Isle Of Wight Literary Festival Reveals Star-Studded Line-Up For 15th Anniversary

The countdown is on to the 15th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, with organisers unveiling a bumper line-up of authors, broadcasters and well-known personalities for this year’s event.

The festival returns to Northwood House in Cowes from October 8–11, 2026, bringing four days of talks, interviews and special events.

Since launching in 2012, it has become one of the Island’s major cultural highlights, attracting thousands of visitors and residents each year.

Among those already confirmed are chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, broadcaster Sophie Raworth, crime writer Ann Cleeves, actress Amanda Barrie, presenter Clare Balding, political commentator Iain Dale, royal authors Robert Hardman and Penny Junor, football commentator Clive Tyldesley and historian Dr Alison Weir.

Festival favourites including Helen McGinn’s wine-tasting event, the Fizz Quiz and the Write on Wight programme celebrating Island authors will also return.

The Schools’ Programme, which reached more than 5,000 pupils last year, is also set to expand with ambitions to include every school on the Isle of Wight.

Alongside Northwood House, events will again take place at venues including St Mary’s Church, Cowes Enterprise College, the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Island Sailing Club.

Festival chairman Maggie Ankers said:

“Over the past 15 years the festival has grown beyond anything we imagined and we are thrilled to be bringing such an exciting mix of famous authors, fascinating stories and hidden gems to the Island once again.

“Whether you love history, crime, food, politics, sport or fiction there really is something for everyone.”

Tickets are expected to go on sale in August, with further details available via the festival website.