Bestselling authors and beloved entertainers, sports stars and broadcasters feature alongside local writers and first-time authors as the full programme for this autumn’s Henley Literary Festival is revealed.
The 18th annual Festival features over 120 conversations, performances, workshops and talks for adults and children from September 28 to October 6, at Henley Town Hall and a large marquee at Phyllis Court Club by the Thames.
Bestselling authors Paula Hawkins, David Nicholls, Elif Shafak, Bella Mackie, Roddy Doyle, Jodi Picoult, Robert Harris, Kate Mosse, Jacqueline Wilson, Irvine Welsh, Santa Montefiore, Nikki May and Lynda La Plante all appear, alongside entertainers and broadcasters Michael Palin, Trevor McDonald, Sara Cox, Rupert Everett, Zeinab Badawi, Gyles Brandreth, Susie Dent, Celia Imrie and Fearne Cotton.
Events for children of all ages include Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock, Supertato creator Sue Hendra, Rob Biddulph and Katie Kirby.
Strictly judges Anton du Beke and Shirley Ballas will each hit the Henley stage, as will beloved poets Pam Ayres, Roger McGough and Donna Ashworth. From the world of sport Henry Blofeld, Iwan Thomas, Gabby Logan, F1 expert Will Buxton and Felix Francis all feature, as do comedians Julian Clary, Helen Lederer, Danny Wallace, Rosie Holt and Celebrity Juice star Leigh Francis.
Thousands of years of history will be covered by Max Hastings, William Dalrymple, Alison Weir, Jonathan Dimbleby, Richard Dannatt, Clare Mulley and Damien Lewis, while on current affairs there is Liam Fox, Will Hutton, Rachel Clarke, Tom Burgis, Iain Dale, Polly Toynbee and Nadhim Zahawi. Gardening experts Sarah Raven, Carol Klein and Rachel de Thame share their wisdom, Rick Stein, Tim Spector and Tom Parker-Bowles discuss food and Zandra Rhodes looks back on her life in fashion. Local authors speaking this year include Cesca Major, Anthony Wootton, Kirsty Dougal, Jim Donaghue and Toni Ilsley.
The Festival will be followed in November by a series of pop-up events including David and Yinka Olusoga, Wayne Sleep, the Reverend Richard Coles and Marcus Wareing.
Programmes will be available from Monday 8 July in and around Henley and the surrounding areas.
Tickets go on general sale on July 15. Early booking for Friends of the Festival opens on July 9 – there is still time to become a Friend of the Festival to get priority booking for just £35.