13th-15th September 2002, St Antony’s College Oxford

Registration: £25 members £30 non-members up to 31 July, £30 members £35non-members 1st August onwards

WHAT IS OXONMOOT?
Oxonmoot is the Tolkien Society’s major social event, providing both our members and the public with the opportunity to gather together and celebrate Tolkien’s life. Originating as an informal gathering of friends to pay their respects to the late Professor Tolkien, it is now one of the country’s longest established events of its kind. Held annually on the weekend closest to the fictional birthday of Bilbo Baggins, the event traditionally takes place in central Oxford, because Tolkien spent much of his
professional life here and his grave is nearby. The exact venue changes periodically, with Oxford colleges a popular choice, as many attendees choose to stay in college accommodation; this will be our third year at St. Antony’s College.

· Tolkien Quiz, a test of memory and reading
· Book Signing Alex Lewis will be signing copies of his and Elizabeth Currie’s book The Uncharted Realms of Tolkien
· Art Show featuring Tolkien illustrator Ted Nasmith, semi-pro fan artist Anke Eissman and contributions from members
· Sales Room featuring Tolkien Society Trading, Sophisticated Games, Daeron’s Books, Rene Van Rossenburg and the Book Wyrm
· Merry & Pippin’s Dance Workshop, a chance to learn a Springle Ring of sorts
· Enyalië, a private ceremony of remembrance

REGISTER ONLINE at www.tolkiensociety

REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:
The Bookings Officer (Oxonmoot), 28 Loverock Crescent, Rugby, CV21 4AR, United Kingdom or e-mail bookings@tolkiensociety.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Oxonmoot Publicity, 26 Loverock Crescent, Rugby, CV21 4AR, United Kingdom or e-mail ocs.publicity@tolkiensociety.org

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN OXONMOOT?
With some travelling considerable distances to attend, many choose to arrive at the college on Friday afternoon, to settle in, greet old friends, and make some new ones. In the evening, those who have arrived gather for an informal meal at the college, where those new to Oxonmoot can get to know the regulars.

The organised events begin at 9am on Saturday with the Tolkien Quiz, a popular event that has become infamous for the difficulty of the questions. The quiz is open to anyone brave enough, the aim being not to win but to entertain the audience. Following this is a series of talks, some academic, others less serious. Peter Jackson’s recent film adaptation of Lord of the Rings may well be a popular topic this year. Most talks are presented by members of the society, although we have had guest speakers in the past, including other authors for whom Tolkien has been an inspiration. A slide show (which is often surprisingly funny) gives the chance to see artwork inspired by Tolkien from around the world. There will also be workshops, including ‘Merry & Pippin’s Dance Workshop’ put on by a couple of members.
Throughout the day there will an art show displaying the works of both amateur and professional artists such as renowned fan artist Anke Eissman and Tolkien illustrator Ted Nasmith, whose paintings have been used for the illustrated Silmarillion as well as many Tolkien calendars.

There will also be a sales room offering a wide variety of Tolkien related items, ranging from collectors’ editions of Tolkien’s works to merchandising from Peter Jackson’s film adaptation, plus our own Tolkien Society products.

The day finishes with an evening of entertainment, ranging from small sketches and dramatic pieces, to performances from musicians such as The Tolkien Ensemble, a Danish group who have published Tolkien inspired music across Europe. On the Sunday morning there is Enyalië, a service of quiet remembrance
and wreath laying at Tolkien’s Grave, which due to its nature is not open to the media.

WHO ARE WE?
The Tolkien Society is an independent educational
charity devoted to furthering interest in the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Founded in 1969 as a small local group, membership has grown to in excess of 1,000. The majority of our members are based in the UK, but many can be found as far afield as Australia and Latin America, and we enjoy close ties with other Tolkien Societies around the globe.

Any queries regarding this Press Release should be addressed to:
Ian Collier, Publicity Officer, 18 Howard Street, Oxford, OX4 3BE e-mail publicity@tolkiensociety.org

Please note that the society is run by volunteers in their spare time.

The Tolkien Society was founded in 1969 to further interest in the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.B.E., the author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and other works of fiction and philological study.Based in the United Kingdom and registered as an independent, non-profit making charity, number 273809, the Society has an international membership which benefits from regular publications and events.