Olivia Harrison, who has lived in Henley’s iconic Friar Park for over 45 years, will make a rare public appearance marking 20 years since the passing of her husband, Beatle George Harrison.

Last month Olivia Harrison’s book ‘Came the Lightening, Twenty Poems for George’ was published.

Came the Lightening, sees Olivia examining the intimacy and emotional connection of their relationship in a memorable series of poems. She delves into the phenomenon of losing a partner and the passage of time. The poetry is accompanied by a selection of photographs and mementos curated by Olivia.

George Harrison’s first wife Pattie Boyd will also reflect on her life as a model and muse for songs including Something and Layla.

Rock stars, TV icons, social media influencers and even an astronaut feature alongside bestselling authors at this autumn’s Henley Literary Festival, with tickets on sale next month.

Presenting over 120 events for adults and children, the 16th annual Festival takes place in Henley-on-Thames and online from October 1st-9th.

Tim Peake, one of only seven Britons ever to go to space, visits with a special all-ages event around his first non-fiction book for children The Cosmic Diary of Our Incredible Universe. Closer to home, three of Henley’s most famous residents will be speaking: Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, Mary Berry and as mentioned above Olivia Harrison.

Music plays a major part in this year’s line-up, with ACDC frontman Brian Johnson, Spice Girl Mel C, First Cut is the Deepest singer PP Arnold and Deacon Blue star Ricky Ross all discussing their memoirs.

International bestsellers Robert Harris, Sarah Winman, Mike Gayle, Nina Stibbe and Jeffrey Archer appear alongside debut novelists Salma El-Wardany, Bonnie Garmus, Jessie Cave and Abigail Bergstrom.

Comedy legends Lenny Henry and Julian Clary will be in Henley for fun-filled family events, Floella Benjamin, David Dimbleby and Justin Webb join with their autobiographies, while Gavin & Stacey co creator Ruth Jones, wildlife expert Ray Mears, Countdown expert Susie Dent and Peep Show star Paterson Joseph all discuss their latest books.

Anton Du Beke appears for the first time, as does his former Strictly Come Dancing partner, fashion guru Susannah Constantine. The Salt Path writer Raynor Winn, whose online event in 2020 was the Festival’s most popular adult event ever, joins in-person for the first time with Landlines and Roasting Tin chef Rukmini Iyer takes us on a culinary journey through India.

Events for children of all ages include a talk from Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, a draw-along with Rob Biddulph and award-winning authors Manjeet Mann and Katherine Rundell. History and politics will be covered by Lucy Worsley, Jonathan Freedland, Andrea Leadsom, Marina Hyde and Norman Scott, recently portrayed by Ben Whishaw in A Very English Scandal.

Several writers who first made their mark on social media will be speaking, including poets the UK’s most followed poet Nikita Gill, Unmumsy Mum blogger Sarah Turner, Tik Tok star Dr Julie Smith, ‘Twitter Poet Laureate’ Brian Bilston and Instagram influencer Florence Given.

Events will take place at the Baillie Gifford Marquee, the historic Kenton Theatre and Henley Town Hall, with almost all of them available online via live streaming.

Festival director Harriet Reed-Ryan said: “After an above-expectations return to in-person last year we are so excited to welcome audiences old and new, in Henley and online wherever they are to our most accessible and varied Festival yet.”

The Festival is once again supported by headline sponsor Baillie Gifford, the independent investment partnership. Newly on board this year as media partner is the Telegraph. The children’s festival is supported by Shiplake College and the schools’ programme is in partnership with the arts council.

Tickets will be available via henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk and on 01491 575948, where you can also find information on becoming a Friend of the Festival for priority booking and other benefits.

Friends of the festival tickets go on sale on 11th July and general sale on 18th July