CHELTENHAM 2020 CULTURE & IDENTITY NEWS

Readers rejoice as Cheltenham Literature Festival goes ahead

Despite worries that it may not be able to run due to the covid-19 pandemic, The Cheltenham Literature Festival kicks off today.

Book fans will be able to attend talks in person, and; for the first time ever, online, thanks to Cheltenham Festivals’ free streaming service that will be running throughout the festival.

This year’s line-up includes a number of the UK literature scene’s heavy hitters, including Andrew Marr; who helps kick off the festival at 1pm today with a talk about his new book ‘Elizabethans’, and Ian Hislop, the editor of Private Eye and co-host of ‘Have I Got News For You’, who will be doing a talk in celebration of his 60th birthday.

Other attractions include Cheltenham’s own Moth Sanctuary, who are a physical theatre group who will be performing four poems by revered writer Edgar Allen Poe at 7pm this Saturday.

Friday’s lineup includes BBC1’s Andrew Marr, who will be discussing his new book ‘Elizabethans’

As always, you can attend the festival in person, however this requires a booking in advance through their website. Social distancing in-line with government guidelines will also be in place across the site.

If you don’t feel comfortable, or are unable to go in person, you can also watch every event at the festival live on their website (for free!) by registering here.

Alternatively, you can pay £20 to have on-demand access to every presentation until the 31st of December, perfect if you’re going to miss the writers you’re most looking forward to.

The festival runs from Friday 2nd October until Wednesday the 14th, and you can find any other information on their website.

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