About

Welcome to the Oundle Festival of Literature

Oundle Festival of Literature hosts regular literary events throughout the year, in the picturesque market town of Oundle, Northamptonshire. Our annual programme showcases a diverse range of speakers from within the literary arts; from big name authors, to academics, early career and local authors from across the fiction and non-fiction spectrum.

During March, we host our annual KidLit Festival around World Book Day. Daily events in local schools, and other venues around the town, feature top children's authors covering every age group from reception to year 6.

Founded in 2002 by a committee of literature loving volunteers, we remain a not-for-profit organisation, committed to celebrating and supporting the literary arts, and keeping our events affordable.

Tickets for our events can be purchased via links on the 'What's On' section of the website. Tickets are also available in person in The Oundle Bookshop, located in the Market Square (cash only.)

We aim to develop our programme to host more events and bring more diverse voices to Oundle. If you would like to work with us as a supporter, sponsor or volunteer, please get in touch with our Festival Curator at: hello@oundlefestivalofliterature.co.uk

About Oundle

Oundle is a pretty, stone-built market town with a range of bespoke shops, cafes, restaurants and a number of traditional pubs.

There is an interesting and lively market on Thursdays, selling fresh bread and local produce, and a Farmers’ Market held on the second Saturday of each month.

The small museum in the former Courthouse at the top of Mill Road, provides interesting displays about Oundle’s history from the prehistoric to modern times, including many exhibits from Roman, Saxon and Medieval periods.

The town was used as a location for Netflix's 'The Crown' and The Talbot Hotel, which dates back to 1626, is said to contain the oak staircase from the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle which Mary Queen of Scots walked down en route to her execution.

Oundle School, founded in 1556, is the third largest boarding school in England - its alumni include evolutionary biologist and writer, Richard Dawkins, poet Al Alvarez, and Iron Maiden's, Bruce Dickinson.

Barnwell Country Park, a nature reserve, located a five minute walk from the ton is the perfect setting for walking, feeding the ducks or fishing.

Our Team

Festival Curator

Karen Rust

Board Members

Director (Chair) Karen Southwell

Director (Deputy Chair) Val Chesser

Director (Treasurer) Greg Southwell

Director (Secretary) Sue Pearson

Director Jenny Munro

Director Becky Smith

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering and have time to assist at events, please email us at hello@oundlefestivalofliterature for further details. We have a very friendly team and are always keen to welcome new people.