Bringing together the very best design minds & talent

Join the most diverse group of design talent and get fully immersed in the world of design and be exposed to new areas of thinking, innovation and process with actionable advice and inspiration.

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Talks & debates about
the impact of design

Our 2 day design conference is a really unique experience, where you can join world leading designers to discuss the role of design and the impact it has on our lives.

For design teams, students and organisations who want to understand the power of design; our event brings together an incredible line-up of speakers covering a diverse range of design topics to show you the full impact that design has on our lives.

View the schedule

Why you should join us

Learn from the greatest
design minds

Our world class speakers will share their experience and how they use design to make positive change.

The importance of human-centred design is high on the festival agenda this year and you’ll get to learn how this type of design approach is being used to improve our everyday lives.

See our Speaker lineup

Connect with like-
minded people

The best way to form strong creative relationships is through the support of our peers.

We’ve created the perfect environment for you to meet like-minded people and share your stories and challenges. Plus, begin build strong relationships and future collaborations.

Immerse yourself in
a unique design programme

The festival programme has been specifically designed to help you solve some of your biggest challenges with design.

You’ll leave the Cheltenham Design Festival feeling inspired and more aware of your own potential as a designer.

See the talks

Main sponsors
SLG
Monotype
University of Gloucestershire

Meet our speakers

Join the most diverse group of design talent to discuss what it means to be a designer in today’s world, how the role is evolving and why design and creative thinking is essential to us all. View all speakers

Patrick Grant

British Fashion Designer, BBC’s Great British sewing bee judge.

Andy Puncher

Architect & Director of pH+

Alexander Taylor

Industrial designer and innovation consultant to adidas.

Camilla Buchanan

Senior Policy Designer at Policy Lab, UK Cabinet Office.

Rama Gheerawo

Director, The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art

Catherine Greig

Architect & Director make:good

Dr Ambreen Shah

Director of Policy, Research and Communications at Design Council

Jim Sutherland

Founder of Studio Sutherl&

Marcus Lyon

British Artist

Paul Boag

User Experience & Service Design Consultant at Boagworks Ltd

Cat Drew 

Chief Design Officer at Design Council at Design Council

Gavin Strange 

Designer & Director Aardman Animations

Craig Oldham

Designer, Lecturer, Writer, Artist, founder of The Office of Craig

Kassia St Clair

Author of The Secret Lives of Colour

Steve Matteson

Creative Type Director at Monotype

Tina Touli

Multidisciplinary graphic communication designer at Tina Touli Design

Tommy Howard

Head Creative at Holiton

Yoko Sen

Founder, Sound Alchemist at Sen Sound

Our venue

The Parabola Arts Centre

The 325-seat auditorium designed by Foster Wilson Architects is very atmospheric. It’s circular shape auditorium brings audiences together and encourages debate and discussion.

The Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Rd,
Cheltenham, GL50 3AA – Get Directions

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