Great British Bake Off legends Mary Berry and Prue Leith team up

The beloved baking stars have both been confirmed as part of the line-up for the 2026 Cheltenham Literature Festival, which returns to Gloucestershire in October.

Dame Mary, who lives in Henley-on-Thames, and Dame Prue, who is based in the Cotswolds, are among more than 500 authors, celebrities and public figures set to appear at the prestigious event.

Organisers have unveiled a star-studded programme featuring some of the biggest names in literature, television and entertainment.

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The festival, which is believed to be the world’s oldest literature festival, will run over 10 days in October.

Former Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith will take part in a discussion alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and author Kathy Lette.

The trio are set to explore the topic of “growing old disgracefully” during their appearance at the festival.

Meanwhile, Dame Mary Berry will be joined by comedian and former Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc for a conversation centred on one of her passions away from the kitchen: gardening.

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Festival organisers say Dame Mary will share seasonal advice, personal stories and photographs from her own garden, while also introducing a forthcoming cookbook.

The event will also welcome a number of other high-profile figures, including Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding, Doctor Who and Queer As Folk writer Russell T Davies, author Richard Osman, broadcaster Anneka Rice and comedian Sara Pascoe.

Actress Celia Imrie is also among those taking part and will discuss her memoir Elegant Hustler, while a special panel will celebrate the life and work of bestselling novelist Dame Jilly Cooper, who died last year aged 88.

Held annually in Cheltenham, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and is regarded as one of the UK’s leading cultural events.