Cheltenham Literature Festival to Continue Despite Funding Withdrawal
Cheltenham Literature Festival, a beloved annual event in the literary world, has announced that it will continue despite the withdrawal of funding from investment firm Baillie Gifford. The festival, which has been a staple in the community for 75 years, is determined to carry on with its free family events and programming.
Nicola Tuxworth, head of programming at Cheltenham Literature Festival, reassured supporters that the festival is here to stay. She emphasized the importance of the festival’s free program and its impact on the community, especially for children and families.
The sudden loss of funding has prompted Cheltenham and eight other literary festivals to call for increased support from their supporters. Together, these festivals have made a significant impact, selling books, engaging schoolchildren in activities, and reaching audiences across the UK.
Despite the challenges posed by the funding withdrawal, Cheltenham Literature Festival is gearing up for its 75th anniversary event in October. The festival remains committed to providing a platform for top authors and inspiring children through outreach events.
Authors like John Dougherty, who is set to hold a poetry event for schoolchildren at this year’s festival, highlighted the importance of outreach events in fostering a love for literature and potentially impacting social mobility.
In response to claims made by campaign group Fossil Free Books, Baillie Gifford defended its investment practices, stating that it is not a significant investor in fossil fuels or Israel. The company clarified its investments in technology companies like Amazon and Meta, emphasizing that any dealings with Israel are minimal in the context of their overall business.
As Cheltenham Literature Festival prepares for its upcoming event, the community is rallying behind the festival to ensure its continued success and impact on the literary world.
