THE Betjeman Literary Festival in Wantage has begun with a host of literature themed events.
About 2,000 people are expected to enjoy some of the more than 40 events on offer during the week-long festival which ends on Saturday.
The inaugural festival, which will involve talks from authors, concerts, workshops and literary lunches, is named after Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman who lived in the town from 1951 to 1972.
It kicked off with events and activities in the Market Place on Sunday and a lunch with writer Sir Max Hastings at The Bear Hotel.
Visitors were also offered Betjeman-themed tours of the town.
Town mayor Charlotte Dickson said: “The launch was fantastic. There was a great atmosphere. The Max Hastings lunch was hugely entertaining.”
She said literary fever was gripping the town, adding: “There are more people turning up to events than we imagined so that is fantastic.”
Other events include a dinner with poet Pam Ayres and readings of Sir John’s poetry.
Sir John wrote two poems about the town, Wantage Bells and On Leaving Wantage.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here