The exhibitors will all gather in the North Hall before opening for a photoshoot (hopefully we can get everyone in shot) A few opening words from Paterson Joseph and the event organisers start the day.

Public admittance begins and with that, actor, author and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes Paterson Joseph will open the 2024 Oxford Indie Book Fair.

The Wantage Bookshop will sell Paterson Joseph and Janina Ramirez’s books. They will sign them on table S8 next to the South Hall stage after their talks.

What’s your favourite Fairytale?

Join writer, illustrator and puppeteer Emma Boor for a craft activity designing and making Christmas cards based on Fairytale characters.

Join award-winning author and cartoonist Clive Goddard for a children’s cartoon drawing workshop. Celebrate his latest book ‘Erik the Alien’ by drawing funny faces, weird creatures and amazing aliens.

Children’s authors will read from their books in an entertaining way, starting with Jackie Holderness, Chair of the Oxford Children’s Book Group and author of the award-winning picture book: The Princess Who Hid in a Tree. 

The history of Oxford’s Saint Frideswide – the Anglo-Saxon princess – is the story of how Oxford began. It is retold for children (aged 9 and under) as a tale of adventure and courage in the face of danger.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Join kOrky and draw what you think Father Christmas looks like. kOrky shows how to be creative and to use your Imagination. All ages welcome!

The broadcaster, historian and author will talk about her much acclaimed book, Femina.

The need to know the ‘whole’ story and not just what those in power want you to hear.
Operation Ark is the powerful memoir of the most controversial figure of the 2021 Afghanistan Evacuation, whose story captured global headlines-except we didn’t hear the whole story.
“Pen Farthing is still angry. It’s understandable” – Private Eye
Brushstrokes in Time is the only novel with a background of the Stars Art Movement (Beijing 1979) but the government of China isn’t keen for you to know the whole story.

Graham White, from the Oxfordshire Library Service, talks about how the Oxfordshire Library Service can support local authors.

Go to Stand S52 to talk to our experienced library staff, who will be happy to explain what the library service can offer children and families in Oxfordshire.

The author, teacher and sportsman, Paul Gustafson has appeared on TV programmes such as Tales from the Riverbank and Predators. Paul will talk about how he had a dream and woke up to hatch Eggbert, an egg with attitude.

A selection of quick-fire announcements for newly released books that you might be thinking of buying today.

“Hot Metal, Cold Beer” Oxford eBooks: The autobiography of international journalist Paul Campbell. Hot Metal, Cold Beer charts Paul’s career spanning some six decades and his involvement in news stories that shaped the world we live in today.

The Walton Street writers will be talking about their short story. A discussion lead by Prof. Jane Spiro of Oxford Brookes.

Canon Rev. Dr. Charlotte Bannister Parker and author and broadcaster, Hugh Warwick. Is there hope for creation? Chaired by Ray Foulk who, in the nineties, ran exciting workshops on Planet Earth in schools throughout Oxfordshire.

Mary McClarey and Colin Wade will discuss the benefits of being part of a local independent authors group, explaining how they support each other and collaborate on events to sell more books. The Oxford Independent Authors are on stalls 34 to 36.

Nial Munro, Director of the Oxford Brookes Poetry Centre compères our poetry slam.

Readers include:

• Memoona Ahmed
• Laura Davies
• Andrew Pritchard
• Alison Jones
• Emily Fox
• John Hedge
• Students from Cheney School

Dr. Michelle Casteletti: The Director of the Oxford Festival of the Arts on the aims of the festival and what to expect in 2025

Some closing words from the organisers and thanks to our sponsors – see you all again in 2025!