Henley Literary Festival 2025 Preview @HenleyLitFest

It’s only a week until this year’s Henley Literary Festival kicks off with a combination of in person and livestreamed events between Friday 3rd and Sunday 12th October. Authors appearing at this year’s Festival include Ben Okri, Michael Palin, Mary Beard, the Reverend Richard Coles, Andrew Lownie and Vaseem Khan. There’s also a varied programme of children’s events. All in the beautiful setting of Henley-on-Thames.

I’m going to eight events this year, seven in person and one via livestream. Links from the author names will take you to the event details on the Henley Literary Festival website where you can purchase tickets (subject to availability). Please note, I have no commercial relationship with Henley Literary Festival and buy my own tickets except where stated.

Historical Fiction Today with Carolyn Kirby, author of Ravenglass, and Vanessa Beaumont, author of The Other Side of Paradise [Free ticket as Friend of the Festival]

Headline Proof Party with Ellie Levenson, author of Room 706 (publishing January 2026) and Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, author of Female, Nude (publishing February 2026)  [Event sold out]

Jay Rayner, food critic and author of Nights Out At Home

Alan Johnson, former politician and author of Harold Wilson [Event sold out]

Dan Jones, historian and author of Lion Hearts

Damian Barr, author of The Two Roberts, and Tash Aw, author of The South

Elif Shafak, author of There Are Rivers In The Sky and The Forty Rules of Love

Sir David Suchet, author of Travels with Agatha Christie (publishing 30th October 2025)

Are you hoping to attend a literary festival this year? Are there authors you would love to see in person?