By Isle of Wight Observer
The launch of the 14th IW Literary Festival took place last night at Medina Bookshop in Cowes, and programme director, Julia Dams, has pulled out all the stops to book an eclectic and interesting range of guest speakers.
The festival takes place from October 9 to 12, and is based in Cowes in venues around Northwood House, and there is something for everyone.
Making a triumphant return is former MP, broadcaster, writer and raconteur, Gyles Brandreth, who delighted a sell-out audience last year.
Cath Kidston’s floral-designed bags and other goods made her a multi-millionaire. 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, but 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, which charts the earlier life of the mysterious chocolate-maker from her first book Chocolat.
Lord Brady (formerly Sir Graham) of Altrincham, former chairman of the 1922 Committee – the ‘trade union’ for Tory MPs – will be discussing his book about serving under five different Prime Ministers, three of them in just two years.
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, who will be speaking to her book Wimbledon: A Personal History.
The Schools’ Programme is on track to reach more than 40 schools in 2025, making it the biggest year yet, and Write on Wight will again invite local authors to take part in the festival. Litfeast – which combines food and literature – also returns.
Festival chairman, Maggie Ankers, said: “We have brought some top names to the Island and the reputation of our festival continues to grow.
“We are particularly proud of the growth of the education and local author programmes. There are over 100 volunteers who make the festival happen. We can’t thank them enough.”
Tickets will go on sale in August, once timings have been confirmed. Find out more at iw.observer/iw-lit-fest.
