THE magic behind children's favourite character The Gruffalo will be revealed at the IW Story Festival at Quay Arts in February 2022.

Axel Scheffler, co-creator of one of the most iconic children’s story characters of all time, will be performing and drawing at next year’s festival, and talking about how he developed the look of some of his most famous characters, including the beloved Gruffalo.

He is just one of an exciting line-up that will be appearing on Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26, at the IW Story Festival’s new home for 2022, Quay Arts in Newport.

Other confirmed for the event include Laura Ellen Anderson (Amelia Fang), Sarah MacIntyre (Grumpycorn), Kieran Larwood (Podkin) and Phillip Reeve (Mortal Engines), as well as the theatre company Rhubarb.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The IW Story Festival ran a very successful online event in 2021 – attracting 2,853 views, not just from the Isle of Wight, but from the rest of the UK, and places as far-flung as the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.

However, organisers are delighted to be planning a live event for next year.

“There is something very special about children having the chance to meet authors and illustrators in the flesh. It makes being a writer or an illustrator something they can aspire to,” said the festival's Elspeth Giddens.

“We are delighted that the 2020 festival will be at Quay Arts. They have already generously agreed to run some additional illustration workshops as part of the event, and will be collaborating with us in a number of ways to make the 2022 event extra special.”

Tickets for the event will go on sale from Quay Arts in December.