Readers flock to Indie Book Fair

This year’s Oxford Indie Book Fair (OxIB) was the biggest and best yet. I had a great time, met some old friends, made some new and had fun introducing readers to my books.

The fair, held on 1 December at Oxford University’s Examination Schools, attracted a bumper crowd of more than 1,500 visitors, and more than 150 exhibitors. A triumph for the team of hardworking organisers!

The show was opened by the charismatic Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, actor and author, Paterson Joseph.

So successful was this year’s event that the organisers were able to announce the date of a summer OxIB. It will be on 5 July 2025 and I very much hope to be there!

Here are some pictures to give you a flavour of this year’s OxIB

Thanks to Edmund Blok for the group photo.

All systems go! Getting ready for Oxford Indie Book Fair

It’s almost here! Every year I look forward to the Oxford Indie Book Fair and this year is no exception.

This is my third OxIB and, with more than 150 exhibitors, it promises to be the biggest and the best yet. I shall be spending the days between now and 1st December wondering how many books I can cram into my wheelie-bag and how the heck I’m going to be able to manhandle it up the ancient staircase of the Oxford Examination Schools.

Please do pop along if you’re in the Oxford area. There’s lots going on, as well as books to buy and authors, artists and poets to meet, the event will be opened by author, actor and chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, Paterson Joseph.

This is the ideal opportunity to stock up on early Christmas presents of a literary nature. And it’s held in the beautiful and historic Oxford Examination Schools in the High Street. See you there!

Second Oxford Indie Book Fair was fin-tastic!

Writers, publishers and artists gathered for the second Oxford Indie Book Fair on 2 April, an event that showcases the work of local authors, independent publishers and other artists.

Among the 45 exhibitors was the artist John Buckley, probably best known for creating the Headington Shark, a controversial landmark in Oxford since the 1980s.

I took along Note to Boy and had a great day, introducing Bradley and Eloise to a new audience, and indulging myself talking books and writing with visitors and other exhibitors in the beautiful surroundings of the Wesley Memorial Hall.

Thank you to the organisers for arranging such an enjoyable and successful event.

Oxford Indie Book Fair – so good they ran it twice!

So successful was the first Oxford Indie Book Fair that the organisers have decided to hold another one this year. Like last time, the second fair will be held at the Wesley Memorial Hall, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, a wonderful venue, on Saturday 2 April, to coincide with the Oxford Literary Festival. Two for the price of one – though the Indie Fair is free!

The previous fair was lively and great fun, packed with books and authors of all kinds. There’ll be free talks and entertainment throughout the day. I’ll be there and, if you’re in the Oxford vicinity, I hope you will be too.

All the fun of the (book) fair!

The first Oxford Indie Book Fair took place last Saturday at the newly revamped Wesley Memorial Church in Oxford. I was there, along with my comic novel, Note to Boy, and 50 or so authors, poets, publishers and artists. I had a great time!

The day-long fair featured book launches, talks, discussions and workshops, and entrance was free. Organisers Sylvia Vetta, Ray Foulk, James Harrison and Andy Severn – all praise to them for their hard work! – hope to make it a regular event in the Oxford calendar. I certainly hope so. It was a wonderful chance for writers and readers to meet, and to showcase a wide range of fascinating books.

Here are a few snaps. Do you think I maybe went a bit overboard with my branding?

Oxford Indie Book Fair – save the date!

The first ever Oxford Independent Book Fair will take place on Saturday 6th November. I’ll be there, along with my book and 50 other authors, artists and publishers.

Entrance is free, so please do come along, meet some writers, enjoy the day-long programme of talks and performances, and maybe buy a book or three. I look forward to seeing you.

Oxford Independent Book Fair. Wesley Memorial Hall, Oxford OX1 2DH. Saturday 6th November.