CHAIRMAN Mao's 'little red book', the life of folk singer Peggy Seeger and a village toad watch group were among the fascinating subjects illuminated at this year's Kennington Festival of Arts.

The two-day celebration of life and literature also had a little sprinkle of magic from Winnie the Witch and her creator Korky Paul.

Overall the events raised approximately £1,200 towards keeping the village's community-run library open for another year.

Elizabeth Bennett, one of the many festival-goers to be drawn from outside the village, said she was deeply impressed by the range of events on offer.

The Boars Hill resident said: "What a wonderful festival – music, dance, talks, food, and interesting people to meet and books to purchase.

"I learned about Chairman Mao's 'little red book' from Sylvia Vetta, about Sylfest Muldal's toad-watch group in Kennington, about the remarkable blend of cultures in the Confluence Collective, the pictorial origins of Chinese calligraphy from Weimin He, literary links between India and the UK from Marissa de Luna, and much more.

"The quality of the event was remarkable and we were surprised there were not more people like us from outside the village."

Kennington author Marissa de Luna, whose Inspector Chupplejeep mysteries have won a wide fanbase, spoke on Saturday about the links between Indian and UK crime fiction.

Adding to the plurality of cultural offerings, performers from Oxford's musical Confluence Collective included Iranian singer musician and composer Del Aram and tabla player Chris Hills who has just recorded a CD entitled Shiraz to Oxford.

Folk legend and Oxford resident Peggy Seeger spoke about her international life story at the Kennington Village Centre on Friday night, but this year's festival was officially opened on Saturday morning by Winnie the Witch illustrator and North Oxford resident Korky Paul, who also happens to be the library's patron.

Festival organiser Sylvia Vetta said: "Everyone seemed to be impressed with the speakers, workshops and the wonderful catering organised by Pauline Cross.

"The Friends of Kennington Library treasurer Hugh Fleming estimates profits of more than £1,200."

Friends chairman Pamela Allen added: "As well as contributions towards staff salaries we provide a number of free events for both children and adults each month which are popular with residents.

"To raise such a sum while giving many people pleasure is truly satisfying."

The Friends group, made up of unpaid volunteers, have been running the library and raising funds for its upkeep since Oxfordshire County Council withdrew its permanent funding in 2010.

As well as the annual fundraising festival of arts, the group organise coffee mornings and family events at the library throughout the year.

Storytimes take place on every third Wednesday of the month from 11am to 11.30am and Rhymetimes are held on the second Monday of the month from 2.30pm to 3pm.

Kennington Parish Council provides cash to help keep the facility open but the library is also sponsored by Kennington's Small World Montessori Nursery, nearby Radley College, St John’s College, Oxford, the Best One Shop in Kennington and Tonks Funeral Directors.

Find out m ore about the group and the library at friendsofkenningtonlibrary.org.uk