The Independent is delighted to announce it will be the official news partner of Henley Literary Festival 2025, marking the third year that the publisher has supported the leading literary event.

The partnership will see exclusive news and interviews running in The Independent, alongside special programming at the festival itself, with a series of on-stage discussions between The Independent’s journalists and Jeremy Hunt, Simon Armitage, Judy Murray, Alan Johnson and Michael Heseltine.

The Independent’s valued relationship with Henley Literary Festival is in line with the publication’s long standing dedication to cultural pursuits, and follows its hugely popular News Review at Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye and a raft of partnerships with music festivals across Europe.

The Independent’s expert journalists will take an active role in Henley’s forum of literature and ideas, reporting on a nuanced and insightful exchange of ideas and interviewing leading lights in front of a live audience. Alongside in-depth editorial coverage, readers can expect to see content across The Independent’s social channels throughout the festival, running 3-12 October.

Guided by a line-up of editorial talent, attendees will see:

• Michael Heseltine in conversation with The Independent’s Consultant Editor, Simon Walters. Wednesday, 8 October, 3pm, Marquee.
• Alan Johnson in conversation with The Independent’s Chief Political Commentator, John Rentoul. Wednesday, 8 October, 10am, Town Hall.
• Jeremy Hunt in conversation with The Independent’s Consultant Editor, Simon Walters. Thursday 9 October, 4pm, Marquee.
• Simon Armitage in conversation with The Independent Editor-in-Chief, Geordie Greig. Thursday 9 October, 8pm, Marquee.
• Judy Murray in conversation with The Independent’s TV Editor, Ellie Harrison. Sunday 12 October, 2pm, Marquee.

Faces and topics landing at this year’s festival include John Cleese on Fawlty Towers, and Dame Mary Berry as she marks her 90th birthday. More broadcast heavyweight highlights will be the return of Graham Norton to Henley, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse who makes her debut appearance at the event.

More than 120 events will be hosted at venues across Henley-on-Thames, with speakers announced to date including Michael Morpurgo, Denise Lewis, Raymond Blanc, Ben Okri and Cressida Cowell.

The full programme is to be revealed early next month, with tickets on sale to Gold and Platinum Friends on 4 July, Friends of the Festival on 8 July and the general public on 14 July.

The Independent is excited to play a central role in what promises to be a spectacular festival.

Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, says: “Henley Literary Festival is an invigorating and enriching forum for books, debate and ideas and it’s our great pleasure to partner with it for the third year. We look forward to bringing fascinating conversation to Independent readers and festival-goers.”

Harriet Reed, Henley Literary Festival Events Director, said: “We feel we have the strongest programme this year than ever before and are delighted that The Independent are once again supporting us. It is a news brand with strong columnists and gives to the readers a breadth of interest and fine writing so it is a perfect match. ”