Horrible Histories star Simon Farnaby and former CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell have been announced as the headliners for the 2023 Isle of Wight Story Festival, which will take place over February half term.
The annual young people’s book event will be held at Quay Arts in Newport from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th February and tickets will go on sale soon.
Simon Farnaby
Simon Farnaby (pictured right) has written and starred in some of the UK’s most loved TV shows and films including Ghosts, Yonderland, The Mighty Boosh, This Time with Alan Partridge and Horrible Histories – where he portrayed Death in the recurring “Stupid Deaths” sketch.
The BAFTA nominated Paddington 2 writer recently appeared with everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear and The Queen in an opening skit for the Platinum Jubilee concert. On Saturday February 18th he will speak about his book, The Wizard in my Shed.
Cerrie Burnell
After presenting CBeebies for eight years, Cerrie Burnell (pictured centre) turned to writing children’s books and at the upcoming festival, she will answer questions on Wilder Than Midnight. This isn’t the first time Cerrie has been on the Isle of Wight Story Festival bill, albeit this time will be in person after her 2021 virtual appearance.
You may know Cerrie, who will also appear on the Saturday of the Story Festival, for her books Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella and Harper and the Night Forest.
The pair join the previously announced Kieran Larwood, Laura Ellen Anderson, Nicholas Allan, Julia Tuffs and Jamie Littler.
Dungeons and Dragons
Meanwhile, if you are a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, the improvisational role-playing fantasy game will be there for you to take part in on Thursday at the Story Festival, the first day of the event, aimed at children over 12.
Poetry and theatre
After a day of live music, poetry and spoken word, the Apollo Youth Theatre’s “hard-hitting” production of His Name is Zak will close the evening.
The Horse Box Theatre’s “The Lighthouse Keeper” will also be performed.
Live music
Local musicians Amy Jolliffe and JC Grimshaw are the current names set to entertain you in the Quay Arts cafe, with more live music to be announced.
An influx of authors have filled out the Isle of Wight Story Festival lineup and over the three days, Debbie Webb, Felicity Fair Thompson, Gareth Peter, Holly Medland, Jules Marriner, Neal Layton (pictured right), Peta Rainford and Sue Bailey will all appear.
Where and when
The Isle of Wight Story Festival will take place at Quay Arts in Newport between Thursday 16th and Saturday 18th of February.
Tickets will be available from the Quay Arts Website.
Find out more about the Story Festival by visiting their Website.
News shared by Peta on behalf of Isle of Wight Story Festival. Ed
