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Isle Of Wight Literary Festival Volunteers Receive Prestigious Award

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival has been presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

The honour, the charity equivalent of an MBE, was presented to the festival by the Island’s Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon on Wednesday (June 12). 

The KAVS is awarded to outstanding voluntary groups whose contribution is of a particularly high standard and which makes a big difference to the local community.
 
IW Literary Festival chairman Maggie Ankers received the award on behalf of the volunteers. 

Volunteers also received commemorative pins to mark their contribution.
 
Maggie said:

“So many people have worked so hard to make the literary festival such an important part of the Island’s cultural calendar.

“Though the motivation of the volunteers is to provide an event of which the whole local community can be proud, it is nevertheless fantastic that their contribution has been recognised by this prestigious award.”

 
HM Lord-Lieutenant said:

“I am passionate about the power of the written word, and the IW Literary Festival has promoted a wide variety of literature over many years.

"I am deeply grateful to all those involved in its organisation, promotion and success.

“That the festival has grown to such a popular and successful event is a tribute to all those volunteers who have worked with vision and passion over the years. The Kings Award for Voluntary Service is fully deserved.”
 
The presentation came as the festival officially launched its programme for 2024.

Already confirmed for the event, which runs between October 3-6 are Gyles Brandreth, Susie Dent and General Sir Michael Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL.

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