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Henley on Thames is to host its first literary festival, between 21 and 23 September. A programme of around 50 events will include well-known authors and personalities, and the Co-operative Bank Henley Literary Festival aims to offer something for everyone.

Writers who have already confirmed their attendance include John Mortimer, Jeremy Paxman and Henley's own MP, Boris Johnson who commented: "This is a brilliant idea. One day Henley may be as famous for reading as it is for rowing".

From the political arena come Martin Bell, Richard Littlejohn and Peter Oborne. Former England Cricket Captain, Mike Atherton is one of several sports personalities attending. Award-winning novelists Colm Tibin, Andrew O'Hagan, and Tim Lott are part of a strong fiction line-up, which includes several local writers and Deborah Moggach, and Young Bond author and Fast Show star Charlie Higson along with Michelle Paver will be there to attract the children's audience.

Seventies super-model Marie Helvin and one half of 'two fat cooks' Clarissa Dixon Wright will talk about their autobiographies which will be published this autumn. There will be humour with columnist and authors Craig Brown and Gyles Brandreth, and one of the country's leading poets Jo Shapcott. Big names in the lifestyle category include India Knight, BBC presenter and nutrition expert Amanda Hamilton, and adventurer David Hempleman Adams.

The festival is keen to support Henley's wealth of creative talent by supporting successful local authors. Those who have already confirmed include Anna Pasternak, Daily Mail columnist and author of Princess in Love, crime writer Simon Kernick whose new book Relentless has been selected by the Richard and Judy Book Club, Lucy Cavendish, Malcolm Brown, Mick Smith and Patrick Lennon.

Commenting on the festival, The Co-operative Bank Henley Literary Festival Director Sue Ryan, said: "Henley is the perfect venue for a literary festival; we have a great reputation for the Henley Regatta, the Music and Arts Festival and the Food Festival, all of which are well attended so this is the perfect addition. We have fabulous venues - the Kenton Theatre, the River and Rowing Museum, Leander Club and the Town Hall and we can use the river for readings on a boat."

A full programme of events will be announced in August along with ticketing information.

More information is available from www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk