With only a week to go until this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival, organisers are reminding people there is still time to get their tickets.
Although some events are already sold out (Celia Imrie and Helen McGinn) and others are close (Sophie Raworth and Clare Balding), tickets are still on sale for many other authors, from football commentator Clive Tyldesley to former Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie, and from TV actor Larry Lamb to crime fiction queen Ann Cleeves.
New marquee at Northwood House:
The festival is taking place at Northwood House in Cowes from 8th-11th October 2026 with a programme of authors giving talks and a number of special events being held throughout the town.
A temporarily reduced capacity at Cowes Enterprise College means several events will be transferred to a new marquee within the grounds of Northwood House.
Not only will this move provide a spacious alternative venue, it will also add to the festival vibe with the vast majority of speakers now appearing in and around Northwood House and its grounds.
Afternoon tea, murder mystery and whisky
The festival’s special events include Seabourn’s Ruby Afternoon Tea with royal butler Grant Harrold, A Celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein and More with acclaimed baritone and Cowes resident Mike Christie, a murder-mystery event curated by top crime writer Ann Cleeves and a whisky lovers’ event with expert Ian Buxton.
Cookery demonstrations and local writers
On Saturday 10th October 2026 the LitFeast Marquee at Northwood House will host cookery demonstrations by top chefs Chris Galvin, Miranda Gore Browne and Eric Lanlard.
There is also the Write on Wight section for local writers, which takes place at Northwood House over the weekend.
Book now to avoid disappointment
Maggie Ankers, festival chairman, said,
“Demand for many of the speakers has been amazing but there are still tickets available for most of the events and I would urge people to book up now to avoid disappointment.
“We wouldn’t want people to miss out and the programme is so diverse and fascinating there really is something for everybody.”
News shared by Claire on behalf of Isle of Wight Literary Festival. Ed
