Henley’s festival usually runs from late September into early October. Its official site has not yet announced exact 2027 dates or a programme. The completed edition used town venues including the Town Hall, The Relais and the marquee at Phyllis Court. The six past conversations below give you a taste of its books and subjects while you plan the journey and choose where to stay.
Confirmed for 2027
The 2027 programme hasn’t been announced yet.
2026 headline events
These events took place in 2026.
Sebastian Faulks
· Marquee at Phyllis Court
Faulks explored faith after conflict through Farewell to Eden, following Philip Deval from Normandy to Palestine and post-war Britain.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Maggie O’Farrell
· Marquee at Phyllis Court
O’Farrell introduced Land, a family epic inspired by her great-great-grandfather’s work mapping Ireland after the Great Hunger.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Matt Haig
· Marquee at Phyllis Court
Haig brought The Midnight Train, a time-travelling love story about Wilbur’s wish to return to his past and live differently.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Ben Okri
· Town Hall
Okri discussed Waking the Warriors, a modern fable whose world contained invading armies, frightened refugees and a tyrannical western leader.
Ann Cleeves
· Marquee at Phyllis Court
Cleeves introduced The Dying Light, in which Detective Matthew Venn investigated a death at a North Devon politician’s holiday home.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Crime & Wine: Chris Chibnall, Harriet Tyce & Louise Candlish
· Town Hall
Chibnall, Tyce and Candlish shared their latest thrillers, bringing The Parkwood Murders, Witch Trial and A Neighbour’s Guide To Murder together.
2026 event detailsAt 5 festivals in 2026
Explore the guide’s 2026 programme highlights.
Book your room first
Choosing the town and dates can come before choosing individual talks. If you reserve at that stage, compare the actual rate’s payment and cancellation conditions and keep its deadline with your festival plans. Select your travel dates and guests once the visit is settled.
Where to stay for Henley Literary Festival · Henley Literary Festival visitor guide
Authors who appeared in 2026
Sebastian Faulks, Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon, Susie Dent, Kate Mosse, Joanne Harris.
Plan the festival visit
The reviewed programme used the Town Hall, The Relais and the marquee at Phyllis Court among its venues. Use the new event address when deciding between central Henley, the riverside and a Reading or Twyford base. A rail-linked room needs a workable final return, not only a convenient outward train. Ask about luggage before check-in and after checkout if that affects your event choices. Give a separate outing its own time, and compare the full stay through the guide and accommodation page before choosing nights.