Prominent politicians, a top-drawer comedian, a food-writing legend, one of Britain’s most popular sports presenters and the return of the event’s biggest ever draw, are among the exciting announcements for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
The Northwood House-based event, running from 9th – 12th October, is now in its 14th year and following a highly successful 2024 festival, Programme Director Julia Dams has pulled out all the stops and come up with more for 2025.
Speakers lined up to appear in the festival’s traditional venues in Cowes, include Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu judge Dame Prue Leith; comedian Helen Lederer, designer Cath Kidston, Chocolat author Joanne Harris, TV newsman turned writer John Suchet.
Making a triumphant return is former MP, broadcaster, writer and raconteur Gyles Brandreth who delighted a sell-out audience at Cowes Enterprise college last year while the 2025 line-up also includes a wealth of political writers.
Cath Kidston’s floral designed bags and other goods took the world by storm, making her a multi-millionaire. After leaving her eponymous company in 2016 Cath has gone on to establish a new design studio Joy of Print working with international retailers on print design and strategy and collaborating with independent companies via her studio portfolio. She will be talking about her book A Place Called Home: Print, Colour, Pattern.
John Suchet was for many years the face of ITN news, having previously been a news reporter with the BBC and ITV. The morning presenter of Classic FM for nearly a decade, his book In Search of Beethoven is his latest about the lives of the great classical composers.
Joanne Harris will be talking about her new novel Vianne, an origin story charting the earlier life of Vianne Rocher, the mysterious chocolate-maker from Chocolat. Vianne is the fifth book in the Chocolat series. The first book, Chocolat, was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche.
Sir Graham Brady (now Lord Brady of Altrincham), the former chairman of the 1922 Committee, heads up the political offering with his book about serving under five different Prime Ministers, alongside former Island MP Bob Seely, who will speak about his book on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Wine writer, novelist, and TV favourite Helen McGinn is returning for the third year with her popular wine tasting evening.
Also announced is Sue Barker former British Ladies Number 1 turned Question of Sport who will be speaking to her book Wimbledon: A Personal History covering her 50 years in tennis, as a player and broadcaster.
The Schools’ Programme, building on last year’s success in engaging 28 Island schools and 5000 children, is on track to reach over 40 schools in 2025, making it the biggest year yet. The programme is a vital part of the festival, dedicated to fostering a love of reading and storytelling among Island children. Each year, a diverse line up of authors visits primary and secondary schools to deliver assemblies, workshops, or interactive sessions, either at the schools themselves or through central hub locations.
Thanks to generous private and charitable funding, the programme is offered at no cost to schools.
Write on Wight will be returning after a successful debut in 2024. The festival is delighted to announce this segment is expanding this year offering more opportunities to celebrate our local literary talent. Local authors are once again invited to apply to take part in the festival from the end of May via the festival website https://www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com/
For the 3rd year, the popular LitFeast returns, bringing a smorgasbord of talks and demonstrations for gastronomic delight.
Isle of Wight Literary Festival Chairman Maggie Ankers said:
“The programme is already chockablock full of literary delights and we know that there is something for everybody during the event.
“In the 14 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.
“We hope there is something there for people of all ages and are particularly proud of the growth of the education and local author programmes.”
The festival will again be based in Northwood House with St Mary’s Church, Cowes Enterprise College, the Royal Yacht Squadron and Island Sailing Club also being used.
Tickets for the festival will go on sale in August, once timings have been confirmed.
