Bill Nighy will sell you books in Oxfam shop

Press release:

Bill Nighy is due to swap the stage for a shift volunteering at a charity book shop.

The film star is one of a number of celebrities and authors including Alexei Sayle, Monica Ali, Joanna Trollope and Philip Pullman who will work behind the counter in Oxfam stores.

They are launching the first annual Oxfam Bookfest – a nationwide festival running until July 18, which will encourage readers to donate and buy from Oxfam shops and to attend special Bookfest events.

Nighy will volunteer in the Oxfam Marylebone High Street store in London, working behind the counter, sorting and pricing books and serving customers.

He said: “Oxfam Bookfest is such a wonderful idea. As a book lover and a long-term Oxfam supporter, I am so pleased to support the initiative – it will give everyone a chance to find a bargain and raise lots of money at the same time.”

Oxfam sells £1.6 million of books per month – enough to buy 50,000 emergency shelters, safe water for 2.1 million people, or 64,000 goats.

According to Oxfam, the average selling price for one book is £1.60. Twelve books would be enough to buy a emergency hygiene kit, while four books could provide clean water for a family, the charity said.

More than 280 events will take place in bookshops and other venues around the country throughout the fortnight, featuring authors from all over the UK.

More on the Guarduan (including majorly cute Book Bill pic):
Book festival gets stars working in Oxfam shops

Oxfam Marylebone

Oxfam Anual Bookfest

Other news

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