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.
Bringing together the very best design minds & talent
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.
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.
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.
Main sponsors
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