Samuel Johnson. Pic: Stacey Shintani

One of Lichfield’s most famous sons is set to return to the city – hundreds of years after his death.

As part of  the annual Bookfest event, the city’s Oxfam shops, in partnership with the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and the Johnson Society, will see town crier Ken Knowles take on the role of the man himself on July 5.

Jo Wilson, curator of the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, and Peter Barrett and Kathy Simmons of the Johnson Society will be giving talks from 10am to 2pm, on the subjects of Johnson’s life and Lichfield during his time.

Lichfield’s Oxfam Books and Music shop assistant manager Chris Hancox said:

“We’re on track for a really great event. This is a great way to immerse ourselves in Lichfield’s rich cultural heritage, and engage local people with our local history. What better place to celebrate the life of a remarkable man of letters than in a shop that is home to such a remarkable variety of books!”

There will also be activities for youngsters with local children’s author Lorraine Hellier making a guest appearance in the same city shop on July 9. She will be reading and judging art and writing competitions which are being run for local children around the theme of Lichfield past and present.

Bookfest is Britain’s biggest second-hand book festival and is happening in Oxfam shops across the country this year from July 2 to 17.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.