Thousands of book lovers once again flocked to Cowes for the 15th Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
Ticket sales were on a par with last year’s record-breaking event as a host of top names from the literary world spoke to many sell-out audiences.
Star names and special events
Big-name speakers over four days of inspiring entertainment included Celia Imrie, Clare Balding, Sophie Raworth, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Amanda Barrie, Stephen Sackur, Clive Tyldesley and Ann Cleeves.
There were special events such as the Fizz Quiz, Grant Harrold’s Seabourn Ruby Afternoon Tea, wine and whisky tasting events, LitFeast and Mike Christie’s musical event, Some Enchanted Evening.
Island authors and plans for next year
More than 30 Island authors were involved in the Write on Wight section of the festival, participating in a number of events.
And as the final page turns on this year’s event, plans are already turning to next year’s festival.
The introduction of the new Park Marquee, which kept the entire festival within the grounds of Northwood House and Park, is one innovation that could well be retained next year.
Festival chair praises volunteers and schools programme
Maggie Ankers, festival chair, said,
“Once again, the trustees from both the IWLF and Northwood House, and the operations committee with a host of wonderful volunteers, have produced the most wonderful festival and deserve all our thanks and credit.
“It resulted in another great line-up, supporting – and we are really proud to say this – our schools’ programme, which saw more than 27 authors going into 50 schools to instil a love of literature and reading. That was an amazing achievement that we know was appreciated by the schools and the young people.”
Magical moments
The festival also produced some unique and magical moments: Corrie star Amanda Barrie was moved to meet Billy Fury fan Lord and sign his original soundtrack to the film I’ve Got a Horse; Ann Cleeves surprised the winner of the Woodyard Murder mystery by promising to include them in her next novel; and Iain Dale promised to try to introduce a fellow Cliff Richard fan to the Peter Pan of Pop at a concert the following week.
News shared by Alan on behalf of Isle of Wight Literary Festival. Ed
