Britain's best boutique festival will return to the magnificent Blenheim Palace from Thursday, 24th to Sunday, 27th September 2015. One of the major events of Britain's autumn literary season, this year's Festival will be the first to combine literature, film and music.

The newly named Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film and Music has refocused its programme to bring visitors extremely high quality, exceptional events held in the beautiful surroundings of iconic Blenheim Palace. 

The four day Festival will see acclaimed speakers from around the world gather from a range of creative fields including literature, fashion, food, film and music. The backdrop for the schedule of events at this year's Festival is intelligence mixed with glamour, developing its reputation as one of the most unusual in Britain. 

Highlights include Turkish Nobel Prize winner, Orhan Pamuk, who will be launching his first new novel in six years and Dr Maki Mandela, Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter, who will also be joining the Festival to discuss the life, legacy and art of her father in a unique appearance in the UK. 

From the world of music, Alfred Brendel, one of the greatest pianists of all time, and Andrew Gant, the former organist, choirmaster and composer at Her Majesty's Chapel Royal from 2000 to 2012 will be guest artists. 

Some of the most high profile speakers this year include the great nephew of the Emperor of Ethiopia, His Imperial Highness Prince Asfa-Wossen Asserate, launching his new biography 'King of Kings – the Triumph and the Tragedy of Haile Selassi of Ethiopia'. Max Mosley, the former President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, will also be discussing his life following the recent launch of his new autobiography. 

From the world of film and media, Paul Gambaccini, who presented on BBC Radio 1 for 16 years, will give an insight into his remarkable career and life as he speaks on his new book 'Love'.

ITV, Broadcast Television partner of the Festival, will be staging a variety of film events at the Festival including a discussion on a documentary being made about Mary Seacole, once voted the greatest black Briton in history. 

To keep updated with the full programme of speakers and events for this year's Festival, please visit the website: blenheimpalaceliteraryfestival.com

Sally Dunsmore, Festival Director says: “It is with great pleasure that I introduce this year's Blenheim Palace of Festival, Film and Music with a new name reflective of a new focus. Set within the most magnificent location of any festival in the UK, this year's schedule of engaging events and stimulating speakers will mark an exceptional four days for our guests and in the country's festival calendar.”

ENDS

For more information please contact: Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 07815 709548 or 01637 873379

Notes to editors

Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature Film and Music takes place from Thursday, 24th to Sunday, 27th September 2015.

Tickets are on sale online at blenheimpalaceliteraryfestival.com. Telephone and in-person booking will open shortly.