Bookings for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival are flooding in with particular interest in speakers who explore and explain the background to today’s big national and international problems.
War zones, Russian politics, immigration, and political party turmoil are drawing in audiences looking for insight to today’s troubling times.
The Red Funnel Isle of Wight Literary Festival now in its 7th Year takes place from 11th-14th October at Northwood House, Cowes. Over 60 speakers provide a diverse programme that has something for all.
Authors and presenters – with rich experience and knowledge – discuss their latest work examining history, medicine, gardening, fiction, travel, technology, maritime adventure as well as politics.
This year topical sessions that are attracting festival goers include:
• James Hanratty – The Making of an Immigration Judge
• Terry Waite CBE – Creativity and Solitude
• General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux will provide reflections on a troubled World
• Angus Roxburgh – Moscow Calling: Memoirs of a Foreign Correspondent
• Mark Price – from Business to Politics to Writing
• Austin Mitchell – Confessions of a Political Maverick
• James Bloodworth – Hired: Six Months undercover in Low Wage Britain
• Theo Barclay – Fighters and Quitters: Great Political Resignations
• Stanley Johnson – Kompromat – his latest satirical novel
Victoria Orr Ewing, Programme Director says:
“Books provide us all with a tremendous opportunity to explore many topics including history and socio-political ideas in depth, guided by individuals passionate about their subjects and expert in their field.”
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The festival closes on Sunday with a Politics Panel that promises a lively finale addressing questions posed by the audience. Chaired by the Rt Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway the panel includes Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, Austin Mitchell, Bob Seely MP and Julian Critchley, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate. Between them there will be some trenchant views on recent political party conferences, Brexit, international conflicts, and the division of the Isle of Wight into two constituencies.
There is much more than politics to capture the interest of local residents and visitors to the Island. For full details of the programme and to book tickets online visit www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com.
