Join us at the 25th Oxford Literary Festival

We are delighted to be hosting three exciting events at the 25^th anniversary of the world-class Oxford Literary Festival, to highlight the impact of animal agriculture on people, animals and the planet.

This year’s festival – which celebrates literature and culture – will include a series of lectures called ‘Pasture to Plate’ focusing on the intrinsic links between animal agriculture, our health, animal welfare and the future of our planet. As part of this theme, our Global CEO, Philip Lymbery will be taking part in a trio of informative events in some of Oxford’s most beautiful and historic buildings.

Cheap meat driving wildlife to extinction

On 1st April, highly respected and best-selling author of ‘Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat’, Philip, will be interviewed by journalist Nick Higham. A leading influencer in the food industry, Philip will present a lecture based on his book – ‘Dead Zone: Where the Wild Things Were’, which was the first of its kind to identify how factory farming is a key factor in the decline of our most endangered and iconic wildlife species. He will discuss how cheap meat and factory farming is a key factor in driving some of the world’s most endangered species to extinction, as well as considering practical ways to solve the problem. This highly anticipated event promises to be an enlightening discussion that will, quite literally, give us much food for thought!

Later that day, Philip will interview Richard Girling – environmentalist and award-winning author of eight critically acclaimed books, including, 'The Man Who Ate the Zoo'. Since the mid-1970s, Richard has pioneered writing about climate change, species loss and humankind’s tortuous relationship with insects, fish, birds and mammals. During the event, named after his latest book, 'The Longest Story: How Humans Have Loved, Hated and Misunderstood Other Species’, the pair will engage in a thought-provoking discussion on how and where our attitudes to animals began and how they have persisted, changed, and become magnified.

Peter Roberts Memorial Lecture

On 2^nd April, our fantastic Patron, Dame Joanna Lumley, will be interviewed by Philip as part of the Peter Roberts Memorial Lecture, named in honour of Compassion’s founder. During the event, titled ‘The True Meaning of Compassion’, Joanna will talk about what compassion means to her. She will also discuss her love of animals and the natural world and reminisce on many decades of animal welfare campaigning.

Nick Palmer, Head of our UK Office, said: “It is a brilliant achievement for Compassion and for our Global CEO Philip Lymbery to be playing such a prominent role in one of the world's most prestigious literary events. This really is a top-class festival, where you can hear and meet outstanding authors. These events are not to be missed!”