LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, SET YOUR WATCHES - MARCH 16 - 7.05PM
The final countdown
Well, 15 hours to go and everything is calm (‘buzzing’ but steady and firm).
The authors and speakers have checked their last minute travel arrangements; the venues had one last briefing with staff; Blackwells marquee is up; the Sheldonian is gently massaging its joints (the Bodleian its library); festival volunteers are doubtless furiously still checking timetables and fire exits; interviewers their questions; and the organisers, in no particular order, the weather, their emails and their alarm clocks.
Yup, we’re almost there!