The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival

The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival is in its eleventh year in 2008 and will run from 1-6 April at Christ Church College in Oxford. The festival offers the opportunity to hear writers talk about their books, inspiration and passions.

Oxford is a long-time literary city, with authors such as Tolkien, Colin Dexter, CS Lewis and Philip Pullman finding inspiration beneath its dreaming spires. At its heart, is the historic Christ Church College, which has had a long and prestigious history since being founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1524. It was at this college that Charles I lived and held parliament during the English Civil War. Famed for its connections to Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll was a Don at the college). Christ Church has also been used as a filming location for Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter films.

The festival itself has been going from strength to strength each year, with 2007 welcoming 270 speakers to its realms. All types of names were invited to entertain the crowds including Jeremy Paxman and Anthony Horowitz. It also presents a unique opportunity to visit the magnificent college including its Library, not usually open to the public.

Find out more about the Oxford Literary Festival