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/ Lots of pics on the website.
On Dec 1, the Fifth Oxford Indie Book Fair took place at the impressive Oxford University Examination Schools in the High Street. We believe it was the biggest Indie Book Fair in the 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 exhibited. 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.
The 150 exhibitors, the 1,500 visitors, the organisers, the Oxford Brookes student volunteers and Paterson Joseph, the actor, author and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University who opened the Oxford Indie Book Fair on Sunday came away with the same impression –one of friendliness and welcome. Paterson Joseph was meant to stay for one hour but left, reluctantly, at 2pm for another engagement. He summed it up,
“I loved it more than I could have imagined! The welcome, the care taken of me, the infectious atmosphere of exhibitors, visitors and writers … inspiring is the perfect word. A great day all round. If you ever invite me again, I’ll make sure to stay longer and chat to more folks … and bring a bigger bag for the books I buy! Every member of your team is a star?”
We have tapped into a need. The oxygen of publicity goes to those books published by the big five. Traditional but small publishers like Claret Press who publish me and self -published authors struggle to be seen. Yet often they tell stories that need to be told. Telling the WHOLE story was the title of the talk I gave with Pen Farthing, whose reputation was trashed at the time of the chaotic exit from Afghanistan. Operation Ark – his side of the story is published by Claret Press. His previous big publisher wouldn’t publish it and no major paper was prepared to tell his side of the story.We believe in the need to know the ‘whole’ story and not just the version the powerful want you to hear. “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 and only Claret Press in the UK was brave enough to publish it – because I am not ‘Chinese’! Journalist friends, Emma Woollacott and Gill Oliver were disappointed our talk was not LONGER!
Other speakers included the effervescent historian and TV presenter, Janina Ramirez interviewed by James Harrison and Hugh Warwick hot off the Infinite Monkey Cage in discussion with Rev Canon Charlotte Bannister Parker chaired by ‘green’ architect Ray Foulk.
Paterson told how he would not have had the career he has had without assess to a public library. So he was delighted that the County Library Service had a free stand as did the Abingdon based charity, the Nasio Trust who are building the first community library in a poor part of west Kenya.
There were lots to attract children and families, including activities provided by Korky Paul,Clive Goddard and Wild Boor. Non-fiction for children too .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.
Our aims:
‘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 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 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