Award-winning authors seen at free Oxfordshire book festival

Wantage Children’s Book Festival was held at The Beacon on Saturday, May 30, and featured multiple famous names from the world of kids’ literature.

This included Jonathan Stroud, the award-winning writer of the ‘Bartimaeus’ series, and Rob Biddulph whose book ‘Blown Away’ won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2015.

READ MORE: Children’s TV legend ‘madly in love with’ 20 years younger co-star

Also at the event, which was suitable for any child from babies to teenagers, was Iszi Lawrence who wrote ‘The Unstoppable Letty Pegg’, and Serena Patel, the author behind the ‘Pia’s Pet Club’ series.

The Wantage Children’s Book Festival 2026 (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council)

A spokesperson said: “Research has shown that children who grow up reading for the fun of it are happier, have an easier school experience and even go onto have more life opportunities when they’re older.

READ MORE: Oxford Stadium website down for days amid update on £2m in debt company

“And because 2026 is the National Year of Reading, we wanted to make sure that the families and schools of south Oxfordshire didn’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate books and reading.”

Festival director Judith Knight and artistic director Camilla Reid thanked the Wantage Literary Festival, the sponsors and volunteers for their support.

The spokesperson added: “This is our first year so we’re starting small – but our hope is that the festival will grow to become a permanent fixture in Wantage’s annual calendar and that all our children feel the benefits that enjoying reading brings.”