By Isle of Wight Observer
Tickets went on sale today (Friday) at 9am for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
With big names such as Dame Prue Leith, Sue Barker, Helen Lederer, John Suchet, Gyles Brandreth, and Joanne Harris, there is something for everybody at this year’s premier Island literary event.
Joining them will be designer, Cath Kidston, political heavyweight, Sir Graham Brady, former Southampton FC footballer and all-round good guy, Franny Benali, Allison Pearson on Jane Austen, and festival favourite, Martin Sixsmith.
Making the headlines at the moment is Andrew Lownie, whose controversial biography of the Duke and Duchess of York will be the subject of his talk.
For those who love their royalty, there is the Dowager Lady (Anne) Glenconner, former lady-in-waiting, Julian Godolphin speaking about his first book, On His Majesty’s Service – How the King Preserves the British Constitution, and ex-royal butler, Grant Harrold, on his time in the household.
From October 9–12, Northwood House, in Cowes, will again be the base for the four-day festival, with other venues, including Cowes Enterprise College and St Mary’s Church, are also being used.
As well as the headliners, there are around 40 other authors on subjects from sport to scandal, royalty to military history, as well as a liberal dollop of fiction.
Other strands to the festival include the Lit Fest culinary section, Write on Wight and Open University events for local writers, a musical finale featuring renowned actor, Rula Lenska, and the legendary Fizz Quiz at the Island Sailing Club.
Festival chairman, Maggie Ankers, 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.”
Tickets are available from 9am via iwobserver/iw-lit-fest-tickets, or in person from Kendall’s Fine Art in Bath Road, Cowes.