Uncover the Oxford Indie Book Fair

Karen Neville

Oxford Indie Book Fair

The fifth fair is all set to be the biggest & best yet

The fifth Oxford Indie Book Fair takes place at Oxford University Examination Schools in the High Street on December 1st, 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 no one in 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.

What’s On December 2024 – Oxford Indie Book Fair

Speakers include the historian Janina Ramirez, the naturalist Hugh Warwick – he of The Prickly Affair 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 Oxfordshire state secondary schools.

There is lots to attract children and families, including activities provided by Korky Paul, and the Pegasus Youth Theatre. The organisers are delighted to announce that the international children’s author, Paul Gustafson, known for his series of Eggbert’s Adventures, will be exhibiting. His books are illustrated by Ray Mutimer (illustrator of Postman Pat, Paddington, Noddy, Rupert and Friends magazine, Charlie Chalk and Star Hill Pony’s magazine for the BBC). Paul’s giant Eggbert will also providing fun activities for the youngest readers.

Check out who’s going to be there in the exhibitor directory.

The fabulous assemblage of children and young adult writers include:

Angela Kecojevic: Being Brace, Frank’s Secret Yeti, Sleuth School: Jeremy Swift Investigates, and The Laughing Shepherd.

Vie Portland: inclusive children’s picture books.

Griselda Heppel: Ante’s Inferno, The Tragickall History of Henry Fowst, The Fall of a Sparrow.

Milo McGivern: Five books, detailling the adventures of Aubrey, Clifford and Walli on the mysterious Island of Animaux.

JM Carr: Wonder Girls

Veneficia Publications: With books for children of all ages.

Oxford Children’s Book Group: Featuring a variety of children’s books including the story of St Frideswide who founded Oxford told for young children in The Princess who Hid in a Tree.

There’s non-ficton too, Crosswords for Boffins and Rebecca Mileham, author of popular science books. Her 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…

More info


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