With combined ticket sales of over 150,000 the Cheltenham Jazz, Science, Music and Literature Festivals all boast enviable international reputations as leaders in their field. With programming that features the most up-and-coming, controversial and entertaining international performers, the festivals have justly earned their place at the centre of the UK’s cultural scene. Since the launch of the Music Festival in 1945 and the Literature Festival in 1949, Cheltenham has been at the forefront of contemporary British culture. Each festival is programmed by an artistic director, all of whom are leaders in their fields. A commitment to celebrating new work and young artists ensures that the festivals never stand still and continue to receive international coverage with audiences and performers drawn from across the world. In addition there is a thriving education programme which aims to take the festivals out into schools and the community thus generating new audiences.

For 60 years, the people of Cheltenham have enjoyed the notable facility of their own Theatre. A Theatre in which talented amateurs from all walks of life can work together with a single purpose; the presentation of non-professional drama of exceptionally high standards to the theatre-going public. The Playhouse is owned by the Cheltenham Borough Council but the management of the building and its activities are undertaken entirely voluntarily. The Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre is indeed a thriving and important amenity to the people of Cheltenham. It gives pleasure to literally thousands of people who regularly demonstrate their support by continuing to enjoy the performances staged here. Truly this is Cheltenham’s own Theatre, managed, supported and maintained by the people of Cheltenham, for the people of Cheltenham.