Literature lovers can hear from internationally-acclaimed poets and slam champions at this year's Cheltenham Poetry Festival, as it brings poetry readings, workshops and spoken word performances to atmospheric venues across the town from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 17 May 2025.
Guests can listen to some of the country's most renowned and respected poets; witness the UK's most exciting spoken word artists go head-to-head; and discover emerging talent as they soak up the electric ambience at open mics, where local poets have the opportunity to showcase their work.
Highlights of this year's event include BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and host of 'The Infinite Monkey Cage' Robin Ince and Oxford University professor of theoretical physics, Joseph Conlon sharing poetry inspired by science, Cheltenham Poetry Festival founder Anna Saunders, visiting writers and poets Fiona Benson, Michael Symmons Roberts, Pat Edwards, Ruth Padel, Vanessa Lampert, JLM Morton, Lesley Curwen, Lily Redwood, Roy McFarlane and many more.
There'll also be spoken word from slam champion Shakquille, with the festival culminating in the The 15th Cheltenham Poetry Festival Slam featuring seasoned slammers Clive Oseman, Chloe Jacquet and Nick Lovell.
Venues taking part include St Andrew's Church, Francis Close Hall Chapel, Cheltenham Friends Meeting House and Cheltenham Playhouse.
Tickets cost from £6 and are available via Ticketsource.
