Horrid Henry creator, Francesca Simon and Mock the Week's Alasdair Beckett-King will lead the line-up of authors and speakers at the 2024 Isle of Wight Story Festival, during February half term.
From Thursday, February 15 until Sunday, February 17, a host of acts will appear at Quay Arts in Newport and tickets are now on sale.
Horsebox Theatre returns on the Thursday, to perform Vincent and the Mermaids, adapted from a new book by Island author, Jules Marriner.
Meanwhile, comedian-turned-writer, Kate Weston, will speak about her books for young adults, including Diary of a Confused Feminist, and Mick Smith will front a song-writing workshop.
On the Friday, Isle of Wight-based fantasy writer Kieran Larwood will appear, and collaborators poet John Hegley and illustrator Neal Layton will showcase Stanley’s Stick.
The Enchanted Cinema will be on hand to entertain, providing an ‘orchestra of enchanted sounds’ and retelling Where the Wild Things Are and Hedgehog in the Fog.
From Radio 4's news quiz, Alasdair Beckett-King will present his stories about the fictional detective, Montgomery Bonbon.
Earlier in the day, Gerald Dickens - Charles' great great grandson - will present stories written as part of a competition involving primary school children.
BAFTA-longlisted film-maker, James Clarke, will run a screenwriting workshop and will compère an event with Julian Doyle, discussing Julian's work on Monty Python's Life of Brian and Holy Grail, as well as directing music videos for Kate Bush and Iron Maiden.
The final day will be headlined by Francesca Simon, best-selling creator of Horrid Henry, as she talks about her latest book, Two Terrible Vikings.
Visiting from Southampton, former Hampshire poet laureate, Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, will speak about her debut children’s book City of Stolen Magic.
Isadora Moon creator, Harriet Muncaster, will speak about her passion for magic sparkles and everything teeny tiny, featuring draw-alongs, readings and quizzes.
Kes Gray, who is best known for his Oi Frog picture books and Daisy Trouble chapter books can’t wait to speak about his twenty year, award winning career.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Kes said: "I'm 'ferry' much looking forward to appearing at the IW Story Festival!”
Also appearing are Adam Gaterell, Apollo Youth Theatre, Creaturama, Dave Fairlamb, Holly Medland, Jo Cooper, King’s Pants Opera, Lauren Fry, Master of Disguise, Meg Hewison, Peta Rainford, Isabel Norwood, Russell Sheath, Sarah Docker, Simon Whitworth, Sue Bailey, Teresa Grimaldi and Tony Trowbridge.
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