We have an exciting and far-ranging programme of speakers for our 12th festival. Some 250 writers will descend on Christ Church to debate, discuss ideas and share their passion for their subject.

Julian Barnes, William Boyd, Melvyn Bragg, Mavis Cheek, Monty Don, Sebastian Faulks, Adam Hart-Davis, Douglas Hurd, Joanne Harris, Roy Hattersley, Lisa Jardine, Peter Jones, Hanif Kureishi, Oona King, James Naughtie, Philip Pullman, Libby Purves, Ben Okri, Jonathan Sacks, John Simpson, Roy Strong, and many more are all coming to this year’s festival.

Our panel discussions will take on major issues affecting our lives and ask pointed questions about global politics, climate change, science and much more. For addicts of heated debate, our discussions on the future of Palestine, the solace of nature writing, the threat to our oceans and the rubbish that passes itself off as ‘news’, will all be irresistible draws.

Tom Stoppard will accept the Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence. David Crystal will give the English Speaking Union address. English Pen will debate free speech. Michael Holroyd and Maggie Gee, in The Royal Society of Literature discussion, will wonder out loud if would-be writers really need a University education. Or – heretical thought, does the study of literature actually prevent you from finding your own voice? The Guild of Food Writers will bring their Italian food lovers’lunch to the festival – you can be part of it too and meet and chat with some of our best-known food writers over a magnificent lunch. Our publishing strand goes from strength to strength with the support of The Arts Club.

Naxos Audio Books are bringing a vibrant programme of talks and readings on Shakespeare, Milton and James Joyce’s women, voiced by some of the nation’s greatest actors. And we are so pleased to be working with Cox & Kings to develop our travel writing strand, which this year features Nicholas Crane and Rory MacLean. And, a first for the festival - with the help of architects Purcell Miller Tritton - we have a new architecture strand featuring Roy Strong, Lucy Worsley and Jeremy Musson.

If you prefer more intimate events, you can join two small dinner parties: hear the veteran broadcaster Mark Tully talk about India or listen to Martin Bell’s scathing analysis of Britain’s New Labour years, delivered from the perspective of a foreign correspondent turned MP.

Renowned for its extraordinary heritage of children’s literature, Oxford will also be the place to meet a host of inspiring children’s writers, including David Almond, Anthony Browne, Charlie Higson, Shirley Hughes, Philip Pullman, Meg Rosoff, Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart. There will be countless workshops and events for younger children, who will love encountering Shaun the Sheep, Pippi Longstocking, Peter Rabbit and Spot the Dog! And, not to be missed – hear how to write for Dr Who.

Many of our writers stay overnight in the palatial splendour of Christ Church, breakfasting in its magnificent Tudor hall and strolling through its cloisters. You can stay at Christ Church and share in the spirit of a community devoted for centuries to ideas, learning and good conversation. When you come to Christ Church, it is hard to believe you are in the heart of the city; its quadrangles, garden and meadows give a sense of tranquillity. Come and join us in the Spring.

Sally Dunsmore and Angela Prysor-Jones
Festival Directors

For full details of events, check our programme page regularly, which will be updated as speakers are confirmed. Join our mailing list to be sent a copy of the full brochure, which we hope to send out in mid February, or send us your e-mail address to receive Festival e-mails.

To read the report on the 2007 Festival that appeared in The Sunday Times click here.

New for 2008 – Creative Writing Course

This year sees our first Creative Writing Course, based at Corpus Christi next door to Christ Church. It will feature talks and masterclasses by writers John Carey, Joanne Harris and PD James among others.

Can You Help?

Friends of the Festival
We would like to encourage you to become a Friend of the Festival (see side bar for more details). Friends can enjoy priority notification of newly confirmed events by e-mail. You will also greatly help the Festival with advance planning with your financial support (only £20.00!).

Volunteers
We are always looking to recruit volunteer stewards. These are the indispensable people who help so successfully in creating the relaxed atmosphere of the Festival and ensuring that events run smoothly. The days are split into three shifts and if you can offer a minimum of three shifts over the week then we would like to hear from you. Please e-mail your name and address to info@sundaytimes-oxfordliteraryfestival.co.uk and we will get in touch with you during planning for each year’s Festival in January and February.