guide is here to give you some delicious inspiration.