Russell Brand Joins Top Novelists and Royalty at Literary Festival

Russell Brand has been confirmed for this autumn’s Henley Literary Festival, with his new book looking at addiction, joining some of the UK’s leading novelists, broadcasters and even royalty at the October 2-8 event.

The Festival, supported by Baillie Gifford, sees over 150 talks, Q&As and performances for adults and children over one week across the riverside town. Other speakers announced today include Princess Michael of Kent, bestselling novelists Rachel Joyce, Joanne Harris and Ayisha Malik, Pointless star Richard Osman, acclaimed YA author Katherine Rundell. History events include Victor Sebestyen on Lenin, Peter Stanford on Martin Luther and Rebecca Fraser on the Mayflower.

Brand, who is in the midst of a major nationwide stand-up tour, will be making a rare literary festival appearance to discuss the much-anticipated Fix: Freedom From Your Addictions, a typically frank, funny and engaging look at a wide variety of addictions, from alcohol and drugs to digital media and bad relationships. The comedian and actor, who moved to the Henley area last year, will be speaking at the Christ Church Centre on Friday October 6th.

Brand said: “I am very much looking forward to the Henley Literary Festival which not only has a great reputation but has the unique distinction of being the only book festival from which I can be home in 10 minutes.”

Festival events director Harriet Reed added: “It has been hard keeping this secret since we booked Russell in February but we are delighted that Russell can be part of what we think is our strongest line-up with this fascinating new book. And we are so excited to be bringing Joanne Harris, Richard Osman and Katherine Rundell to the Festival for the first time, as well as welcoming back old friends like Rachel Joyce, Peter Stanford and Princess Michael of Kent.”

Tickets go on sale in July, with many more authors to be announced in the coming months. The Festival is also holding a pop-up day of lifestyle events at Danesfield House on June 25.