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Headline Authors Announced As 2024 Isle Of Wight Literary Festival Launched

Thursday, 13 June 2024 07:00

By Dominic Kureen X @WriteOnDom

Top literary names from television, politics, history and the world of food and drink are among headline authors who will be appearing at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

The Northwood House-based event, running from October 3–6, will also feature new events, an expanded schools’ programme, plus, for the first time an event outside of its traditional base in Cowes, Sir Michael Morpurgo will deliver a spectacular concert version of his much-loved book War Horse at Medina Theatre in Newport.

Speakers lined up to appear in the festival’s traditional venues in Cowes, principally Northwood House, include former MP and television personality Gyles Brandreth, TV lexicographer and Countdown star Susie Dent and General Sir Michael Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL, one of the British Army’s most high-profile generals since the Second World War.

Also appearing will be former Government minister Rt. Hon. The Lord Fowler, celebrated music writer and publisher David Hepworth, author and wine expert Helen McGinn, historian Tracy Borman, Atlantic rower Simon Howes and reporter-turned-author Martin Sixsmith, who returns to the festival following a sell-out appearance last year.

As well as a stream of highly renowned authors, the festival will also feature a new jazz event and the return of the popular Fizz Quiz (Thursday October 3, 7.30 at the Island Sailing Club).

The Lit Feast also returns bringing a smorgasbord of talks and demonstration to tickle the palate and feed the brain.

Isle of Wight Literary Festival Chairman Maggie Ankers said:

“There are still a number of authors to be confirmed and we know that there is something for everybody during the four-day event.

“In the 13 years the festival has been running, we have brought some top names to the Isle of Wight and the reputation of our festival continues to grow in the literary world.

"Moreover we have established an entertaining and stimulating event that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.”

Tickets for the festival will go on sale in August, once timings have been confirmed.

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