Star-Studded Line-Up Announced For Isle Of Wight Literary Festival

Tickets go on sale at 9am this Friday (August 22) for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival – with a host of big names confirmed.

Headliners include Dame Prue Leith, Sue Barker, Helen Lederer, John Suchet, Gyles Brandreth and Joanne Harris.

They’ll be joined by designer Cath Kidston, political heavyweight Sir Graham Brady, ex-Southampton footballer Franny Benali, journalist Allison Pearson and festival favourite Martin Sixsmith.

Also confirmed is Andrew Lownie, whose controversial biography of the Duke and Duchess of York has been making national headlines.

Royal watchers can look forward to appearances from Lady Anne Glenconner, former royal butler Grant Harrold, and Julian Godolphin, author of On His Majesty’s Service – How the King Preserves the British Constitution.

The festival runs from October 9–12 at Northwood House in Cowes, with additional events at Cowes Enterprise College and St Mary’s Church.

Around 40 other authors will also appear, covering topics from sport and scandal to history, fiction and food.

Special strands include the Lit Feast culinary series, Write on Wight for local writers, Open University sessions, a musical finale with actor Rula Lenska and the ever-popular Fizz Quiz at the Island Sailing Club.

Festival chair Maggie Ankers said:

“We are delighted to have put together such an eclectic, top-drawer line-up.

"The programme is full of fascinating authors on amazing subjects – we believe everybody will find something they like.”

Tickets will be available via the festival’s website.