The queue crossed the cafe at Quay Arts, went out through the fire doors and round the block, as families lined up patiently at last week’s Isle of Wight Story Festival, to have their copies of The Gruffalo and The Smeds and the Smoos, signed by their illustrator, Axel Scheffler.
Scheffler was the headliner at the third annual Isle of Wight Story Festival and his packed session in the Anthony Minghella Theatre included readings of some of his most famous books, inspirational drawings, and questions from an enthusiastic audience.
It was one of many sell-out sessions at this year’s event, which attracted hundreds of families from across the Island, and some from further afield.
Giddens: Wonderful to be able to run a live festival again
One of the organisers, Elspeth Giddens, said,
“It was wonderful to be able to run a live festival again this year, after having to do everything online in 2021.
“I think everyone was just pleased to be able to get out and see authors and illustrators face-to-face again and be involved in hands-on drama and craft workshops.”
Other highlights
Other highlights at this year’s festival included an inspirational session from the author/illustrator of the Amelia Fang series of books, Laura Ellen Anderson; the hilarious author/illustrator double-act of Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve; and the poignant and funny production of Dustbin Doris by Rhubarb Theatre.
Island favourites
There were lots of sessions from well-known Island-based authors, illustrators, performers and naturalists too, including IW Story Festival favourite Kieran Larwood, Neal Layton, Jules Marriner, Debbie Webb, Peta Rainford, Sue Bailey, Holly Medland, Adam Gaterell, Lucia Para, Dave Fairlamb and Kathy Grogan.
Giddens: Wonderful to see it bringing so much joy
Elspeth Giddens said,
“It was wonderful to see the festival bringing so much joy to so many children and families.
“This year’s festival was a real team effort. Thanks to our dedicated committee; our lovely volunteers; our sponsors, including Red Funnel and Newport amd Carisbrooke Community Council; Medina Books for selling hundreds of books across the two days; Quay Arts for being such generous hosts and looking after us so well; all our wonderful authors and performers; and, of course, the hundreds of families who came along and made the event such a success.”
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News shared by Peta on behalf of Isle of Wight Story Festival. Ed
Image: © Neil Oliver
