DINING in the magnificent hall at Christ Church is a rare treat. This year there are several chances to experience the rarefied atmosphere while listening to inspirational speakers.

The opening Festival dinner on Monday, March 30, is in honour of P D James, who will be presented with the first Honorary Fellowship of The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the crime novel by Melyvn Bragg. In the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent.

Paddy Ashdown and Joan Bakewell will give after dinner speeches at the closing dinner on Saturday, April 4. Wednesday, April 1, brings an opportunity to enjoy an intimate mediaeval dinner that Cardinal Wolsey, founder of the college, might well have enjoyed.

Prepared by Tamasin Day Lewis, in the great mediaeval kitchen at Christ Church, this will prove a memorable meal.

Remote historic Irish houses and their remarkable and often eccentric owners are the subjects of a talk to be given by the Hon. Desmond Guinness on Thursday, April 2, after an intimate dinner for 40 people.