Launch of new literary fest

The University of Buckingham will host the inaugural Buckingham Literary Festival on the campus in early July.

Speakers include Louis de Bernieres, author of Capain Corelli’s Mandolin; historian, novelist and broadcaster Saul David; BBC television arts correspondent and author Will Gompertz; psychologist and author Oliver James; and historian Victor Sebesteyn.

Taking place over three days in the heart of the historic market town, from Friday July 1 through to Sunday July 3, it is hoped the event will reach out to visitors from Aylesbury, Banbury, Bicester, Brackley, Towcester and Milton Keynes.

One of the festival organisers and manager of the Buckingham University Press Christopher Woodhead said: “We are enjoying the process of discovering the best books and authors for this festival and look forward to establishing this event in an area not already catered for by other literary festivals.”

The festival is supported by the University of Buckingham, the Buckingham University Press and HMA Literary Agency.

And the University of Buckingham’s vice chancellor, political historian and commentator Sir Anthony Seldon will also speak at the event.

Mike Bryan, who runs the HMA Literary Agency and is also one of the festival organisers, said: “We are all looking forward to bringing a really strong range of authors and events to the Buckingham and Milton Keynes area for this festival.

“We already have a great line up of authors and anticipate plenty more established and debut authors joining this list.”

For more information about the event visit www.bucklitfest.org