The Write Stuff — Isle Of Wight Literary Festival Wows Crowds
Thousands of visitors descended on Cowes for the 15th Isle of Wight Literary Festival, with ticket sales matching last year’s record-breaking event.
A host of well-known names took to the stage over four days, including Celia Imrie, Clare Balding, Sophie Raworth, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Amanda Barrie, Stephen Sackur, Clive Tyldesley and Ann Cleeves.
The programme also featured a Fizz Quiz, afternoon tea with Grant Harrold, wine and whisky tastings, LitFeast and Mike Christie’s musical event, Some Enchanted Evening.
More than 30 Isle of Wight authors took part in the Write on Wight programme, with events celebrating local literary talent.
The festival also delivered some memorable moments. Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie met a Lord who is a fan of Billy Fury and signed his original soundtrack from the film I’ve Got a Horse.
Crime writer Ann Cleeves promised the winner of the Woodyard Murder mystery a place in her next novel, while broadcaster Iain Dale offered to try to arrange a meeting between a fellow Cliff Richard fan and the singer.
Organisers are already looking ahead to next year, with the new Park Marquee — which kept the festival within the grounds of Northwood House and Park — among the changes that could return.
Festival chair Maggie Ankers praised the trustees, operations committee and volunteers for delivering the event.
She also highlighted the schools’ programme, which saw more than 27 authors visit 50 schools to encourage a love of reading and literature among young people.
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