Thirteen Island primary schools were visited by best-selling authors this summer term as part of a series of sessions put together by the organisers of the Isle of Wight Story Festival.
Legendary poet, John Hegley, spoke to students alongside illustrator Neal Layton, as the pair discussed their collaborative children’s book, Stanley’s Stick.
John and Neal returned to the Island after headlining this year’s edition of the Isle of Wight Story Festival, which took place at Quay Arts in February.
Layton: A joy to be part of the schools programme
Speaking about the appearances in schools, which included Barton Primary, Neal Layton said,
“It was a joy to be part of the IW Story Festival schools programme, supporting the good work going on in classrooms and helping inspire new generations of young storytellers and artists on the Island!”
Visits from other authors
Popular children’s author, Maz Evans, also visited Isle of Wight school children, as did Ian Charles Dickens, the great great grandson of the Oliver Twist writer.
Anthony James, from Creaturama, used his skills as a former Blue Peter modelmaker to run an interactive craft session with students.
Hundreds of students were entertained by other authors, performers and speakers including Debbie Webb, Sue Bailey, Holly Medland, Christopher Stevens, Paul Lyalls, Mish Whitmore, Peter J Murray, Wonderfell Theatre Co, Kathryn Evans, Russ Sheath and Adam Gaterell.
Sixth year
Next year during February’s half term (2025), from the 20th to 22nnd, the Isle of Wight Story Festival will return to Newport’s Quay Arts for its sixth year as a festival.
Since 2020, the event has hosted authors including Horrible Histories star Simon Farnaby, The Gruffalo illustrator, Axel Scheffler, and Horrid Henry writer, Francesca Simon.
See the Isle of Wight Story Festival website for more information.
News shared by Jake on behalf of Isle of Wight Story Festival. Ed
