The queue crossed the café at Quay Arts, went out through the fire doors and round the block, as families lined up patiently at last week’s IW Story Festival, which has been hailed a success by organisers.
Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo, was the headliner at the third annual IW Story Festival and his packed session in the Anthony Mingella Theatre included readings of some of his most famous books, inspirational drawings, and questions from an enthusiastic audience. It was one of many sell-out sessions at this year’s event, which attracted hundreds of families from across the Island, and some from further afield.
Elspeth Giddens, one of the event’s organisers, has said:
“It was wonderful to be able to run a live festival again this year, after having to do everything online in 2021. I think everyone was just pleased to be able to get out and see authors and illustrators face-to-face again and get involved in hands-on drama and craft workshops.”
Other highlights at this year’s festival included an inspirational session from the author/illustrator of the Amelia Fang series of books, Laura Ellen Anderson; the hilarious author/illustrator double-act of Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve; and the poignant and funny production of Dustbin Doris by Rhubarb Theatre.
There were lots of sessions from well-known Island-based authors, illustrators, performers and naturalists too, including IW Story Festival favourite Kieran Larwood, Neal Layton, Jules Marriner, Debbie Webb, Peta Rainford, Sue Bailey, Holly Medland, Adam Gaterell, Lucia Para, Dave Fairlamb and Kathy Grogan.
Elspeth adds:
“It was wonderful to see the festival bringing so much joy to so many children and families.
Article continues below this advertisement “This year’s festival was a real team effort. Thanks to our dedicated committee; our lovely volunteers; our sponsors, including Red Funnel and Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council; Medina Books for selling hundreds of books across the two days; Quay Arts for being such generous hosts and looking after us so well; all our wonderful authors and performers; and, of course, the hundreds of families who came along and made the event such a success.”
