WOODSTOCK’S acclaimed independent bookshop is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special event.

Rachel Phipps, who runs the Woodstock Bookshop in Oxford Street, will host the celebration at Wootton-by-Woodstock village hall on Friday, May 11, at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the evening, featuring talks from authors Carys Davies and Julie Summers, cost £5 and are selling fast.

Mum-of-six Mrs Phipps launched the bookstore in 2008, shortly before the recession began to bite.

However the shop bit back and attracted loyal customers who continue to support it today.

Mrs Phipps said: “I really can’t believe it has been 10 years and I feel that is quite an achievement in such a competitive market.

“I want to thank my customers for their support over the years and also local authors who have taken part in lots of different events - they have been very loyal.”

Last year the shop was among 42 across the country shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year category.

It was the third time the shop was shortlisted for the category.

Mrs Phipps said one of her proudest achievements was launching the town’s poetry festival.

This year’s event will be the seventh and it regularly attracts household names as well as local poets and performers.

Readings are staged at venues around the town including the town hall and Methodist church.

Last year Oxford poet Bernard O’Donoghue and folk singer Peggy Seeger were among those taking part.

In previous years there have been readings by Carol Ann Duffy, Michael Longley and Tony Harrison.

Poets’ fees are paid entirely by book and ticket sales.

During the 10th anniversary evening Ms Davies will talk about her first novel, West, while Ms Summers will discuss her latest book, Our Uninvited Guests - the secret lives of Britain’s country houses 1939-45, which includes a section on Woodstock's world famous Blenheim Palace.

Mrs Phipps added: “As the evening is a celebration of the shop’s 10th birthday, we hope it will be an opportunity for some of the shop’s many customers to get to know each other.

“During the past 10 years we have held many talks in Woodstock, as well as six poetry festivals.

“None of this would have been possible without our loyal customers and the support of the local community and we would like to say a very big thank you to you all.”

Book in advance by ringing 01993 812760 or emailing The Woodstock Bookshop at info@woodstockbookshop.co.uk