The Henley Literary Festival celebrates its 20th year from 2nd-11th October, with events taking place across Henley-on-Thames. Recently announced Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson will make her Henley debut on the opening night on Friday 2nd October, while Julia Donaldson, the UK’s bestselling author of all time, returns for the first time since the inaugural 2007 Festival on the closing day, Sunday 11th October.

Across the 10 days, audiences can look forward to around 140 conversations, performances, workshops and talks for adults and children, with many more speakers to be revealed in the coming months.

Nigella Lawson, the multi-award-winning author of 12 international bestsellers including How to Eat: The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food and Cook, Eat, Repeat: Ingredients, Recipes and Stories, will reflect on her remarkable career at the Fane Marquee at Phyllis Court. The Festival’s flagship venue will also welcome Julia Donaldson, creator of Stick Man and Room on the Broom, who returns with the long-awaited third Gruffalo book, Granny Gruffalo.

Events will also take place at the historic Henley Town Hall and The Relais Henley, with Shiplake College returning as the children’s sponsor. The 2025 Festival was the most successful to date, attracting over 27,000 in-person ticket-holders and many thousands more online, with speakers including Joanna Lumley, Jung Chang, Michael Morpurgo, Graham Norton and Elif Shafak.

Henley Literary Festival director Harriet Reed said:
“We are so excited to build on last year’s record-breaking Festival for our 20th edition and are beyond thrilled to welcome back Julia Donaldson and have Nigella Lawson join us for the very first time!”

Alex Fane, CEO of Fane Group, added:
“We’re proud to be back as headline sponsor of Henley Literary Festival for the second year running. It’s been a joy to see festivals like Henley, which are so integral to the wider ecosystem, continue to attract such devoted audiences. We’re very much looking forward to what this year has in store!”

Tickets go on sale to Gold and Platinum Friends on 3rd July, to Friends on 7th July, and to the general public on 13th July.

More information on becoming a Friend can be found at henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/memberships or by calling 01491 575 948.

Nigella Lawson: Credit Carsten Windhorst