JOIN THE AT BRITAIN’S FESTIVAL

One of the UK’s leading book festivals returns this autumn, both in-person and online, and with an unparalleled starstudded line-up. From October 2 to 10, Henley Literary Festival offers more than 130 talks, Q&As, workshops and performances for adults and children, some 50 of which are available to watch online wherever you are.

Vaccine scientists Dame Sarah Gilbert and Dr Catherine Green, whose brilliant new book about the battle to beat the virus was serialised in The Mail on Sunday, Oscar-winner and screen legend Hayley Mills, military historian Max Hastings, food writer Grace Dent and cricketer Michael Holding feature alongside bestselling novelists Sebastian Faulks, Kate Mosse, Jill Mansell, Cecelia Ahern, Jeffrey Archer, Jane Fallon and Brit Bennett.

All events at the Baillie Gifford Marquee at the riverside Phyllis Court Club will also be streamed live, with speakers including You columnist

Elizabeth Day, Sophie Ellis-Bextor (inset, bottom), Alexander McCall Smith, Candice Brathwaite and comediansturned novelists Mel Giedroyc, Robert Webb and Ruth Jones. The Laithwaites stage hosts authors including Costa-winner Monique Roffey, James O’Brien, Nicci French, Celia Walden, Jane Gordon, Richard Fortey and Gerald Stratford. Events for children include cartoonist and illustrator Chris Riddell, fitness coach Joe Wicks, Michael Morpurgo, Clare Balding, Hannah Lee and Stuart Lawrence. Broadcasters Simon Mayo, Dr Alex George, Fortunately hosts Fi Glover and Jane Garvey, Mariella Frostrup (inset, top), Jeremy Paxman and Tom Bradby will all discuss their latest books. From the world of entertainment the festival line-up includes Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Hamilton Olivier-winner Giles Terera, singer Tracey Thorn, Gyles Brandreth and Tom Allen. For the full line-up and to book, visit henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or call 01491 575948 10am-4pm, Mon-Thurs.