There is just 1 week to go until the Isle of Wight Literary Festival opens its doors in Cowes, with organisers reminding Islanders there is still time to secure tickets for many of this year’s events.
The festival will take place at Northwood House, Cowes, from Thursday (8th October) until Sunday (11th October), with a wide-ranging programme of author talks and special events also being held around the town.
Some events have already sold out, including appearances by Celia Imrie and Helen McGinn, while tickets for Sophie Raworth and Clare Balding are close to selling out.
However, tickets remain available for a number of other speakers, including football commentator Clive Tyldesley, former Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie, actor Larry Lamb and crime writer Ann Cleeves.
A temporarily reduced capacity at Cowes Enterprise College means several events will instead take place in a new marquee within the grounds of Northwood House.
Organisers say the move will provide a spacious alternative venue while also creating a stronger festival atmosphere, with the majority of speakers now appearing in and around Northwood House.
Special events this year include Seabourn’s Ruby Afternoon Tea with former Royal butler Grant Harrold, A Celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein and More with acclaimed baritone and Cowes resident Mike Christie, a murder mystery event curated by Ann Cleeves and a whisky event with expert Ian Buxton.
On Saturday (10th October), the LitFeast Marquee at Northwood House will host cookery demonstrations from chefs Chris Galvin, Miranda Gore Browne and Eric Lanlard.
The festival will also feature Write on Wight, a section dedicated to local writers, taking place at Northwood House throughout the weekend.
Maggie Ankers, Festival Chairman, has said:
“Demand for many of the speakers has been amazing, but there are still tickets available for most of the events, and I would urge people to book up now to avoid disappointment.
“We wouldn’t want people to miss out, and the programme is so diverse and fascinating there really is something for everybody.”
