Wolvercote is set to welcome readers of all ages this autumn as WolvLitFest returns for its second edition, hosted by Oxford Independent Authors (OxIA) on Saturday 18 October.
Running from 10.00am to 4.00pm at Wolvercote Village Hall (OX2 8AB), the one-day festival combines a book fair with a full programme of free talks and workshops. Following the success of OxIA’s HeadLitFest earlier this year, WolvLitFest promises another lively day of literary discovery right on Oxford’s doorstep.
This year, OxIA has joined forces with ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children), an Oxfordshire charity dedicated to improving children’s reading confidence, well-being and love of books.
ARCh supports over 750 children each week across more than 100 primary schools in the county, with trained volunteers offering one-to-one reading sessions that help children build skills and self-esteem.
At WolvLitFest, ARCh will host a playful and interactive workshop celebrating the joy of shared reading. Designed for all ages, the session will use puppets, games and imaginative activities to bring stories to life.
“ARCh is delighted to be involved in WolvLitFest and for the opportunity to connect with the brilliant, local, independent authors within Oxfordshire,” says Emma Orton, ARCh Recruitment Officer.
“At ARCh we know how powerful stories can be in sparking imagination, nurturing curiosity and building confidence in young readers, and we know that WolvLitFest will be a brilliant event full of inspiration for young and older readers alike.”
ARCh volunteer Maggie Lloyd adds: “I have been working one-to-one with reluctant readers for more than ten years and I know from experience just how magical shared reading can be, taking all the stress and strain out of ‘reading aloud’ and turning it into fun.”
The day’s programme also includes a children’s illustration workshop with Oxford artist Mario Coelho, alongside sessions for adults such as Research in Historical Fiction, World-Building, What Makes a Good Story?, and the popular crime panel Murder They Wrote.
Independent authors, small publishers, illustrators and local writing groups will showcase their work at the festival’s book fair, offering everything from historical fiction and thrillers to poetry, fantasy and children’s books.
Book Launches at WolvLitFest
The festival also celebrates new releases from Oxfordshire and beyond:
- Reptiles by Sylvia Vetta – a feminist thriller set in Oxfordshire featuring DCI Ranjit Singh and DS Kate Farr.
- The Albios Way by Linda Proud – a meticulously researched historical novel set in AD 43, part of the Awen series.
- The Oxford Mystery by Colin Wade – a fast-paced thriller where an innocent mystery game turns sinister.
- The Wolves of Wittenham by Evelyn Crosskey – the finale of the Wittenham Guardians Trilogy, rooted in Oxford’s medieval history.
- Queen in the Shadows by Liz van Santen – a standalone historical novel set in South West France.
- Lazytown by Steve Sheppard – murder and mayhem in an Oxfordshire village.
- Reflections by Chris M L Burleigh – a new poetry collection blending humour and seriousness.
- Gardening on Mars by Jane Frank – poetry exploring connections between nature and humanity.
- Of Least Concern by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra – poems written during lockdown, reflecting on everyday life.
With free entry to the fair and all workshops, WolvLitFest is a chance to meet Oxfordshire’s vibrant community of writers and illustrators – and maybe discover your next favourite book.
