In what is becoming somewhat of an annual tradition, I was honoured to be invited to Oxford Literary Festival for the second year running. So firstly, a huge thanks to the organisers for reaching out and giving this independent critic access to the festival.
Day one of any big event always has a buzz about it, but this year felt particularly lively. And not just on account of some beautiful, sunny spring weather. The city was alive with the hum of conversation and the Sheldonian Theatre was packed out, which was particularly great to see in the wider context of the cost of living squeeze.
Here’s a brief overview of my experiences on the first day, which should give you a glimpse into what to expect for the rest of the week, and beyond.
Groove Armada-turned-farmer
The day kicked off in the Sheldonian Theatre, with Compassion in Farming – a panel discussion chaired by Kate Humble. The panel consisted of BBC Dragon Deborah Meaden, Groove Armada-turned-farmer Andy Cato, and founder of Compassion in Worldwide Farming Philip Lymbery.
Deborah Meaden
Whether you’re a proponent of veganism, a vegetarian, or even just mildly curious about where your food comes from, it was a legitimately interesting talk. Business, farming, and activism were all at the table here – and all three were largely in agreement that factory farming has to end, and consumers need more information in order to make better-informed decisions.
There’s a broader theme of ethical farming running through the festival this year, spearheaded by Miriam Margolyes’ lecture (more on that later).
Liz Truss, ISIS Brides, and Satire
Next, I hot-footed over to Brasenose College’s Amersi Lecture Theatre for the first installment of Festival Debuts, featuring Nussaibah Younis and her debut novel, Fundamentally.
Joining her was Jonathan Coe, seasoned satirical novelist of Middle-England and, more recently, The Proof of My Innocence – a murder mystery set during the brief days of the Liz Truss government.
It’s a curious thing, hearing a fiction novel about ISIS brides described as Bridget Jones-esque. But then again, Percival Everett managed to produce an outstanding comedic work of fiction in The Trees – a murder mystery about lynching mobs and white nationalism.
I’m yet to read either Younis’ or Coe’s works, but that’ll change pretty sharpish after this talk – and once I’ve whittled down that pesky TBR!
Miriam Margolyes’ Memorable Musings
Finally, I made my way back to the Sheldonian Theatre for the annual ‘Compassion in World Farming Peter Roberts Memorial Lecture’, featuring Miriam Margolyes.
Now running for five years, this is an annual tradition where a speaker delivers an informal lecture on a topic in tribute to the late farmer and campaigner. This year’s was Compassion for all Life which focused primarily on farming, but also addressed Israel’s continued bombing of Gaza, and Hamas’ continued holding of hostages.
Margolyes’ hallmark irreverence was, as it often is, a mixed bag. She’s undeniably witty, and unafraid of producing a barb or three towards her political opponents. She was particularly sharp on Farage, foie gras, and the Labour Party’s increasingly confusing approach to policy making.
Though a remark on how low welfare farming leads to less tasty food — which resulted in a bizarrely inappropriate segue about rape diminishing the enjoyability of sex — was received with discomfort in the room.
In spite of this, it was an entertaining hour with Philip Lymbery thankfully on hand to keep the discussion (mostly) on topic.
The day as a whole was pretty stunning. As I wrote in my guide to visiting Oxford Literary Festival, it’s a terrific place to be for any book lover and/or follower of current affairs.
There’s also a solid balance of established writers and debut novelists — and realistically, something for everybody. I’ve selected my top picks for the festival, so check them out. And if you’re already planning to be Oxford-bound, let me know events you’re most excited about.
Oxford Literary Festival runs until 6th April. You can read the full listing of events online here and even download a handy, printable pocket guide [PDF].
