The Independent will partner with Henley Literary Festival for a fourth consecutive year, it was announced on Thursday, with an exciting programme of on-stage events.
Journalists from The Independent will be in conversation with a number of big names from the world of literature, culture and politics this October.
It comes as the festival celebrates its 20th year and The Independent marks its 40th anniversary.
Henley Literary Festival, one of the UK’s leading literary events, comprises more than 140 events held over 10 days between 2 to 11 October across three venues in Henley-on-Thames.
This year’s event features a conversation with bestselling children’s author Michael Morpurgo and his wife, philanthropist Clare Morpurgo, about 50 years of life on their Devon farm, chaired by Jessie Thompson, culture editor at The Independent. Thompson will also sit down with Women’s Prize founder Kate Mosse for a discussion about her new memoir Autumn, a love letter to Sussex told through nature, folklore and memory.
Elsewhere, broadcaster Lorraine Kelly will discuss her second novel The Island Secret with deputy culture editor Ellie Harrison, and Afghan journalist Zahrya Joya sits down with The Independent’s chief international correspondent Bel Trew to speak her life in exile after speaking out for women’s rights.
Theresa May will be in conversation with The Independent’s In the Room podcast with co-hosts Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson.
The star-studded lineup also features celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, who’ll be dishing on her varied career ahead of her forthcoming appearance on The Great British Bake Off, and Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell.
Celia Imrie, star of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Celebrity Traitors, will open up about her various travels in a globe-trotting talk that spans Australian tours with Glenda Jackson and Arctic quests for the Northern lights.
Joe Wicks, Caitlin Moran, Monty Python comedian Eric Idle and beloved author of The Gruffalo Julia Donaldson are joined on the lineup by Matt Haig, Mary Berry, Prue Leith, and pioneering British space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
Meanwhile, “the UK’s PE teacher” Joe Wicks will also be delivering a talk as well as comedian Eric Idle who will be discussing his heartfelt memoir Idle in Provence and, of course, memories of Monty Python.
As exclusive news partner, The Independent will be bringing readers in-depth editorial coverage, such as news and interviews, on the website and across social channels.
“Henley has delivered another fantastic line-up this year, offering serious breadth across literature, the arts, politics, sport, history, science, family events, and so much more,” said Culture Editor Jessie Thompson. “The Independent is thrilled to be taking part in our anniversary year as we celebrate 40 years of free thinking, with a number of speakers who brilliantly embody that spirit.
“From discussions with pioneering writers like Zahra Joya, Michael Morpurgo and Kate Mosse to our live In the Room podcast episode with Theresa May, we are proud to partner once more with a festival that offers lively, invigorating conversations at a time.”
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Harriet Reed-Ryan, Director of Henley Literary Festival, added: “With 140 events in-person and online featuring speakers from six continents, we are proud to be bringing the world to Henley and showcasing Henley to the world. So The Independent is a perfect fit as our news partner, as they mark 40 years and we our 20th festival.”
Tickets go on sale for Gold and Platinum Friends on 3 July, with Friends tickets and general sale following on 7 and 13 July, respectively.
