A Morning Among Oxford’s Storytellers

This morning I had the real pleasure of attending the Oxford Independent Book Fair at the University of Oxford’s Examination Schools. It is hard to imagine a better setting for a celebration of stories: the high ceilings, long corridors and historic staircases of that remarkable building – normally the preserve of students sitting Finals – opened today to the public for a feast of imagination, creativity and conversation.

Both of the major halls were full to the brim with writers, illustrators, small publishers, micro-presses and booksellers. More than 150 exhibitors had taken their places, their tables piled high with every imaginable genre, from children’s picture books to serious non-fiction, poetry, memoir, fantasy and beautifully produced small-press editions. You could feel the buzz as people drifted from stand to stand, discovering new voices, asking questions, sharing ideas and, inevitably, leaving with armfuls of books.

I had the honour this morning of introducing Bodley’s Librarian, Richard Ovenden OBE, who officially opened the Fair. His work in safeguarding knowledge is known far beyond Oxford. His book Burning the Books reminds us of the fragility of recorded memory – and of our shared responsibility to protect the stories, archives and evidence that shape who we are. It felt entirely fitting that someone who has devoted his career to the preservation of knowledge should launch a festival dedicated to those creating it anew.

The programme of the day featured an impressive series of talks, readings, discussions and book launches. I wasn’t able to stay to hear as many of them as I would have liked – and I had to disappoint a couple of authors who had hoped I might be in their audience – but the energy around both stages was unmistakable. The organisers pride themselves on keeping entry free, keeping stands affordable, and welcoming writers and readers from every background. You can feel that ethos the moment you walk in. It is an inclusive, generous, neighbourly atmosphere: Oxford at its best.

What struck me most was the sense of purpose behind it all. The Oxford Indie Book Fair – or OXIB – began in 2020 with a simple idea: to give independent authors and small publishers a platform that wasn’t bound by the traditional literary festival model. It survived Covid by sheer determination, launching online magazines to keep momentum alive, and its first in-person fair in 2021 drew a brave and enthusiastic crowd. Since then, it has grown year on year, moving to larger venues, drawing in new supporters, and forging partnerships with both Oxford’s universities.

I was also pleased to learn more about the support from Lucy Group, whose sponsorship has helped the Fair grow and flourish. Their commitment to Oxfordshire’s creative and cultural life is hugely appreciated.

Oxford has always been a place where stories matter. But events like this remind us that literature lives far beyond the dreaming spires: in communities, in families, in schools and in everyday conversations. The organisers have been intentional about building a fair that reflects the whole city and county – one where families feel welcome, younger writers feel encouraged, and established authors share the floor with those publishing their first book.

That spirit aligns beautifully with my own theme this year as High Sheriff, Hearing the Young Unheard. Books are, after all, among the most powerful ways young people discover their voices. They offer escape, adventure and possibility – and, often, the first vital nudge towards becoming storytellers themselves.

As I left the Examination Schools, the halls were still humming with excitement. Visitors were queueing for signings, children were leafing through picture books, authors were proudly talking readers through the journeys behind their stories, and somewhere a reading had just been met with a ripple of warm applause.

Oxford is immensely lucky to have a book fair rooted in independence, inclusion and imagination. My thanks to the organisers, the exhibitors, the volunteers and the astonishingly committed community around OXIB for making this morning such a joy.

I left richer in ideas, poorer in cash, and utterly delighted.

If you’ve never been, do keep an eye out for the next one. It is quite simply one of Oxford’s most uplifting days out.