It’s not just about books – that’s the message from the organisers of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, who have unveiled a jam-packed programme of special events for 2025.
The popular festival, which runs from 9th-12th October at Northwood House in Cowes, will once again welcome a host of literary stars including Dame Prue Leith, Lord Michael Heseltine, Sue Barker, John Suchet, Helen Lederer, Lady Anne Glenconner and Joanne Harris. But organisers say the true spirit of the festival lies in the diversity of its offering – and there’s plenty more beyond the headliners.
From poetry to wine tasting, music to myth making, the 2025 edition features something for everyone – including the return of the ‘Write on Wight’ showcase for Island authors and a creative writing workshop from the Open University.
This year’s special events kick off ahead of the main festival, with the Isle of Wight Book Awards set to be announced on Tuesday 7th October at a celebratory lunch at the Island Sailing Club. Organised by Medina Publishing’s Paul Armfield, the awards recognise both local authors and books that celebrate the Island’s rich heritage.
Top wine expert and author Helen McGinn returns on opening day with another of her ever-popular wine tastings, followed that evening by the literary ‘Fizz Quiz’ – also at the Island Sailing Club.
On Friday, ‘Write on Wight’ will take centre stage, welcoming around 40 Island authors to Northwood House for an array of events including an authors’ marketplace, poetry sessions, myth-making workshops, and the ‘Author! Author!’ pitching event, giving writers a chance to showcase their ideas. The day also includes a special writers’ panel.
Budding wordsmiths can also take part in ‘Walking the Edge/Writing the Island’ – a two-hour creative writing workshop led by Nicola J. Watson and Emily Bullock from the Open University. The session, which also takes place on Friday, explores the relationship between walking, memory, and identity along the Island’s south coast.
On Saturday evening, Paul Armfield – Island musician and Medina Bookshop manager – will curate a musical night filled with local talent.
The grand Festival Finale on Sunday will bring together actress Rula Lenska, poet Jeremy Robson, jazz vocalist Norma Winstone and a trio of top jazz musicians for an evening of music, poetry and spoken word.
For those with a passion for nautical history, guided tours of the Royal Yacht Squadron will take place twice daily throughout the 4-day festival.
Festival Chairman Maggie Ankers said:
“Although the author sessions are at the heart of our event, having a wide range of sessions is important to us. Involving Island writers is so important to us, so the Write on Wight and Open University events bring the community to us.”
Tickets for all events go on sale later this month.
