Visiting & Pilgrimages | CS Lewis Jubilee Festival | Celebrating the Legacy of C.S. Lewis

The CS Lewis Jubilee Festival is more than just an academic or literary gathering—it is a living pilgrimage, a heartfelt journey into the imagination and faith of one of the most beloved writers of the twentieth century. Every year, admirers of Lewis’s works, from The Chronicles of Narnia to his rich theological essays, gather to honor his life and explore the timeless wisdom he left behind. For many, the festival becomes both an intellectual pursuit and a spiritual experience, blending cultural celebration with the intimacy of pilgrimage.

A Pilgrimage of Imagination and Faith

Visiting the festival is often described as walking in the footsteps of Lewis himself. Oxford, with its dreaming spires and cobblestoned streets, becomes the backdrop where Lewis’s ideas come alive. Pilgrims wander through places deeply tied to his life:

• Magdalen College, where he taught literature and debated ideas with fellow scholars.

• The Kilns, his beloved home in Headington, where he wrote many of his most famous works.

• Holy Trinity Church, where Lewis worshipped and where his resting place invites quiet reflection.

These visits are not just tourist stops; they are pilgrimages. To sit in the pew where Lewis once prayed, or to walk the wooded paths that inspired Narnia, is to connect with the heartbeat of his imagination.

Celebrating Legacy Through Fellowship

The Jubilee Festival is marked by lectures, discussions, and readings, but what makes it uniquely special is the sense of fellowship. Pilgrims and visitors—whether scholars, readers, or seekers—come together to share stories of how Lewis’s words shaped their lives. Conversations flow about themes of hope, courage, and belief in the unseen. It is not uncommon for strangers to become friends, united by the shared experience of Lewis’s vision of faith woven into storytelling.

Visiting as a Journey of Reflection

For many attendees, visiting the CS Lewis Jubilee Festival feels like an inward journey as much as an outward one. Pilgrimage here is not simply about reaching a destination, but about opening the imagination to rediscover truth and beauty. Lewis’s writings remind visitors that faith and wonder are not opposing forces, but companions. His ability to bridge reason with imagination provides space for reflection, encouraging pilgrims to consider how their own stories intersect with the divine narrative.

The Festival Experience

The festival itself offers a tapestry of experiences that combine celebration with reverence:

• Guided Walks and Tours: Walking through Oxford’s historic libraries and gardens where Lewis found inspiration.

• Lectures and Panels: Scholars and authors discuss Lewis’s enduring impact on literature, faith, and culture.

• Worship and Music: Hymns, choral performances, and services held in sacred spaces linked to Lewis’s life.

• Creative Workshops: Opportunities for visitors to express their own imagination through writing, art, and discussion.

Each element allows pilgrims not only to honor Lewis’s legacy but also to contribute to it by keeping his vision alive in the present day.

Why Pilgrimage Matters

In an age where travel often feels rushed and transactional, the act of pilgrimage to the CS Lewis Jubilee Festival reminds us of the value of slowing down. Visiting is not simply about seeing; it is about being present—standing where Lewis stood, hearing echoes of his words, and allowing them to resonate deeply. For many, it is a renewal of faith, creativity, and the reminder that imagination can indeed point us toward eternal truths.

Conclusion

The Visiting & Pilgrimages experience of the CS Lewis Jubilee Festival is both a cultural journey and a spiritual encounter. It allows readers and admirers to move beyond the page and step into the world that shaped one of the greatest literary and theological minds of modern times. To join this festival is to participate in a living legacy—walking paths of wonder, sharing in fellowship, and carrying forward the timeless vision of C.S. Lewis.