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. READ MORE: Superman star to play Harry Potter villain in new TV seriesThe 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. 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.