This year’s Literary Festival opens on the October 25 to 6 November held in the heart of Wantage. Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or a curious newcomer, the Wantage Literary Festival offers something for everyone.
The Vale of White Horse area has a long association with literature with many famous authors having lived and worked in the region. The town of Wantage alone has links with King Alfred the Great (849AD to 899AD) who was a pioneer of learning, literacy, education and artisanship to modern day authors including Gary Sheffield whose particular interest is historical wars, to award-winning novelist Kita Mitchell and science fiction and fantasy author Matthew Wilson, to name but a few. The Poet Laureate John Betjeman moved to Wantage in 1951, living in the town for over 20 years during which time he became a popular figure around the town with many of his poems set locally.
It was the association with literature and poetry, which encouraged a group of local volunteers to set up the first literature related Festival in 2010. What started as the ‘Wantage Betjeman Literary Festival’ in the poet’s memory, was quite intellectual and snobbish with lots of lots of small, eclectic talks. The Festival was later renamed to the ‘Wantage Festival’ to demonstrate that the event was not just a poetry festival. By 2016, the Festival had established its charitable status and started its schools’ outreach programme. Over the proceeding years, the schools’ outreach and festival content has been enlarged, enhancing its appeal to all.
Since 2017, the ‘Wantage Literary Festival’, which more accurately depicts what the event is all about, has brought a wide variety of authors from around the country into the town. Throughout the Festival, the Beacon which has the largest auditorium in the Vale of White Horse welcomes many thousands of people through their doors whilst younger members of the community benefit from the schools’ outreach programme.
Some well known faces will be headlining this year’s Festival including:
• Martin O’Neill
Legendary football manager and pundit, sharing insights from his latest book Changing the Game: The Managers Tactics and Teams That Altered Football Forever.
• Janette Manrara
Beloved Strictly Come Dancing star and co-host of It Takes Two, presenting her inspirational guide Tiny Dancer, BIG WORLD.
• Patrick Grant
Fashion designer and BBC Sewing Bee judge, discussing his book Less, a powerful call for sustainable living and mindful fashion.
Joining them are a host of acclaimed authors and thinkers:
• Sir Max Hastings
Presenting Sword, a gripping historical narrative.
• Harry Sidebottom
Discussing Those Who Are About To Die, a thrilling dive into ancient Rome.
• Alison Weir
Exploring Queens at War, a compelling look at England’s medieval queens.
• Michael Sheridan
Unveiling The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China.
• Emma Healy
Hope Wolf, and Daniel Swift – offering fresh perspectives on contemporary fiction, modernism, and Shakespeare.
As part of this year’s Festival experience, visitors are warmly invited to relax and connect at the Brews and Books Café at The Beacon. Currently opening Monday to Friday from 9.45am to 1pm, the café is run by a team of fantastic Festival volunteers and serves fresh coffee, tea, handmade cakes, and savoury snacks. During Festival week, the café will offer extended hours to support events and welcome guests throughout the day. Every purchase at the café helps support the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity—funding free events, an inspiring school’s programme, and opportunities for everyone in the community to engage with world-class authors and experiences.
Tickets are now available via
ticketsource.co.uk/wantage-literary-festival
For full programme details and updates, visit
wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk
