Four years ago, the Woodstock Literary Festival was launched as the little brother of the Oxford Literary Festival.

Now it is all grown up, with its own special identity — and has attracted the backing of a major sponsor, The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, for the first time.

This year, the festival runs for four days from Thursday, October 9, to Sunday, October 12, and traders and hoteliers are looking forward to it, because they always experience an upturn in trade.

The books event also has the backing of the Duke of Marlborough and Blenheim Palace, and a number of talks are being held in palace venues, including The Orangery and the Marlborough Room.

Festival highlights include Tory leader and Witney MP David Cameron in conversation with Simon Kelner, editor-in-chief of The Independent newspapers.

Oxford author Julie Summers will also be talking about her new book, Stranger in the House, about the experience of women in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Crime writer PD James will talk about her new novel, The Private Patient, with Kate Summerscale, and journalist Ann Leslie will present her memoirs, Killing My Own Snakes.

Clive Aslet will discuss his new book, The English Country House, and there will be a black tie dinner with historian Richard Holmes.

Mr Aslet, editor-at-large for Country Life magazine, told The Guide he was looking forward to the festival, but was not quite sure yet precisely how he would give his talk.

"I wanted to show some slides but I think my event is being held in a big tent, so I'm not sure if the light will be good enough," he said.

On Saturday, Elizabeth Jane Howard will talk about her life, her writing and her new novel Love All, while on Sunday, former political correspondent Martin Bell analyses the political decisions that took Britain into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Kelner said: "We're delighted that The Independent is partnering the 2008 Woodstock Literary Festival, not just for the chance it gives us to swan about Blenheim Palace and its magnificent grounds, but because newspapers and literary festivals are natural bedfellows.

"Woodstock will cast its net wide across the world of ideas, history, politics, the arts and entertainment, and gather them together for books fans to enjoy.

"We are sure that this year will be the beginning of a long, happy and fruitful relationship."

Festival organiser Sally Dunsmore said: "We are delighted that this year’s Woodstock Literary Festival is to be joined by The Independent and The Independent on Sunday. They bring their creativity and passion for dialogue and debate, enriching our programme.

"And with more events taking place at Blenheim Palace — the combination of Blenheim, historic Woodstock and The Independent creates a unique literary festival. There will be much to enjoy and digest."

Events cost from £7 to £10. For details, call 01865 305305 or visit the website ticketsoxford.com