Cheltenham poetry festival is appealing for fundraising support after failing in its bid for an Arts Council grant for the first time in 13 years. In a statement it said: “The feedback we have received was that our application was strong. It included, as ever, a wide and expansive community programme of creative opportunities … However, we were told demand for funds in these difficult times is extremely high and competition much greater.”

Organisers said: “We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their support of the festival for 13 years. They, along with our patrons and sponsors, have helped us grow into the inspiring, engaging and community-building festival that, according to our feedback, is loved here in Cheltenham and all over the world.”

Write Out Loud twice visited the festival in its early years, reporting on it and taking pictures.

The festival is planning fundraising activities in January and, as ever, welcome support from businesses and individuals alike. Anyone who would like to support in the festival’s plans for 2023 can make a donation of any size by clicking on this link