Isle Of Wight Story Festival Pulls Large Crowds Over Half Term Week

Organisers of the Isle of Wight Story Festival are celebrating another successful year after crowds flocked to Newport for author readings, live theatre, music and book signings.

The annual event returned to Quay Arts, running from Thursday, February 20 to Saturday, February 22, over the half term break.

Best-selling authors including M.G. Leonard and Maz Evans were among the headline guests.

Before spending an hour signing books, Maz pulled a large crowd to the Anthony Minghella Theatre, where she spoke about her work.

M.G. Leonard, whose books include Beetle Boy and Hunt for the Golden Scarab, also appeared.

The poet Paul Lyalls, a former Poet in Residence for the Roald Dahl Family & Museum, who has performed at Wembley and was one of the 2012 Olympic poets, also took to the stage.

Speaking about his appearance at the festival, Paul said:

“It’s always a pleasure. 

“I had a fantastic time in the theatre with a brilliant audience and we shared laughs, poetry and a feel-good vibe.”

Naomi Ishiguro, author of Common Ground, ran a masterclass on how to start a story about an unlikely friendship, whilst Island-based illustrator Neal Layton spoke about AI.

Alex Milway, best known for his Hotel Flamingo books, was another popular speaker - after only joining the lineup weeks before the festival.

Gareth Peter, who last appeared at the festival in 2023, spoke all about unicorns.

He even broke into song, making use of the Quay Arts piano.

Elspeth Giddens, co-organiser of the Isle of Wight Story Festival said:

"With yet another fantastic festival under our belt, it was great to see happy audiences, old and young and in between, enjoying our unique events. 

"Keep an eye out for next year's dates to be announced very soon!"

A plethora of local authors and speakers also appeared at the Story Festival this year.

These included Chris Stevens, Kathryn Rossati, Holly Medland, Nanny Perry, Morgan Outlaw, Jules Marriner, Sue Bailey and Trudie Wilson.

Bringing live theatre to the event, the local Pink Cow Theatre put on Brutal and Pinocchio, two plays for older and younger audiences, respectively.

Pickled Image, the award winning theatre company, brought an environmental element to the festival with puppets and woodlands as part of Woodland Tales with Granddad.

The Isle of Wight Story Festival will return in 2026, with dates to be announced very soon.