Oxford Literary Festival turns 20

Oxford’s Literary Festival began 20 years ago and has been housed in many different locations.  Inspired by the poetry that is soon to dance upon the stage of the Festival  (April 2nd) I stand with a coffee and watch as the tents are put up in the Old Schools Quadrangle.

 

The workmen look to be making the most of a break in the weather.  Rain clears after ‘Storm Katie’ moves out of the South of England taking grey clouds with it.  A blue sky is a blessing and the only Half-Light left behind is the one formed by the shadows of overlapping tall buildings along narrow lanes.

 

 

The packed Festival programme is getting ready to start here in Oxford with my personal highlight being Actor and Film-star Ian McKellen appearing. The tents are being set up along with the handy temporary coffee shop.  It’s a great place to hang out with old and new friends.

 

It’s magical how the tent fits the space between the old libraries exactly.  It stands on a part of the old library that is buried underground and has a mini shuttle train to move books from one end to the other.

 

 

The thought of books and cakes enjoyed together reminds me of how peoples stories unfold and become part of everyday life in a fairly random and totally meaningful way.  The story below is inspired by my festival excitement.

 

‘Ham and cheese croissant?

Earl grey tea for here?’

He comes in everyday after walking a quarter mile. He never leaves before lunch. I didn’t know where he goes after.  He says very little. He finds his soul floating like a forgotten broken biscuit on the coffee of life. He does not forget his friends.  We are the barista team of his dreams.

I make chocolate macchiato he says no, he remarks he was so hyper active last time and he will have an espresso if it is free.  Yesterday he says he had three.

I remind him we close for Easter and I wonder where he will go.

He always plays favourites, pitching us one against another and we fall for his tricks.  We cover the fact we are busy to make space for his brave courageous spirit in our otherwise bland place of work. He leaves and it will be 24 hours before he returns. Time goes fast when you don’t follow your passion.

I stand in front of the coffee machine wanting something to ignite. Not even warm. I make a chocolate shake to take away and remember to pick it up before home time. It,  like all our drinks and my badge, has my name on. That makes the drinks taste better. They belong to us. Personal touch is still worth much.

I didn’t know where he was going for a long time.  His jokes are fresher than our cakes.  He moves on to being a regional manager somewhere and has a new team.  I hear they love him just as much.

Find more stories inspired by half light here and an audio story here

 

PS

Another highlight at the Festival is the amazing Actress Maureen Lipman performing poetry along with jazz being played to celebrate the 20th year of this festival .. information is here

It will be a great week, just don’t mention the boat race! (Not the best result this year 😦   )

 

25 thoughts on “Oxford Literary Festival turns 20”

    • I know!! It’s going to be amazing. I’m already star struck lol. And the buildings are a bonus. PS I love the name of your blog! I’m pinning your nutella meringue to my board now. Perfect combo!

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  2. This looks like a quaint and immersive festival. Congrats to it for being 20 years, and sounds like it has a following. There is something very charming about the atmosphere judging from your photos.

    Very warm little inspiring story that was inspired by the festival. That man sounds like a dedicated soul and doesn’t like to let others down. How selfless. “Personal touch is still worth much.” Love how this phrase rolls off the tongue sooo nicely 😀 I personally think personal touch is something that is only felt sometimes. It’s all in the gesture.

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    • Heartfelt thanks Mabel, you always add a substantial layer to my thoughts and give me a big chunk of inspiration to take away! Yes, the Festival has lots of fans so the city should be jam packed. I love your take on how gesture can have different interpretations. Your recent post on how we connect with each other through language is so clever and thoughtful. Winner! 😉

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  3. I spent a half day wandering around Oxford last September, exploring Balliol and the Bodleian. The atmosphere is amazing to one coming from ‘down under’, where our oldest University (Sydney – my alma mater) is only 165 years old.

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    • Sydney sounds exciting and I enjoy the captures of the colourful wildlife that is local to you on your blog. Balliol is the oldest college I believe so you definitely saw the early history of Oxford. September would have been perfect to enjoy the Bodleian, as the new glass/chrome Weston library you may have saw at the entrance only opened about a year ago. Good timing! Come back to Oxford soon 😉

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    • Lovely to hear from you Paula! It has been an awesome few weeks of enjoying books in the sunshine. I am loving your blog and following the fresh stories you tell. Here’s to an inspiring weekend!

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    • A pleasure. I just clicked onto your beautiful Facebook page with the stunning golden trees. Awesome landscape! I am looking forward to reading more. I agree, the literary fest is worth a visit for sure. I am hoping to go to Edinburgh in August to enjoy that one too! 😉

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  9. I am enjoying so much culture from blogs like yours. You paint a vivid picture of your festival excitement. I may just have to put this festival on
    my bucket list. Thank you for following my blog. Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

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