SIR Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Roger Bannister, Paddy Ashdown and Jenny Colgan are among the first names to be announced for 2014's Henley Literary Festival.

This year’s festival – held at venues across the town including a boat on the Thames – takes place from September 29 to October 5.

Best-selling novelists Colgan and Adele Parks will appear at the festival, as will award-winning playwright Bonnie Greer OBE and longstanding Cosmo agony aunt Irma Kurtz.

Each of the major political parties are represented; former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown will speak on the opening day, followed later in the week by Shadow Minister for Welfare Reform Chris Bryant and former Conservative MP Jerry Hayes.

Sunday Times interviewer Lynn Barber will discuss her latest memoir, having been portrayed by Carey Mulligan in the film made from the previous volume, An Education. Three of Denmark’s leading novelists make the trip to Henley for a Nordic Noir event while British-Iranian journalist Ramita Navia will be looking at Tehran.

Many more events, including a full children’s programme, will be announced at a later date.

The festival has launched its Friends membership scheme for 2014, providing vital support for the not-for-profit and offering priority booking and exclusive deals.

For more information visit henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or call 01491 575948.