The Tolkien Society will hold “The Return of the Ring” conference at Loughborough University from August 16-20, 2012 right after next year’s London Olympics.

The theme is “Celebrating 75 Years of The Hobbit. Tolkien’s first adventure in Middle Earth was published on September 21, 1937. By now it has sold more than 100 million copies and been translated into at least 50 languages.

Scholars and researchers coming to the conference include Tom Shippey, Martin Barker, Dimitra Fimi, John Garth, and Corey Olsen.

Papers will be presented and there will also be entertainments. Plans call for a “ceilidh,” banquet, costume masquerade, and performances from talented guests. A troupe of medieval re-enactors from France will set up a camp that recreates Middle-earth.

Organizers chose Loughborough for its central location, near the M1 motorway, connected by rail to all parts of the UK, including an Intercity link direct to London and the international East Midlands Airport.