With 400+ events and 500 speakers, this year’s 2025 Cheltenham Literature Festival is packed with inspiring talks, big debates, live music and unforgettable moments.

Make a day of it: explore the FREE-to-enter Festival Village, browse the bookshops, catch surprise performances, or simply relax with street food and a drink in hand.

Free for Families Sunday 19th October

9.30 – 5pm Drop In

The Den

Spark your family’s creativity and dive into a world of fun at The Den. This free drop-in activity tent is your destination for making, doing and playing.

Phoenix Comic Books Corner – learn how to draw lots of comic characters

The Escape Trail – set off on the ultimate game

Tales from Acorn Wood – spot your favourite characters, lift the flaps and find hidden objects

Sensory Nook – explore natural objects or curl up with a book

Puppet Play – make a puppet and play with them in this magical craft zone

Imagination Station – costumes, mirrors, and props! Perfect for playful roleplay and creative fun

10am – 5pm Drop In

Return to Wonderland (Ages 7+)

Step into the pages of Wonderland for a curious adventure to meet the Hatter

10am – 12pm

Meet Mog the Forgetful Cat – Dunkertons Taproom (Age 3+)

Meet Mog, the lovable and curious cat from the children’s book series by Judith Kerr. Join in the furbulous activities!

10.30 – 11am, 12.30 – 1pm, 2.30pm – 3pm, 4.30 – 5pm

Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins – Story Shack (Age 7+)

Boggarts, ghost and things that go burp in the night with Gav Cross.

10.30am – 12.30pm Drop In

Stories You Can Feel – The Hush – Kindly supported by The Methodist Church

Step into a story where you can see, hear, touch and imagine. In this gentle interactive session, children are invited to explore simple tales using sound, texture and movement.

11.30am – 12pm, 1.30 – 2pm, 3.30 – 4pm

Potion Professors – Story Shack (Age 3+)

Join Louby Lou’s Storytelling for shows inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Meet the Mock Turtles and the Potion Professors.