The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has announced its line-up for its 75th-anniversary celebrations, which includes Beefy Boys. More than 25 per cent of the over 500 events at the festival have free access. Read more: Worcester Cathedral Ferry boat in need of a winter home The festival’s theme this year is ‘Read the World’, which will include the festival’s Literary Explorer in Residence, Ann Morgan, who will share her international reading habits and top global literary recommendations. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the festival will introduce a new venue, The Snug, which will offer a range of activities, including colouring workshops, literary-themed sketch clubs, tailor-made book recommendations, and more.

This project aims to celebrate the town’s rich history and heritage, while also engaging the community in a meaningful way. It will involve collecting oral histories, photographs, and other artifacts from residents. These materials will be used to create a digital archive, a website, and a physical exhibition. The project will be led by a team of volunteers, including historians, archivists, and community members.

The festival is also expanding its offerings with a focus on sustainability. This is evident in the launch of the Times Square initiative, which aims to reduce waste and promote recycling. The Times Radio Speaker’s Corner will feature discussions on climate change and environmental issues. The TLS Reading Area will offer a curated selection of books on sustainability and environmentalism.

The festival will be held from Friday 4 to Sunday, October 13 at venues across Cheltneham.