...around town Lit Crawl

About

The Cheltenham Literature Festival Lit Crawl 2024 is a free ...around town programme supported by Cheltenham BID

Get ready for a riotous evening of the written and spoken word! Featuring a diverse programme of events showcasing up-and-coming authors, performers, poets, and comedians in exciting formats and spaces.

Drop in for one session or crawl your way through the whole evening of events.

Full programme

10am – 3pm: Giant Books: Live Painting - The Prom (opposite Waterstones) 

See illustrator Chris Mould create a giant book cover for his new graphic novel edition of War of the Worlds. Special pre-publication signed copies available in Waterstones on The Prom.

6 – 7.30pm

Fairytale Ceilidh - The Botanist

Interweaving the wild imagination of the Grimms’ fairy tales with magical ceilidh dances, come and dance your way through the story. Become the characters, happenings and magic of the tale.

Big Book Quiz - Boston Tea Party

With questions on anything from Dan Brown to Graham Greene, Normal People to Animal Farm, Gangsta Granny to Uncle Vanya, come and put your literary wits to the test. Hosted by James Walton of BBC Radio 4’s The Write Stuff.

The Postcard Exhibit - Sixteen Gallery

On its opening day, drop in on this eclectic collection of 300 postcards created by a community of artists of all abilities and experiences. Get creative and make your own with help from artist Tolmeia Gregory.

6 – 8pm

Into Abstraction - The Wilson

Take part in local artist led workshops inspired by the newly opened exhibition, exploring how art can reflect the world and current events around us. We guarantee you’ll leave with your creative juices flowing.

Games Night - Waterstones

Unwind with an evening of fun and friendly competition. Have a go at an old classic or discover a new favourite. Suitable for both puzzle prodigies and board game beginners. 

7 – 8pm

Reading Out Loud - The Wilson

Oral storytelling takes many forms including myths, fairy tales and folktales. Join our Literary Explorer in Residence Ann Morgan, alongside writers Selma Dabbagh and Jodie Matthews as they delve into the rich tradition of spoken narratives. 

7.30pm, 8.30pm (20 minute performances), 7.50pm, 8.50pm (bespoke poetry sessions)

Poetry on Demand - Brasserie Blanc

Enjoy an electrifying spoken word performance from Birmingham-based poet Bradley Taylor. Stick around as Bradley, armed with his trusty typewriter, crafts you a bespoke poem on a subject of your choosing.

7.30 – 8.30pm

Backlisted - Hatchards

When your TBR pile is full of debuts and next-big-things, it’s too easy to toss the classics aside. Join John Mitchinson and Andy Miller, hosts of top-rated podcast Backlisted, as they discuss the books that have stood the test of time.

8 – 9pm

Curse Writing - Hotel du Vin

Unlock the mystic art of curse writing and craft personalised spells with Krystal Sutherland. Drop in on this enchanting session of creativity and magic and leave with your own bespoke curse. 

The Mighty Goddess - Boston Tea Party 

Subversive and spectacular, these goddess myths are X-rated and for adults only. Follow the Goddess: Creator, Virgin, Lover, Warrior, Mother, Crone with Sally Pomme Clayton’s electrifying and soulful storytelling.

8 – 10pm

Pink Murder: An Interactive Murder Mystery - The Montpellier Wine Bar

On the eve of the 75th Cheltenham Literature Festival, a mysterious murder takes place. The only witness sees a flash of pink escaping through an alleyway. Join this interactive murder mystery and find the pink shirt before it’s too late!

9 – 9.45pm

Written Off Showcase - VOICEBOX

Written Off Publishing present a night of revolutionary and reflective spoken word performance poetry focusing on the mind, the body and challenges of today’s society. 

Content warnings: mental health, sex, strong language

9 – 10pm

Gothic Cabaret - Hotel du Vin

Join Moth Sanctuary Productions for a night of Gothic romance celebrating the works of Edgar Allan Poe on the 175th anniversary of the author’s death.

9.30pm – Late

Raise The Bar - Beefy Boys

The South West’s leading live poetry night Raise The Bar are back! Bringing together the leading names on the scene, expect electrifying poetry from Saili Katebe, Kat Lyons and Danny Carlo Pandolfi and join us to end the night on a high with DJ Ngaio. 

Thanks to the support of Cheltenham BID

View the full free Cheltenham LIterature programme here.