Andy Severn, James Harrison Ray Foulk and I had a dream of an event for book lovers which was free to enter, welcoming of everyone whatever their age or background. I tell the story of how it all began on this link https://www.oxfordindiebookfair.co.uk/history/
Why should you want to come on Dec 1? The historic venue.
On Dec 1 the Fifth Oxford Indie Book Fair is taking place at Oxford University Examination Schools in the High Street. We believe it will be the biggest Indie Book Fair in Country. ‘Indie’ is short for ‘Independent’ so our event supports small publishers as well authors, illustrators, artists poets and publishing services . Go to the website and Exhibitor directory to see who is exhibiting. I suspect that there are more authors per square mile in Oxford than anywhere else in the world. I’d love to put out a challenge to Oxford researchers to discover if my assumption is true. My fellow Oxib organiser, Ray Foulk, author of Stealing Dylan from Woodstock and other books wants oxib to go national in 2025.
Ray says ‘The event will be opened by the charismatic Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, the actor and author Paterson Joseph. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Lucy Group, the Fair is doubling up again this year and will fill BOTH halls in the impressive venue-Oxford University Examination Halls.’
The declared aim of Oxib is to be free entry so that no one is excluded. All the talks and activities are free too. Like many underprivileged young people, access to books, particularly through libraries, opened doors to opportunity for Paterson.
https://www.oxfordindiebookfair.co.uk/whats-on/
Speakers include the historian Janina Ramirez, the naturalist Hugh Warwick- he of The Prickly Affair, recently on the Infinite Monkey Cage, in discussion with Canon Rev. Dr. Charlotte Bannister Parker on the topic is there hope for creation? The discussion will be chaired by Ray Foulk who ran Planet Earth workshops in the nineties in most of Oxfordshire state secondary schools. Operation Ark is the powerful memoir of the most controversial figure of the 2021 Afghanistan Evacuation, whose story captured global headlines.
Why should you want to listen to us?
We believe in 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 by me is the only novel that tells the story of the revolutionary art movement at the heart of the birth of the Democracy Movement in China. When? 1989 ? No 1979! That’s why the story of these courageous artists needs to be known.
oibf-dec-2024-programme images
There are lots to attract children and families, including activities provided by Korky Paul, and WildBoor ideas will run a craft activity. They will be performing “The Elves & The Shoemaker” for this year’s family Christmas show at Pegasus Theatre (11-24 Dec). As well as Korky there are other illustrators including Mario Cuelho, Dice Comics & Yiting Li. There is a fabulous assemblage of children and young adult writers . Rebecca Mileham, author of popular science most recent book is ‘Cracking the Elements‘ (2018) which takes a comprehensive look at the development of the periodic table – and reveals untold stories, unsung pioneers and intriguing science along the way.
For budding authors there’ll be lots of publishers and publishing professionals and the future of English Poetry is in the safe hands of Ignition Press, a publishing arm of Oxford Brookes. Niall Munroe has organised the poetry slam. You can even learn How Tennis Invented Everything…
A note from the organisers: What makes OXIB ‘tick’ and why we do what we do for free.
We are a unique book fair based in Oxford that CELEBRATES Independent Creators—authors, writing groups, poetry writers and performers, local and independent bookshops, printers, publishing services, small press and independent publishers—all of whom bring fresh, original works to readers.
We believe in direct Access to Authors and books—in all their formats—Making books and events affordable and accessible to promote a love of reading across all ages and backgrounds. OUR FAIR IS FREE
We believe in Championing a Diversity of Voices across the cultural spectrum – embracing unique perspectives, genres, and backgrounds to enrich the literary landscape. OUR FAIR IS INCLUSIVE
We believe in Building a thriving community of readers, writers, and artists, rooted in local engagement and support. We believe in creating meaningful relationships between authors and readers, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for literature. OUR FAIR IS ABOUT COMMUNITY
We believe in Honouring Local Heritage – Celebrating primarily Oxford’s and Oxfordshire’s rich literary history while promoting the city as a home for new, independent voices. OUR FAIR IS ROOTED IN LOCALISM but with national connectivity
We believe in Inspiring Lifelong Learning – Cultivating curiosity and intellectual growth through books, workshops, and discussions. OUR FAIR IS A NETWORKING EVENT
Andy Severn, Felicity Dick, James Harrison, Ray Foulk, Shona Nicholson and Sylvia Vetta
To see the full programme go to