History, politics, nature, crime, fiction, and current affairs are among the topics covered at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2023.

The popular event will run from  October 5 to October 8, with Northwood House in Cowes the main venue.

Storyteller Michael Morpurgo is one of the first speakers to be announced. The War Horse author’s newest book is a re-telling of ten Shakespeare plays, Tales from Shakespeare.

Festival favourite Tracy Borman will be returning this year to discuss her latest book, Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I: the Mother and Daughter Who Changed History.

The author enjoys spending time on the Island and is a patron of Vectis Archaeological Trust.

Fiction lovers will be enchanted by Georgina Moore’s The Garnett Girls, the multi-generation debut novel set on the Isle of Wight.

Crime aficionados and followers of the Dr Ruth Galloway series won’t want to miss Elly Griffiths talking about her latest book, The Last Remains.

Justin Webb, the longest serving presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship news and current affairs programme Today, will share tales of his childhood from his memoir, The Gift of a Radio. 

Also announced are Martin Sixsmith, Alan Philps, Bob Gilbert, Chris Mullin, Isabel Hardman, Patrick Gale, Philip Beale, and Wendy Joseph.

“We will be showcasing a wonderful array of authors, chefs and musicians, so do look out for announcements. There is something for everyone,” said Julia Dams, programme director for the festival.

More speakers are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival, an established event on the UK arts calendar, was first held in 2012.

Featuring more than 40 speakers, the festival provides a programme designed to attract a wide audience and increase the cultural richness of the Isle of Wight. 

The festival is a registered charity, organised and staffed by volunteers.

There is also a schools programme, which sends authors, illustrators and dramatists into schools to enrich education for the under 18s on the Isle of Wight.