Wantage Literary Festival – Day 1

The 2026 Wantage Literary Festival is returning for its 16th year. After the success of last year, we’re delighted to be back with even more events. The programme brings together internationally acclaimed authors of fiction and non-fiction, renowned journalists, well known historians and sports writers as well as wonderful musicians and artists in an outstanding celebration of Literature, performance and new ideas. There is something for everyone in this fabulous festival. From the Big Town Read to Sea Shanties and Ghost Walks, we can’t wait to warmly welcome you to this year’s unique Wantage Literary Festival.

The schools and family programme features events to inspire and entertain including storytelling, amazing astronomers, and arts and crafts activities.

Bernard O Donoghue and Esther Lay Talking Poetry

Literature | Poetry
12 years + | 12.00pm | The Beacon
Adult £12.00 | Student/child under 14 years £8

Oxford academic and poet Professor Bernard

O Donoghue joins local poet Rev Esther Lay to discuss the craft of poetry. Together, they will explore why poets write, the influences that shape their work, the editing process, differences between writing for the stage and the page, and reflections on the lives of poets. After coffee, included in the ticket price, the event will be followed by Professor O Donoghue’s talk on the poems of Seamus Heaney.

Bernard O Donoghue | The Poems of Seamus Heaney

Literature | Poetry
12 years + | 1.30pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student/child under 14 years £8

This long-awaited definitive edition of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney’s poetry, superbly edited by Oxford Professor of English Literature Bernard O Donoghue, brings together all the poems Heaney published in his lifetime, along with some published posthumously. Included are limited-circulation poems and unpublished material selected by the poet’s family. This is a rare chance to hear from one of the world’s leading authorities on Heaney.

Jonathan Wilson | The Power and the Glory: A New History of The World Cup

History of Sport | Sport and Recreation
12 years + | 3pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student/child under 14 years £8

Acclaimed sports writer, Jonathan Wilson has published twelve books about football. In his new book on the World Cup, he considers the matches and goals, the players and coaches, the scandals and genius, the haggling and skulduggery of the bidding process, and places football tournaments within a socio-political framework.

An unmissable guide to one of the biggest events in the world.

Professor David Wilson | A History of Modern Britain in Twenty Murders

History of Britain | Criminology Justice True Crime
Adult | 7pm | The Beacon
Adult £15.00 | Student £8

Welcome to the Opening Evening Lecture of the 2026 Wantage Literary Festival: sponsored by Richmond Villages. David Wilson, Professor of Criminology, is known for his gripping storytelling and deep insight into criminal behaviour. Hear him explore some of the best known murder cases in UK history: why they occurred and what they continue to reveal about Britain today. From Jack-the-Ripper to the tragic murders of James Bulger and Sarah Everard, he reveals why some murders resonate through public consciousness and are particularly remembered.