Oxford’s next main literary festival runs 13–21 March 2027. An early official announcement names Louisa Treger for a conversation about A Fatal Love. The full programme has not been published. Alongside that news, the six completed 2026 events below give you authors and subjects to explore before choosing the sessions for a new Oxford visit.
Confirmed for 2027
Louisa Treger
She will discuss A Fatal Love at the next main festival. Follow Oxford’s official announcement for the session date, venue and ticket details.
2026 headline events
These events took place in 2026.
Black Beauty: A Retelling
· Sheldonian Theatre
Michael Morpurgo discussed his retelling of Black Beauty, exploring compassion, cruelty and the horse’s relationships with the people he met.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Dexter Procter The 10-Year-Old Doctor
· Mathematical Institute: Lecture Theatre 1
Adam Kay and Henry Paker introduced Dexter Procter, the world’s youngest doctor, through a comic journey involving school, work and belonging.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
The Bodley Lecture and Award of the Bodley Medal: Working Together on Children’s Classics
· Sheldonian Theatre
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler discussed their longstanding collaboration on children’s classics with Richard Ovenden and received the Bodley Medal.
2026 event detailsAt 3 festivals in 2026
The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks
· Sheldonian Theatre
Katie Kirby explored Lottie Brooks’s awkward world of first experiences, friendship mishaps and embarrassing moments in an event for young readers.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
The Big Journey
· Sheldonian Theatre
Michael Rosen discussed The Big Journey, following two bears seeking a new home through an adventure of courage, hope and resilience.
2026 event detailsAt 3 festivals in 2026
Love Lane
· Mathematical Institute: Lecture Theatre 3
Patrick Gale explored home and family in Love Lane, returning to Harry Cane’s story after A Place Called Winter.
2026 event detailsAt 5 festivals in 2026
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Explore the guide’s 2026 programme highlights.
Book your room first
Choosing the town and dates can come before choosing individual talks. If you reserve at that stage, compare the actual rate’s payment and cancellation conditions and keep its deadline with your festival plans. The search starts with the first festival night, two adults and one room; change it to fit your stay.
Where to stay for Oxford Literary Festival · Oxford Literary Festival visitor guide
Authors who appeared in 2026
Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Adam Kay, Katie Kirby, Patrick Gale.
Plan the festival visit
Put the university buildings on the new programme alongside the room’s address before reserving. Broad Street and central Oxford, Jericho and the station side are different bases to compare, especially if you intend to return during a gap. Ask about luggage storage for a short rail visit and confirm any essential room access feature. Leave time for a meal and a comfortable final journey, rather than filling every interval with another ticket. The visitor guide and stay page below help you choose the whole trip around the conversations you value.