Sessions
Sessions should last 55 minutes, unless otherwise indicated. Doors open 15 minutes before the start of each session.
Tickets will be available at the festival welcome desk over the weekend (depending on availability).
In case of lost or forgotten tickets please visit the festival welcome desk (at the entrance to the library).
Please note that some of the sessions will be filmed.
Programme
Click for a full programme PDF
Accessibility
Sessions will take place in the Great Hall, the Sam Khan Recital Room and the VLR (in the library), all of which have disabled access. The Recital Room and the VLR are on the 1st floor and have lift access. If you have any concerns about your mobility in the unlikely event of an emergency please speak to one of the stewards before the session starts.
Please be aware that the Chapel, which will house Roger Wagner's art exhibition over both days as well as Saturday's Evening Worship, has no lift access and is up a steep flight of stairs. Please advise stewards if you would like additional support.
Accessible toilets are located in the library building.
We are sorry that the school does not have a hearing loop.
Reception Desk
The reception desk can be found at the entrance to the school library. There will be full festival information available, as well as a programme handout, on-the-day ticket sales and some edible treats.
Finding Your Way Around
All key venues will be clearly signposted. Stewards will be on hand throughout the weekend and printed maps will be available at the welcome desk (at the entrance to the library).
Parking
The main festival car park is on Courtington Lane (approx. 200m from the school). We hope ticketholders will understand that due to extreme weather conditions, our designated parking area may not be available on the day. An alternative car park will be available a 10 minute walk from the school and we ask that you follow the signs and directions of the stewards. We encourage festival-goers with mobility issues to make use of the drop-off point at the main school gate.
There is a drop-off point and dedicated Blue Badge holder parking at the main school gate. Please follow the directions of the stewards, who will be on site all day Friday and Saturday.
If attending evening events, you will be able to move your vehicle from the festival car park to the main school car park from 7pm onwards.
Roadworks
If travelling from Banbury to Bloxham, please note that due to roadworks on the A361, there are currently two sets of traffic lights on Bloxham Road, just before the school. Please take this into account when planning your journey.
First Aid
First aiders will be on duty over the weekend. If you feel unwell at any point please speak to a steward.
Drinks Reception and Gala Dinner
If attending the drinks reception and gala dinner, please make a note of these timings:
7.00pm Drinks Reception
7.30pm Gala Dinner
9.30pm Out of the Blue performance
Some of our guests have asked about the dress code for our Gala Dinner. In previous years most people have enjoyed dressing up for the occasion, but please be reassured that the choice is yours.
There will be a fun love and literature themed quiz for each table, with prizes.
Catering
A café serving snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks will be open on Friday and Saturday.
The restaurant serving hot food will be open during selected times on Friday and Saturday.
We are not able to accept card payments in either the café or the restaurant and there are no facilities to withdraw cash onsite. The nearest ATM is at the Co-op in Bloxham.
Pubs and Restaurants in Bloxham
The Joiners Arms - food served 6pm - 9pm (8pm Sunday)
Old Bridge Road, Bloxham OX15 4LY 01295 720223 www.joinersarms.com
Bloxham Fish Bar - open 4:30pm - 9:30pm
High Street, Bloxham - 01295 722343
Elephant & Castle
Humber Street, Bloxham 01295 720383 www.bloxhampub.co.uk
Bookshop
Church House Bookshop will run a bookstall throughout the weekend in the main building, with a great selection of speaker books and other titles. Author signing sessions will also be here - full details of these will be at the welcome desk. To order speaker books or find out more visit www.chbookshop.co.uk or call us on 0845 017 6965 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 5pm).
Payment by cash or card. Unfortunately we are not able to accept book tokens.
Time to Spare
If you have an hour or two to spare between sessions, we recommend:
- School library - open all weekend and offers comfortable seating to read the paper or relax in quiet. (No food or drink please.)
- St Mary's Church - the 198ft spire of this beautiful medieval church dominates the landscape for miles around. The church will be open to view throughout the weekend. Find out more here.
- Bloxham village - offers a pleasant stroll along the high street with several attractive local pubs. You can find more information about the local area at www.banbury-cross.co.uk and www.visitnorthoxfordshire.com.