Isle of Wight Literary Festival
Taking place at Northwood House over 3-6 October 2024, the Isle of Wight Literary Festival brings together some of the country’s top writers, specialists, and experts all under one roof - giving you the opportunity to listen and learn from those who literally wrote the book on it!
What's On
2024 Speakers
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival combines the wonderful world of avid readers, authors, journalists, historians, poets, scientists and more during a four-day festival at Northwood House, a magnificent Grade II* listed Georgian manor house set in a 20 acre park.
While the full programme is yet to be announced, this year’s line up is already looking fantastic!
Gyles Brandreth
The TV personality and former MP is also a prolific author, writing novels, biographies, comedy books and much more.
Susie Dent
The Countdown star is also an accomplished writer of books about lexicography. Susie will be presenting her debut novel, Guilty by Definition.
Gen Sir Michael Jackson
The highly decorated former army officer is frequently seen on TV discussing military matters. He served in Northern Ireland and in the Middle East and has written a biography.
Martin Sixsmith
Returning to the festival after a sell-out performance last year, the author and TV and radio presenter will be promoting his latest book – a novel.
Tracy Borman
The historian is another returnee to Cowes. She was a big hit in 2023 and is most widely known as the author of Elizabeth’s Women, a portrait-gallery of the powerful women who influenced Queen Elizabeth.
Special Events
Besides the list of prestigious speakers, other events will also ensure the IW Literary Festival has something to entertain and inspire all ages and interests.
New to the festival is a Jazz Evening featuring The John Davidson Quartet with Miss Jane Hurst, who will be performing the sophisticated sounds of Broadway and the Golden Age of the Hollywood Musical.
The LitFeast brings a smorgasbord of talks and demonstrations to delight your palate and feed your brain.
Join Helen McGinn, creator and the award winning, best-selling Knackered Mother’s Wine Club as she hosts a wine tasting session, in which she will share her knowledge built up through years as a supermarket buyer and national newspaper wine-reviewer.
The Isle of Wight Book Awards. With judges including Alan Titchmarsh, the winners of the annual awards are announced during the festival. The Isle of Wight Book Awards aim to encourage the writing, reading, and publication of books about the Island.
Fizz Quiz. Another chance for literary lovers and bookworms to put their wits against like-minded bibliophiles – and win a cash prize.
Getting There
From Southampton: Sail across the Solent on our Hi-Speed Red Jet service, arriving in the heart of Cowes in just 28 minutes. It's a 10 minute uphill walk to Northwood House, or you can get the Southern Vectis no.1 bus from outside M&S Food.
By car: Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ
By bus: Northwood House is served by the Southern Vectis no.1 bus between Newport and Cowes.
Other events you may like
Ventnor Fringe
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Cowes Week
For almost 200 years, Cowes Week has been a world-famous rite of passage for any sailing enthusiast, and a real celebration of the sport.
Pirates! At Carisbrooke Castle
Set sail for Carisbrooke Castle this summer and get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas!
Chale Show
With an incredible mix of entertainment, attractions, and live music, Chale Show makes for a fun, family-friendly day out.
From motorbike and quad stunt shows, to sheepdog and duck displays, there'll be something for everyone to enjoy!
Knights' Tournament at Carisbrooke Castle
Go back in time and get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at the Carisbrooke Castle Knights’ Tournament!
Wight Proms
With everything from comedy to opera, enjoy a festival of open air picnic concerts in the grounds of Northwood House, Cowes.
Legendary Joust at Carisbrooke Castle
Experience an exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete in the grand medieval joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost.
Wolverton Manor Garden Fair
The Island's largest Garden Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family with a weekend packed full of live shows, demonstrations, re-enactments, children’s activities, magic shows, and more!
Wight Buggin'
This September, get ready for an unforgettable weekend of fun and adventure at the Wight Buggin' Family-Friendly Camp Out!
Southampton International Boat Show
Make a splash this September at the UK’s largest festival of boating & watersports!