St John's Literary Festival

Garden Quad Reception Room

On the morning of Saturday 23 May, there will be an interactive puppet theatre performance by Emma Boor. Emma is a brilliant local puppeteer and children’s entertainer who regularly performs at Oxford’s Story Museum. Her performances are suitable for children aged between 2–7, and are designed to inspire creativity and a love for stories.

After the show, Emma will lead a simple, hands-on workshop where children can make their own puppets, with all materials provided. Every audience member will make their own puppet to take home.

Reserve your child's place for Puppet Theatre here.

Please note that children will need to be accompanied by an adult for the performance and workshop, but adults do not require a booked ticket.

Garden Quad Auditorium

Now Vicar of nearby Charlbury with Shorthampton, and widely celebrated for his witty and insightful writing, alumnus Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie (History and Czech, 2010) returns to St John's to share his remarkable journey from student to clergyman and best-selling author.

Having explored the people who make up the Church in his bestselling memoir Touching Cloth, and Field Guide to the English Clergy, he has more recently turned his attention to its buildings. Twelve Churches (published 2025) presents a vivid, human-centred history of Christianity through twelve remarkable churches, exploring its beauty, contradictions, and enduring influence on the modern world.

Reserve your place here.

Garden Quad Auditorium

Award-winning poet Mona Arshi joins the Oxford University Poetry Society readings and conversation. Formerly a human rights lawyer, Mona brings a powerful and distinctive voice to her writing exploring identity, memory and the body with lyrical precision and emotional depth. Her debut collection Small Hands won the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, followed by Dear Big Gods, and her acclaimed novel Somebody Loves You, which was shortlisted for both the Goldsmiths and Jhalak Prizes. She will also discuss her latest collection, Mouth (2025), a striking new work that further cements her reputation as one of the most compelling poets writing today. This is a rare opportunity to hear Mona reflect on her creative journey and the ideas that shape her work.

Reserve your place here.

Garden Quad Reception Room

Perfect for young readers aged 8+, this lively Junior Book Club session is led by primary school teacher and reading champion Chris Baker (@broadeningthebookshelf). With his passion for making books accessible, inclusive and fun, Chris will guide children through the graphic novel Go-Man: Champion of Earth in an interactive hour of discussion and activities. Each attendee will receive their own copy of the book to take home, making this a wonderful opportunity to spark a love of reading and share stories together.

Reserve your child's place for Junior Book Club here.

Garden Quad Auditorium

Join us for a special preview event with our President, Professor Lady Sue Black, one of the world’s leading forensic scientists, as she introduces her forthcoming book, An Expert Witness. Drawing on four decades at the forefront of criminal investigation, Sue will take audiences inside the evolving world of forensic science, from historic poisonings to the cutting edge of DNA and artificial intelligence. With characteristic clarity and authority, she explores the vital, often complex relationship between science and the law, asking where justice succeeds, where it can fail, and what must be protected for the future.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception in the Garden Quad Reception Room, to which all attendees are invited.

Reserve your place for Sue's book launch here.

Garden Quad Reception Room

Join bestselling children’s authors Adam and Charlotte Guillain for a joyful, interactive storytelling session bursting with imagination, humour and audience participation. Expect songs, laughter and plenty of opportunities to get involved as Adam, a former writer-in-residence at the Roald Dahl Museum and a performance storyteller, and Charlotte, a children's book editor, weave their magic. Perfect for younger audiences (KS1, approximately 5-8) and families, this is storytelling at its most lively and engaging.

Garden Quad Auditorium

Join acclaimed author and publisher Simon Mason for a fascinating conversation about his dual career in books. Best known for his acclaimed DI Ryan Wilkins mysteries, set locally in Oxford, as well as his sharp and engaging YA crime series featuring the unforgettable Garvie Smith, Simon brings a wealth of storytelling experience to the stage. A former Managing Director of David Fickling Books, where he worked with leading writers such as Philip Pullman, he offers a unique insider’s perspective on the world of publishing alongside his own creative practice. Insightful, entertaining and rich with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this event is a must for crime fiction fans and aspiring writers alike.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception in the Garden Quad Reception Room, to which all attendees are invited.

Reserve your place to hear Simon speak here.