Cheltenham Festivals

Sector: Hospitality & leisure

Cheltenham Festivals is a charity that creates innovative, world-class experiences across science, literature, music and the arts. Having supported the organisation with legal advice for more than two decades, Willans is proud to be its official legal partner.

The partnership reflects a long-standing relationship built on trust, shared values and a commitment to Gloucestershire, with our lawyers providing the legal expertise that helps the charity operate confidently as it delivers internationally renowned festivals and education programmes.

The charity’s work takes place year-round and culminates in four internationally acclaimed events. Together, these festivals attract over 225,000 visitors annually, bringing leading names in jazz, literature, music and science to Cheltenham to perform, collaborate and debate. Drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond, Cheltenham Festivals plays a significant role in making Gloucestershire a vibrant place to live, work and visit, generating more than £5.2 million for the local economy each year.

Alongside globally recognised names, the organisation is committed to championing new voices and creating distinctive, original experiences. Cheltenham Festivals’ Spotlight programme supports emerging and established artists across its Jazz Festival. FameLab nurtures the next generation of science communicators, providing participants with opportunities within festival programmes and facilitating connections with industry professionals. VOICEBOX, the Festival’s dedicated space for 18-30s, platforms upcoming talent, including creatives, authors and changemakers.

Alongside globally recognised names, the organisation is committed to championing new voices and creating distinctive, original experiences. Cheltenham Festivals’ Spotlight programme supports emerging and established artists, writers and science communicators by providing performance opportunities within festival programmes and facilitating connections with industry professionals.

Accessibility remains central to Cheltenham Festivals’ mission, with more than 30% of the festivals’ activities being free to attend. The season begins with the Jazz Festival’s Free Stage across the town during the May Bank Holiday weekend; the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026. Cheltenham Science Festival in June offers hands-on experiences for all ages in its interactive zones, while July’s Music Festival brings music into the heart of Cheltenham town. The Literature Festival hosts a series of free family storytelling events, workshops and activities that welcome thousands of visitors each year.

Alongside its festival programmes, the charity works year-round with more than 400 schools, engaging 80,000 children each year through its live events, year-round learning and participation programmes and creative learning opportunities.

Cheltenham Festivals is driven by the belief that arts and culture are for everyone and have the power to transform lives. It works to break down the barriers that prevent children, young people and families from underserved communities taking part, whether due to financial circumstances, transport or other challenges.

As official legal partner, Willans supports Cheltenham Festivals with practical, commercially focused legal advice across the issues that come with running a complex and ambitious charity. We are proud to play our part in supporting one of Gloucestershire’s most significant cultural organisations, helping to provide the strong legal foundations that allow the charity to continue growing, innovating and enriching lives for generations to come.