Tickets for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival will go on sale at 09:00 tomorrow (Friday), with a wide range of high-profile guests confirmed for the popular 4-day event in Cowes.
Dame Prue Leith, Sue Barker, Helen Lederer, John Suchet, Gyles Brandreth and Joanne Harris are among the headline names appearing at the Isle of Wight’s premier literary event, which will take place from 9th to 12th October.
Joining them on the line-up are designer Cath Kidston, Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady, ex-Southampton footballer Franny Benali, journalist and author Allison Pearson, and returning favourite Martin Sixsmith.
Biographer Andrew Lownie, who has attracted national attention with his controversial book about the Duke and Duchess of York, will be speaking about his research and the reaction it has received.
Those with an interest in royal matters will also hear from Lady Anne Glenconner, a former lady-in-waiting; Julian Godolphin, discussing his debut book On His Majesty’s Service – How the King Preserves the British Constitution; and Grant Harrold, former royal butler.
Northwood House in Cowes will once again serve as the main festival hub, with other events taking place at Cowes Enterprise College and St Mary’s Church.
In total, around 40 authors will speak on subjects ranging from sport and scandal to royalty and military history, alongside a strong fiction programme.
Maggie Ankers, festival chair, said:
“We are delighted to have put together such an eclectic, top-drawer line up for this year. The programme is full of fascinating authors talking on amazing subjects.
“We believe everybody will find something they like so check out the tickets page on the website to see the schedule.”
Additional strands of the festival include:
- The Lit Feast culinary events
- Write on Wight and Open University sessions for local writers
- A musical finale featuring actor Rula LenskaThe much-loved Fizz Quiz at the Island Sailing Club
- Tickets will be available from 09:00 on Friday via www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com
