Primary school children will have the chance to hear their stories read aloud on stage as part of a new writing competition to mark 175 years since Charles Dickens stayed on the Isle of Wight.
Ian Dickens, a great great grandson of the Oliver Twist author, has teamed up with the IW Story Festival and will speak in various schools across the Island. Students will be challenged to pen a 500 word short story, whether that be set in the past, present or future.
Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine spent the summer of 1849 in Bonchurch, where he wrote part of his semi-autobiographical novel, David Copperfield.
Ian, who lives on the Island, explained why he thinks it’s important to commemorate the anniversary:
“My great great grandfather wrote about the Island in 1849, saying 'it is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad.' I’d add that it still is and his time here adds to the illustrious history of the Island’s heritage.”
The top stories will be read out loud at the IW Story Festival 2024, which will take place at Quay Arts in Newport from February 15th to 17th.
Reading the winning tales will be Ian’s brother Gerald - who has toured around the world paying tribute to his great great grandfather. On top of appearances across America, Gerald has appeared at literary festivals, arts events and on cruise ships.
The High Sheriff, Dawn Haig Thomas - who has made improving literacy on the Isle of Wight a priority during her term - has endorsed the competition and will be present at the prize giving ceremony next year.
The aim of the competition is to inspire young people to embrace writing and storytelling, as Ian Dickens explained:
“Charles Dickens had a very tough childhood and it was purely through the power of the pen that he transformed into one of the greatest writers ever known. Everyone has a pen and who knows where the simple act of picking it up and writing an opening sentence could lead?”
More details about the prize giving ceremony and lineup announcements for the 2024 IW Story Festival will be announced soon.
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