Red Funnel Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2018 a great success
Posted 19/10/2018
Despite the weather book lovers from far and wide came to Northwood House, Cowes last weekend to enjoy over 60 presentations from an array of talented speakers and presenters. There was a real buzz in the ornate halls and reception rooms of Northwood House, which has hosted parties and events since Victorian times.
This year’s varied programme had something for everyone. Popular sessions included Lord Richards providing his view on conflicts around the world, a lively Politics Panel, Alan Titchmarsh speaking about his latest novel The Scarlet Nightingale, Henry Hemmings exploring MI5 counter espionage in the 1930s, Tracy Borman’s debuting her first novel The King’s Witch and Anne Cleeves’ presenting the eighth and final book in the Shetland series, Wild Fire.
“A great treat for authors every year. Delightful surroundings and very efficient organisation. A thoroughly worthy cause!” Peter Snow
“I loved being at the IOWLF. Everything about the festival seemed to work beautifully – the location, the bookselling, the organisation, the technical side of things. I will be heartily recommending it to all my author friends!” Henry Hemmings
Over 5000 tickets were sold, and the café and bar marquee did a roaring trade. Special thanks to our sponsor Red Funnel. Their financial and marketing support has been key to this year’s success. Our army of volunteers collectively contributed hundreds of unpaid hours on the administration, logistics and catering of this four day event.
If you missed the weekend or specific sessions Steve Ancsell and Festival Radio recorded interviews with most of the speakers – so do go to our radio playback – and hear a flavour of the festival.
Maggie Ankers, chair of the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Literary Festival, said “We are delighted that the 7th festival has been such a success and look forward to announcing dates for 2019 in the next few weeks.”
We will be sending out a feedback questionnaire to participants shortly. If you have any comments please send them to marketing@isleofwightliteraryfestival.com and sign up for our newsletter to get updates and find out more about IWLF 2019 as the dates details are confirmed.
There’s more!
This weekend the IWLF Youth Zone takes place at Northwood House. an arts and activities festival for children of all ages. Set up by the festival 4 years ago this youth programme is designed to inspire and entertain children from 4 – 18. It’s half term so take a look at the programme and plan some undercover entertainment for the young people in your world.