The Cheltenham Festival of Literature has the claim to the longest-running festival of literature in the world. The festival sees tens of thousands of book-lovers and a host of celebrities from film, theatre, political and, of course, literary circles, grace the picturesque town of Cheltenham. It is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Europe. Workshops and lectures by writers and scholars from all over the world take place at different venues around the town. The festival is sponsored by The Times.

Venue: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Date: 5 - 14 October 2012

Website: www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk