Authors head for Witney book festival (From Witney Gazette)

Authors head for Witney book festival

2:35pm Thursday 17th July 2008 in Witney By David Horne

WITNEY'S first book festival has been announced, with a line-up of up-and-coming authors and established local writers.

It is being staged by the town's branch of Waterstones, at Market Square, and runs during the week of September 1 to 6.

Writers already signed up include Catherine O'Flynn, winner of this year's Costa Book Award for first novel with What Was Lost, former Witney MP and Foreign Secretary Lord Douglas Hurd, as well as Oxford-based Hugh McManners, a former member of 3 Commando Brigade and the Special Boat Service.

Ducklington author Michael Walsh, writer of Brothers in War, and former Brize Norton serviceman Mark Robson, who has just brought out the first in a new four-book series, entitled Dragon Orb, will also be appearing.

Most of the events are being held in the town's Corn Exchange and Langdale Hall.

Gareth Alder, store manager, said: "We have done bits and pieces in the branch before, but we thought we would really like to go to town and do something special for the first time. We want to show that Witney is the place to come to.

"The list of authors we have put together is a great mix of up-and-coming names and local talent. All of us at the Witney branch are very excited about this, and hope that the people of Witney and West Oxfordshire will share our enthusiasm.

"Nothing like this before has happened in the town, and we really want it to be something we can build on for the future.

"There is something for book-lovers of all ages to enjoy and come and meet favourite authors."

The week is being split up into general theme sessions, usually in the evening, starting on September 1 with Military History, at the Corn Exchange.

On the following evening, again at the Corn Exchange, the festival turns to crime writing, with a panel including Veronica Stallwood, who will also sign copies of her new hardback, and Mark Mills, whose second novel, Savage Garden, was selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club.

On the last day, there is a mix of events, with an emphasis on children's authors.

Further details and advance tickets - from £2.50 to £3.50 - are available from the store, on 01993 703525.