Nigella Lawson Headlines Henley Literary Festival’s 20th Anniversary Lineup

Key Points:

• Henley Literary Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary from October 2-11, 2026, in Henley-on-Thames
• Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson makes her Henley debut on opening night
• Julia Donaldson, the UK’s bestselling author of all time, returns for first time since inaugural 2007 festival
• Over 140 events including conversations, performances, workshops, and talks across 10 days
• 105-year-old WWII veteran Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, one of the last surviving Mosquito pilots, will appear as festival’s oldest speaker
• Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell to discuss her anticipated new novel Land, published in August
• Eric Idle, Dame Meera Syal, Caitlin Moran, Kate Jenkins, and Tony Adams join the lineup
• Tickets went on general sale July 13, with priority sales for Gold and Platinum Friends earlier in the month
• The Independent returns as exclusive news partner for fourth consecutive year
• Festival features children’s programming with authors including Michael Morpurgo, Katie Kirby, and Joseph Coelho

London (Britain Today News) July 20, 2026 – The historic riverside town of Henley-on-Thames is preparing to welcome an extraordinary array of literary and cultural luminaries as the Henley Literary Festival marks its 20th anniversary this autumn. With tickets now on general sale, organisers have unveiled a star-studded programme featuring over 140 events across ten days, headlined by the debut appearance of Great British Bake Off judge Nigella Lawson.

What Makes the 20th Anniversary Lineup So Star-Studded?

The festival, running from October 2 to October 11, has secured an impressive roster of speakers spanning literature, comedy, politics, sport, and culinary arts. Nigella Lawson, the multi-award-winning food writer and broadcaster, will make her Henley debut on the opening night at the Fane Marquee at Phyllis Court, one of the festival’s flagship venues . Lawson, who was announced as the replacement for Dame Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off in January, will reflect on her distinguished career that includes international bestsellers such as How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, and Feast .

Reflecting on her upcoming appearance, Lawson acknowledged the significance of joining the Bake Off family. As reported by the Oxford Mail, speaking on ITV’s This Morning in January, Lawson stated:

“Yes, I am a teeny bit frightened. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that. I am excited, but I take it very seriously. The thing about Bake Off is that it’s about the programme, which is an institution of national treasure status, and it’s about the bakers. And I just want to be there and be a part of it.”

She also revealed that she hopes her signature clumsiness does not lead to knocking over competitors’ creations, joking that she is the “clumsiest person in the world” .

What Other Literary Heavyweights Are Appearing?

Julia Donaldson, the UK’s bestselling author of all time, will make a poignant return to the festival for the first time since its inaugural year in 2007. The creator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Room on the Broom will appear on the closing day, Sunday October 11, to discuss her work, including the long-awaited third Gruffalo book titled Granny Gruffalo .

Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell, who has recently been nominated for an Oscar for adapting her international bestseller for the big screen, will appear at the festival to discuss her highly anticipated next novel Land, scheduled for publication in August .

Monty Python comedian Eric Idle joins the lineup to discuss his heartfelt memoir Idle in Provence, alongside memories of the legendary comedy troupe . Former Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May will also participate in a live episode of The Independent’s In the Room podcast, in conversation with co-hosts Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson .

Which Cultural Icons and Comedians Are Featured?

Dame Meera Syal, star of Goodness Gracious Me, will appear at the festival, alongside How To Be A Woman author Caitlin Moran and Kate Jenkins with The Brownie Book . Actor and author Celia Imrie, star of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Celebrity Traitors, will open up about her diverse travels, spanning Australian tours with Glenda Jackson and Arctic quests for the Northern lights .

Children’s author Michael Morpurgo and his wife, philanthropist Clare Morpurgo, will discuss 50 years of life on their Devon farm in a conversation chaired by Jessie Thompson, Culture Editor at The Independent . Women’s Prize founder Kate Mosse will also appear to discuss her new memoir Autumn, described as a love letter to Sussex told through nature, folklore, and memory .

How Is the Festival Celebrating Its 20-Year Legacy?

Festival director Harriet Reed-Ryan expressed her enthusiasm for the milestone anniversary: “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” .

In a statement regarding the lineup, Reed added:

“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!” .

The 2025 festival was the most successful to date, with over 27,000 ticket-holders attending in-person and many thousands more watching online nationally and internationally. Speakers included Joanna Lumley, Jung Chang, Michael Morpurgo, Graham Norton, and Elif Shafak .

What Sporting and Musical Talent Will Appear?

The festival’s sporting offerings include former England football captain Tony Adams, who will reflect on leading the national team to the semi-final of Euro 96 . In the music sphere, celebrated cellist and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber will speak about his unique musical career .

Fitness personality Joe Wicks, known as “the UK’s PE teacher,” will deliver a talk as part of the programme .

Who Is the Festival’s Oldest-Ever Speaker?

The festival’s oldest speaker to date will make a historic appearance in the form of Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, a 105-year-old World War Two veteran who is one of the last surviving Mosquito pilots. Bell will discuss the more than 50 missions he embarked on to Germany during the conflict .

What Family and Children’s Events Are Planned?

The festival has expanded its schools programme for 2026, offering both in-person and online events for children across the country. The programme, supported by the Fane Group and with thanks to Hawthornden, will run each weekday morning from October 5 to October 9 .

Highlights include Lottie Brooks creator Katie Kirby discussing her chart-topping series, and fellow bestseller M.G. Leonard bringing Elizabethan England to life. Actor Paterson Joseph, star of Wonka, will celebrate Black British history with Ten Children Who Changed the World, while comedian Olaf Falafel introduces his new graphic-novel series The Far-Out Five .

Younger pupils can enjoy interactive sessions with award-winning author-illustrator Sophy Henn, much-loved local poet A.F. Harrold, and former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho .

Schools can attend in person, with every child receiving a book as part of their ticket, or join online for free from anywhere in the UK .

Which Venues Will Host the Events?

Events will be hosted across three main venues in Henley-on-Thames . The Fane Marquee at Phyllis Court serves as the festival’s flagship venue, where Lawson and Donaldson will appear . Other venues include the historic Henley Town Hall and the luxury boutique hotel The Relais Henley, with Shiplake College returning as the children’s sponsor .

The festival also hosted a special 20th anniversary Supper Club on May 20 at The Bottle & Glass Inn in Binfield Heath, featuring a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings and storytelling .
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Who Is the Festival’s Media Partner?

The Independent has returned as the exclusive news partner of the Henley Literary Festival for a fourth consecutive year . Journalists from the publication will be in conversation with several speakers, and the partnership comes as The Independent marks its 40th anniversary .

Jessie Thompson, Culture Editor at The Independent, stated:

“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. 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” .

Reed-Ryan added regarding the partnership:

“The Independent is a perfect fit as our news partner, as they mark 40 years and we our 20th festival” .

What More Is to Come?

Approximately 140 events, including conversations, performances, workshops, and talks, will be hosted over the 10-day festival . Organisers have confirmed that more speakers are yet to be announced .

When and How Can Tickets Be Purchased?

Tickets went on general sale on July 13, having been released in advance earlier in the month for Gold and Platinum Friends, and Friends of the festival . The full public programme of 140 conversations, talks, performances, and workshops is now available for booking through the Henley Literary Festival website .

Those interested in becoming festival Friends can find more information at henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/memberships/ or by calling 01491 575 948 .