Henley Literary Festival opened in spectacular style on the Fane stage at Phyllis Court, with the ever-radiant and captivating Dame Joanna Lumley in conversation with Henley Festival favourite Gyles Brandreth. Their joyful exchange was followed by a thought-provoking and heartfelt dialogue between bestselling author Elizabeth Day and her close friend and fellow writer Rebecca Thornton.

Dame Joanna Lumley proved to be one of the most articulate, passionate and truly captivating speakers. What a treat it was for the audience of the first of over 150 events over the festival’s 10 days.

The evening unfolded into a warm and richly entertaining conversation, as Joanna and Gyles shared reflections and stories. Highlights included touching tributes to the late Dame Patricia Routledge, Joanna’s poetic obsession, and her charming habit of collecting snippets, quotes, clippings, and moments that she’s treasured since childhood. These fragments have now found a home in her lovingly curated new Book of Treasures.

“The funniest thing I have been doing since I was about twelve is that I see things that I like and I cut them out of newspapers and magazines, I tear them out of programmes, I store them in my head because I have got quite a good memory, or I have them in books and I just put marker in books of things that I love. These are things that I have loved and love them for whatever reason it is, whether they give me solace, comfort or energy, or they amuse me, or they fill me with wonder.”

A truly fabulous start to Henley Literary Festival.

Explore the full programme and book your tickets via the Henley Festival website. If your chosen event is sold out, don’t worry, there are some excellent livestream options available so you won’t miss a moment.

Henley Literary Festival

[Images: Scarlet Page and Henley Literary Festival]

Elizabeth Day