2026 EVENTS

Welcome to our 2026 programme featuring events, many moderated by experienced journalists and practitioners, on the written and spoken word: play script; memoir; biography; fiction; non-fiction; poetry; and translation. We believe we are unique among book festivals that, in a single programme, we’re producing a professional performance of Noel Coward’s 1930’s play Private Lives; staging a jazz tribute to Cleo Laine, and a live piano accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin shorts; plus a French themed literary lunch with an award winning actress; and, following an event with a brilliant chef, a tutored tasting of top French wines. In 2026 we are delighted to welcome back a record number of past authors: William Boyd, Justine Picardie, Tim Coulson, Carol Drinkwater, Paula Byrne, Jonathan Bate, Jacqueline Riding, Gwen Adshead, and Anna Whitehouse. And we are thrilled that those joining us for the first time include Antony Beevor, Simon Jenkins, Jonathan Wilson, Jonathan Freedland, & Rowley Leigh.

We hope there is something for everyone this year, from Rasputin to The World Cup and from marking 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II to the 250th anniversary of births of Turner and Constable.

We look forward to meeting many of you next May

Vicky & Charlie Bennett

You can view the full programme below and click on the 'More Info' Icon to see full details of each event

Despite higher overheads, the generosity of our sponsors, patrons and friends, enables us to offer a number of lower priced seats at events in Cidermill Theatre and St James’ Church, and an allocation of free tickets to school students.

At the link below you can sign up to support us & help enable the issuing of subsidised tickets and also benefit from priority booking

If you are not already on our database you can sign up via the 'Receive Festival Information' button at the bottom of this page

Sponosors & Patrons Bookings open January 12th, Friends Bookings on January 19th, General bookings February 1st

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"A glorious festival – one of the loveliest in the UK" Peter Frankopan

"Inspiring writers, enthusiastic audiences and a beautiful setting are the ingredients that make the Chipping Campden Literature Festival one of the best in the land" Loyd Grossman

"The Chipping Campden hosts looked after me so well, and the audience was wonderfully engaged. A great experience" Gillian Slovo

"One of my favourite Literature Festivals. The audience for my talk was so engaged and the location and atmosphere wonderful" Jane Martinson

"The Godot was remarkably good given that the actors had only ten days' rehearsal. In fact, we debated later how much that was an advantage: Christian (Durham - director) made it clear that the limited time meant an absolute focus on the text and mastering the play's mechanics rather than sitting round discussing Beckett's philosophy. I was impressed by the actors all of whom seemed well-cast and I hope it encourages you to do more productions as part of the Festival. Our post-play discussion was also lively and well-attended.” Michael Billington