The Oxford Literary Festival is running from March 25 to April 2.

The festival is now in its 26th year and features hundreds of thought-provoking events.

Talks from the likes of Michael Morpurgo, Antony Horowitz and Mary Berry have already taken place.

READ MORE: Which Oxfordshire restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in 2023?

But here are some of the upcoming events at the Sheldonian Theatre you should look out for in the next few days.

Wednesday, March 29

 

Tom Holland interviewed by Andrew Lownie

Talk title: Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind

When: 12pm

Historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland explains how we came to think the way we do.

He will focus in particular on why so many of the instincts of the western mind remain Christian despite growing doubts about the claims of religion.

Mr Holland is presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Making History and has written and presented television documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4 on subjects ranging from ISIS to dinosaurs.

Friday, March 31

 

Dan Snow and Alice Loxton

Talk title: Why History Remains a Big Hit?

When: 10am

The two historians will discuss why history remains so important in our lives today.

Mr Snow is a popular historian and a presenter of television documentaries.

He has made many programmes for the BBC and Channel 5 on topics ranging from the Vikings to Tutankhamun.

Greta Scacchi interviewed by Peter Guttridge

Talk title: An audience with Great Scacchi

When: 6pm

 

Greta Scacchi is an Italian-Australian actress that is best known for her role in films such as White Mischief with Charles Dance and John Hurt, Presumed Innocent with Harrison Ford, Merchant Ivory’s Heat and Dust.

At the Oxford Literary Festival, she will talk about her life and career.

This event is part of Italian day at the festival.  

Saturday, April 1

 

Simon Sebag Montefiore interviewed by Matthew Stadlen

Talk title: The World: A Family History

When: 10am

Simon Sebag Montefiore is a prizewinning historian, novelist and broadcaster.

In his talk he will take a journey through the history of the world and a range of characters from leaders such as Alexandra the Great, Hitler and Obama to creatives such as Shakespeare, Mozart and Bowie.

His bestselling books have been published in 40 languages and include Young Stalin, winner of the Costa Biography award.

Sunday, April 2

 

Jordan Peterson

Talk title: Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life

When: 6pm

Dr Jordan Peterson is a multi-million selling author and clinical psychologist.

In his talk he will explain how we can balance the two fundamental principles of reality – order and chaos – and find profound meaning on the path that divides them.

Beyond Order is the follow-up to Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, which sold more than five million copies around the world. 

Dr Peterson has parked controversy in the past with his views on the LGTBQ+ community and identity politics.