The Independent has announced its return as the official news partner of Henley Literary Festival 2026, in the festival’s 20th anniversary year. This marks the publisher’s fourth consecutive year supporting the UK's leading literary event, as The Independent gears up to celebrate its own 40th anniversary.
The partnership will see exclusive news and interviews running in The Independent, alongside a series of on-stage discussions at Henley between Independent journalists and some of the UK's leading authors, broadcasters, politicians and cultural luminaries. Alongside in-depth editorial coverage, readers can expect to see content across The Independent’s social channels throughout the festival, running 2-11 October, added the publisher.
New for this year is an appearance from The Independent’s weekly political podcast In The Room. Hosts Helen MacNamara, former deputy cabinet secretary, and Cleo Watson, former special adviser, will be in conversation with Theresa May.
The Independent’s long-standing relationship with Henley Literary Festival is born out of the publication’s commitment to the values of independent thinking and diversity of thought, the publisher continued. It follows previous years’ popular News Review at Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye and a raft of partnerships with music festivals across the UK and Europe.
Guided by a line-up of editorial talent, the publisher says attendees can look forward to:
- Michael and Clare Morpurgo in conversation with Culture Editor Jessie Thompson. Saturday, 3 October, 4pm, Marquee at Phyllis Court.
- Afghan journalist Zahra Joya in conversation with Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew. Sunday, 4 October, 4pm, The Relais Henley.
- Writer Kate Mosse in conversation with Jessie Thompson. Tuesday, 6 October, 6pm, Marquee at Henley Town Hall.
- Theresa May interviewed by In the Room hosts Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson. Thursday, 8 October, 4pm, Marquee at Phyllis Court.
- Broadcaster and novelist Lorraine Kelly in conversation with Deputy Culture Editor Ellie Harrison. Saturday, 10 October, 6pm, Henley Town Hall.
This year's festival will welcome some of the nation's most celebrated voices, including actor, comedian and writer Eric Idle; novelist Sebastian Faulks; author and former Meta executive Sarah Wynn-Williams; and fitness coach Joe Wicks, alongside more than 140 events taking place across Henley-on-Thames.
Tickets to go on sale for Gold and Platinum Friends on 3 July, Friends on 7 July and general sale on July 13.
Jessie Thompson, culture editor of The Independent, said: “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. From discussions with pioneering writers from Zahra Joya to 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 they are so richly needed.”
Harriet Reed-Ryan, director, Henley Literary Festival, said: ““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.”
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