The countdown is on for the 15th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival with a bumper line-up of well-known authors and great events.
The festival, based at Northwood House in Cowes from 8th – 11th October will welcome a stellar cast of best-selling authors, broadcasters, historians, chefs and household names for four days of inspiring talks, lively interviews and unforgettable events.
Since launching in 2012, the festival has become one of the Island’s cultural highlights attracting thousands of Islanders and visitors and bringing world-class writers to the Isle of Wight. Now celebrating its 15th year, the 2026 festival promises another packed programme with something for everyone.
Some of the many highlights so far announced for of this year’s festival are:
- Well-known chef and restaurateur Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will talk about his new book High Fibre Heroes and how simple food changes can transform our health.
- BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth is to share her passion for running and the inspiration behind her new book.
- Crime writing legend Ann Cleeves, creator of the hugely successful Shetland and Vera TV series and numerous crime novels, will discuss her novel The Dying Light, which is published on festival weekend.
- Much-loved actress Amanda Barrie will reflect on a remarkable career spanning Carry On films and Coronation Street in her candid new autobiography.
- TV favourite Clare Balding returns to the festival to talk about her debut novel Pastures New.
- Political commentator Iain Dale, the controversial writer and TV and radio pundit, will talk about his revealing autobiography Have I Said Too Much?
- Robert Hardman is one of the most acclaimed royal authors in recent years with a number of best sellers to his name. He is to talk about his latest book Elizabeth II In Private. In Public. The Inside Story.
- Penny Junor is another royal writer of repute and will be talking about her latest book Queen Consort: The Life of Queen Camilla.
- For football fans, Clive Tyldesley is up there with the very best commentators. He will be speaking about his autobiography Not For Me, Clive: Stories From the Voice of Football.
- Dr Alison Weir is the top-selling female historian in the United Kingdom and has sold over 3 million books worldwide. She has written more than 20 history books and 17 historical novels, including her latest The Boleyn Secret.
Alongside the big-name speakers, festival favourites will also be returning including the ever-popular wine-tasting event with Helen McGinn, the sparklingly competitive Fizz Quiz and the Write on Wight programme celebrating Island authors.
The Schools’ Programme reached more than 5,000 pupils last year and plans to expand to include every school on the Island.
The festival will again be based in Northwood House, along with other local venues including St Mary’s Church, Cowes Enterprise College, the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Island Sailing Club.
Festival chairman, Maggie Ankers, said:
“Over the past 15 years the festival has grown beyond anything we imagined and we are thrilled to be bringing such an exciting mix of famous authors, fascinating stories and hidden gems to the Island once again
“Whether you love history, crime, food, politics, sport or fiction there really is something for everyone.”
For more information visit https://www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com, where you will find details of all our initial line up of speakers plus much more.
Tickets for the festival are expected to go on sale in August.
I am always sceptical of celebrities who decide they can write. Although I accept many will use ghost writers. But, if I am paying to hear someone, I expect them to be talented enough to do it themselves
Great for Cowes! Been to see quite a few! Hope Gyles Brandreth is back. He’s so entertaining