FINAL preparations are under way for Oxford Literary Festival, which opens tomorrow.

High-profile figures at this year’s event include American novelist Anne Tyler, retiring Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and Michael Morpurgo, who will be talking about his book War Horse, now a cinema blockbuster.

The festival, running until April 1, will see thousands of book lovers flocking to the city, with 400 authors taking part in more than 300 events.

Director Sally Dunsmore said: “We’re delighted with this year’s line-up, which must rank as one of the best we have ever had.

“The response has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to an exciting nine days.

“There cannot be many places where you can see such a wonderful collection of authors and speakers in such magnificent surroundings.”

The festival will begin with a major event at the Sheldonian Theatre, celebrating the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’s birth, chaired by the author’s great-great-granddaughter Marion Dickens Lloyd, with Oxford author Philip Pullman and JD Sharpe among the speakers.

Ms Tyler will talk about her latest book on April 1, and receive a literary award.

Other speakers include TV presenter Andrew Marr, poet Sir Andrew Motion, playwright Sir David Hare, actor Simon Callow; and authors Robert Harris, Ian Rankin and PD James.

Ms Dunsmore said: “We have something for everyone from the big setpiece events to the smaller intimate events, where you can meet and talk to your favourite authors or debate some of the big issues of the day.”

Our sister paper The Oxford Times is among the sponsors.

  • For full details and to book tickets, see oxford literaryfestival.org or call 0870 343 1001, or visit the Christ Church Meadow box office.