From CBeebies To Young Bond: Star Line-Up Announced For Isle Of Wight Story Festival

The Isle of Wight Story Festival returns to Quay Arts, Newport, from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 February 2026, featuring a star-studded line-up of authors, illustrators, and performers.

Headliners include CBeebies star Joseph Elliott, Young Bond author Steve Cole, and British Book Awards 2025 Illustrator of the Year Rob Biddulph.

Elliott, known for Swashbuckle and his children’s books Nora and the Map of Mayhem and Nora and the Compass of Chaos, will share stories and writing insights.

Cole will lead a high-energy session on his Astrosaurs series, while Biddulph will reveal the inspirations behind The Moonhaven Chronicles and host a live “Draw with Rob” session.

Other highlights include Emma Carroll discussing Dracula & Daughters, Cathy Reay on her empowering guide for disabled children, and Lucy Strange on her shadowy mystery The Island at the Edge of Night.

Returning favourites Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve will talk about their new AdventureMice series, with Reeve also celebrating 25 years of his Mortal Engines series.

The festival also features live theatre and performances, including Coppice Theatre’s How to Catch a Book Witch, Raw Theatre’s Billy the Brave, Theatretrain’s musical theatre showcase, and an Indian classical dance workshop from Shree Dance Academy.

Tickets go on sale from today (Monday 1 December) and are available in person at Quay Arts or online at iwstoryfestival.com.

Festival organiser Sue Bailey said:

“We’ve included more performances and free drop-in activities this year.

"Quay Arts will be buzzing with creativity and inspiration for all ages.”