TV titans sign up to Henley Lit Fest

FANS of baking, sport and Downton Abbey will be excited to hear about the latest additions to the line-up of this year’s Henley Literary Festival.

The indisputable Queen of Cakes Mary Berry will join her Great British Bake Off replacement Prue Leith at this year’s festival, which takes place between October 2 and 8.

This is the first time that Berry will have appeared at the festival, and will be talking about her latest book, Household Tips & Tricks, while Leith returns after previous sell-out appearances with her memoir, Relish.

Clare Balding, whose appearance in 2012 was the fastest-selling in festival history, will return for a family special event with her second children’s book, The Racehorse Who Disappeared.

Also returning to Henley after two sell-out appearances in previous years, The Countess of Carnarvon will be discussing her new book At Home at Highclere, an insight into dramatic historical events at the real-life Downton Abbey.

Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine has also been added to the bill, who will be revealing what he has learned from his listeners over the last 14 years, while Radio 4s Anita Anand will share the story of the world's most infamous diamond.

Previously confirmed speakers include Russell Brand, Paula Hawkins, Sir Chris Bonington, Michael Morpurgo and Alison Steadman, with more still to be announced.

Tickets go on sale to Friends of the Festival on July 11 and on general sale on July 17. For more information visit www. henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or call 01491 575 948.