Church to celebrate C.S. Lewis links with arts and spirituality festival

The Oxford church where C.S. Lewis is buried is to host a weekend festival celebrating the author’s enduring influence on faith, literature and the arts.

Imagine Lewis: A Celebration of the Arts and Spirituality Inspired by the Legacy of C.S. Lewis will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Headington Quarry on 21 and 22 November. The event coincides with both the anniversary of Lewis’s death and the anniversary of the church’s founding in 1849.

Best known for The Chronicles of Narnia and his influential works on Christian faith, Lewis worshipped at Holy Trinity from 1931 until his death in 1963.

The festival’s keynote speaker will be poet, priest and author Malcolm Guite, who will give a Saturday afternoon talk exploring Lewis’s relationship with the Arthurian legends.

The Revd Martin Little, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, said: “I’m thrilled that the church community is coming together to celebrate the legacy of C.S. Lewis in this way. We are quietly proud of our association with an author who has inspired and enchanted so many. This event both celebrates all Lewis achieved, but also looks forward to those he is still inspiring today.”

Alongside the keynote talk, the weekend programme includes free Narnia-themed activities for children, a free art and worship workshop, guided tours of the church and churchyard exploring Lewis’s connection with the parish.

Some events are free to attend, while others require tickets. Further information and booking details.