Phillips Law was delighted to be the headline sponsor of a truly exceptional evening at Winchester Books Festival, hosting Dame Mary Berry as she celebrated her 90th birthday and the release of her latest cookbook, Mary 90.

Our partnership with Winchester Books Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and this event was a perfect example of why we are so proud to support the brilliant cultural programme they bring to Winchester. Enormous thanks to Sian Searles and Sophie Liardet for their outstanding organisation and warm hospitality throughout.

The evening began with a drinks reception co-hosted with Rathbones, where guests enjoyed delicious canapés and drinks from Kitchen@. Our Phillips Law guests then had the privilege of meeting Dame Mary Berry herself in the Green Room before she took to the stage. To spend time in conversation with such a national treasure was an unforgettable experience, Dame Mary was as warm, charming and engaging and our guests were absolutely thrilled.

The main event that followed was equally special. Dame Mary’s conversation with Gaby Huddart was filled with wisdom, wit and genuine inspiration. From stories of her training to her television career and beyond, Dame Mary shared insights about cooking, life and following your passion. The standing ovation she received at the end was a testament to just how special the evening was.

Dame Mary’s new book, Mary 90, features 90 of her most iconic fuss-free recipes and coincides with a brand new BBC Two series, Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking, which airs next Tuesday. We can’t wait to watch!

Every attendee (550 of them) went home with a Phillips Law branded wooden spoon, a memento of a memorable evening and hopefully a helpful reminder of a great local law firm!

Events like this showcase exactly why Phillips Law is committed to supporting Winchester Books Festival. It’s not just about sponsorship, it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for our clients and celebrating the cultural richness of the Hampshire community where we work and do business. We are already looking forward to the next opportunity to partner with the festival.