Oxford Literary Festival.

24-29 March 2006. The tenth edition of the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival is to be held in the historic surrounds of Christ Church college. The six-day festival features a host of authors and their books, including travel writer Colin Thubron, poet James Fenton, fiction writers Doris Lessing, Fay Weldon and playwright Arnold Wesker, who presents his first novel, crime writers Ruth Rendell and P.D. James and celebrity writers Clive James, Melvyn Bragg and Miles Kington. Muhammed Abdel Haleem discusses his new translation of the Quran and Gerald Scarfe presents his collection of sketches and drawings Drawing Blood. Francis Fukuyama presents his new book After the Neocons and Chris Patten discusses his Not Quite the Diplomat. Well-known actress Prunella Scales is interviewed by her biographer Teresa Ransom. The festival also includes the BBC 4 debate, this year entitled What is Art?, a writers round table and a youth poetry slam. Gala dinners at Christ Church open and close the festival at a cost of 65 per head for a three-course meal. There are also walking tours of literary Oxford and childrens events. Oxford Youth Theatre presents a corollary to the festival at the Pegasus Theatre entitled Voices by Sean Burn 28 March-1 April. Tickets 5.50-3.50. Festival admission 10-5.50. Concessions available for over 65s, under 16s, students and unwaged. For times and venues see website.