Althorp Literary Festival returns with a star-studded line-up

Althorp lies at the very heart of Northamptonshire and served as a stunning backdrop for the childhood of Diana, Princess of Wales. This makes Althorp the ideal setting for one of the Midlands’ finest literary gatherings, offering famous faces and award-winning prose in the idyllic English countryside.

One returning star this year is Clare Balding, broadcaster known for her work presenting on BBC Sports and her writing including Isle of Dogs. Balding was a popular guest in 2018 when she discussed her children’s series The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop with her trademark humour and optimism. She is now set to return on Friday 11th April.

Saturday’s lineup includes Ann Cleeves, celebrated crime writer, and David Mitchell, comedian promoting his witty new history of Britain’s early rulers. Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer and generous host of the festival, will also appear to discuss his latest memoir A Very Private School, in which he recounts his childhood experience at a boarding school.

This year’s event is set to be the talk of the town, with crowds expected to flock to see their favourite authors and David Mitchell’s slot already sold out at the time of writing. Having such an amazing cast of Britain’s best living writers of both fiction and non-fiction will be perfect publicity for Northamptonshire, in the perfect setting to draw attention to the county’s rugged countryside from a beautiful stately home.

Perhaps the return and anticipated success of Althorp Literary Festival 2025 marks the long-awaited return as a regular event for years to come, though all we can do is sit back and enjoy an exciting mix of critically acclaimed authors, popular comedians, TV personalities, and much more. Spring has sprung and so has the literary event of the year.