Isle of Wight Literary Festival
Prominent politicians, a top-drawer comedian, a food-writing legend, one of Britain’s most popular sports presenters and the return of the event’s biggest ever draw, are among the exciting announcements for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
The Northwood House-based event, running from October 8– 12, is now in its 14th year and following a highly successful 2024 festival, Programme Director Julia Dams has pulled out all the stops and come up with more for 2025.
Speakers lined up to appear in the festival’s traditional venues in Cowes include Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu judge Dame Prue Leith; comedian Helen Lederer, designer Cath Kidston, Chocolate author Joanne Harris, TV newsman turned writer John Suchet.
The Schools’ Programme, building on last year’s success in engaging 28 Island schools and 5000 children, is on track to reach over 40 schools in 2025, making it the biggest year yet. The programme is a vital part of the festival, dedicated to fostering a love of reading and storytelling among Island children. Each year, a diverse line up of authors visits primary and secondary schools to deliver assemblies, workshops, or interactive sessions, either at the schools themselves or through central hub locations.
Thanks to generous private and charitable funding, the programme is offered at no cost to schools. The team’s ongoing goal is to ensure every child on the island has the opportunity to experience the magic of an author-led literary session.
Write on Wight will be returning after a successful debut in 2024. The festival is delighted to announce this segment is expanding this year offering more opportunities to celebrate our local literary talent. Local authors are once again invited to apply to take part in the festival from the end of May via the festival website https://www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com/
For the third year, the popular LitFeast returns, bringing a smorgasbord of talks and demonstrations for gastronomic delight.
The festival will again be based in Northwood House with St Mary’s Church, Cowes Enterprise College, the Royal Yacht Squadron and Island Sailing Club also being used.
Tickets for the festival are available from https://www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com/
📅 8 – 12 October 2025
📍 Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8AZ