Literary Festival Brings 27 Authors To Isle Of Wight Schools

More than 6,000 pupils have been inspired by leading authors, screenwriters and former professional sportsmen during the Isle of Wight Literary Festival’s biggest schools programme yet.

A total of 27 authors delivered 100 sessions across almost every Island school last week, reaching young people aged between five and 18.

The programme aims to encourage a love of reading and improve literacy levels on the Isle of Wight, which the National Literacy Trust says has the lowest literacy rates in the country.

Among the visiting authors were best-selling writers Hannah Gold, Maz Evans, Thomas Taylor and Darren Simpson.

One unusual visit saw Alice Goring bring Teddy, the Shetland pony featured in her book Teddy Goes to London, to Holy Cross RC and Queensgate primary schools in East Cowes.

Former Medina High School pupil Dominic Minghella, who has written for television series including Doc Martin, Robin Hood and Hamish Macbeth, also led a screenwriting workshop for sixth-form students from several Island schools and colleges at Christ the King College.

The programme was supported by funding from the main literary festival, public donations, grants and contributions from local organisations and town and parish councils.

Organisers say the initiative continues to grow, with this year's programme reaching an estimated 6,000 young people as part of the Year of Reading.