Line-Up Announcement For Isle Of Isle Of Wight Story Festival

A celebrated children’s author, illustrator and TV writer has been added to the lineup for the 2025 edition of the Isle of Wight Story Festival, which will return to Newport’s Quay Arts this February.

Alex Milway, author and illustrator of many book series for children including Pigsticks and Harold, as well as the bestselling Hotel Flamingo, will appear at the event on February 22.

His session promises live-drawing, readings, singing and even a spot of disco.

Alex is replacing Dr Roopa Farooki, who had to cancel her appearance due to unforeseen circumstances.

2025 marks the sixth edition of IW Story Festival, which runs every February half term.

It will take place this year from Thursday, February 20 to Saturday, February 22.

You can buy tickets here: https://www.iwstoryfestival.com/

Also on this year’s lineup are Blue Peter award nominee, M.G. Leonard, perhaps best known for the book Beetle Boy, and former Poet in Residence for the Roald Dahl Museum, Paul Lyalls.

Naomi Ishiguro, author of the acclaimed Common Ground and daughter of Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro, will run a masterclass in the art of starting a story, whilst Dorset based Maz Evans will speak about her work as the author of Vi Spy and Who Let the Gods Out?

Speaking about the 2025 edition of the IW Story Festival, organisers said: 

“We are thrilled to have Alex Milway join our amazing line-up.

"Tickets are selling quickly for lots of sessions so get them while you can.

"From how to write a story, to Q&A sessions with best-selling authors, there is plenty to do!”

In 2024, the IW Story Festival won the BBC Solent Make a Difference Award.