Raymond Blanc, Michael Morpurgo, Joanna Lumley, Ben Okri, Elizabeth Day and Alexander Armstrong are among the latest names announced for the Henley Literary Festival on 3rd – 12th October.

This year’s Henley Literary Festival will be the biggest yet as it stretches to 10 days for the first time in its 19-year history, with a stellar line-up and a starry double bill on night one followed by exciting names from fiction, food, football and more.

Kicking things off in style on the opening night on 3rd October, Dame Joanna Lumley will be sharing some of her favourite writing, followed by Elizabeth Day, host of the How to Fail podcast and bestselling author of Magpie, discussing her highly anticipated new book One of Us.

Speakers also just announced for this autumn’s Festival, include world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, Nottingham Forest European Cup winning football turned Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and poets Hollie McNish and Salena Godden. Plus, QI star Alan Davies, and literary powerhouse and Booker-winner Sir Ben Okri join Henley favourite Gyles Brandreth, who will be diving into the magical world of Winnie-the-Pooh, while Lucy Easthope, the UK’s leading disaster recovery expert will share how to cope in a crisis.

The Children’s line-up is packed to rafters too. Authors just announced include Sir Michael Morpurgo reimagining Shakespeare, JoJo & Gran Gran creator Laura Henry-Allain hosting a story session, and Pointless host Alexander Armstrong will be leading an interactive event around his No.1 bestseller Evenfall

They all join previously announced authors Jung Chang, Jay Rayner, Cressida Cowell, the Archbishop of York and Mary Beard, with many more to be announced before tickets go on sale next month.

Henley Literary Festival director Harriet Reed said: “From a long weekend at our first Festival in 2007 to 10 days this October is quite a journey, made possible by our brilliant audiences, authors and supporters.”

Tickets will go on sale to Gold and Platinum Friends on 4th July, Friends on 8th July, and general sale on 14th July.

Want to support the festival and get early access? Find out how to become a Friend at henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/memberships or call 01491 575 948.

Photo credits:

Alan Davies : Tony Briggs | Raymond Blanc : Chris Terry | Joanna Lumley : Rankin | Elizabeth Day : Jacquetta Clark | Alexander Armstrong : David Sheinmann