The Independent is delighted to announce 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.
New for this year is a very special 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. It follows previous years’ hugely 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, attendees can look forward to:
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.
The Independent is excited to once again play a central role in what promises to be another spectacular edition of the Henley Literary Festival.
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.”
