Isle of Wight Literary Festival

About

Isle of Wight Literary Festival in October

A popular annual event in the Isle of Wight calendar, the Isle of Wight Literary Festival will take place from 8–11 October 2026 at Northwood House in Cowes. The festival will once again present a varied and inspiring programme with something to appeal to readers of all ages and interests, combining thought-provoking discussions, author talks, interactive events and cultural experiences in a welcoming setting.

History, politics, current affairs, environmental matters and crime are among the many fascinating topics featured in this year's festival, alongside sessions celebrating fiction, music, travel, food and nature.

Top literary names from television, politics, history and the world of football are among the headline speakers appearing at this year's Isle of Wight Literary Festival, giving you the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the UK's most celebrated writers, broadcasters, commentators and public figures.

2026 speakers at Literary Festival

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival hosts an inspiring lineup of speakers, featuring acclaimed authors, journalists and broadcasters. From bestselling novelists and crime writers to historians and political commentators, the festival offers you the chance to engage with some of the most respected voices in literature and current affairs. Whether you're a fiction fan, a history buff, or curious about the world around you, the festival's speaker programme promises thought-provoking talks, lively discussions, and memorable storytelling.

• Larry Lamb - actor, memoir and fiction
• Clare Balding - broadcaster and author
• Amanda Barrie - actress and author
• Iain Dale - political broadcaster and author
• Clive Tyldesley - football commentator and broadcaster
• Sophie Raworth - journalist and broadcaster
• Ann Cleeves - crime novelist
• Dr Nicholas Courtney - historian and biographer
• Jill Dougherty - political journalist and author
• Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - chef, broadcaster and food campaigner
• Michael Gray - music journalist, critic and biographer
• Robert Hardman - journalist, broadcaster and royal biographer
• Penny Junor - royal biographer and journalist
• Kit Kemp MBE - designs and interiors
• Eric Lanlard - cookery and master patissier
• Helen McGinn - wine expert and author
• Geoffrey Robertson - politics and current affairs
• Dr Ben Robinson - UK landscape heritage and history

Discover the full 2026 speaker programme here. 

Litfeast

Returning for 2026 by popular demand, the Litfeast is once again set to delight food lovers as part of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival. First introduced in 2023, this popular programme brings together the worlds of literature and gastronomy with inspiring cookery demonstrations from talented local chefs alongside renowned chefs and food writers.

You can also enjoy a carefully curated wine tasting experience, making Litfeast the perfect opportunity to savour exceptional food, discover new flavours and celebrate the stories behind them in the beautiful surroundings of Northwood House.

Discover more at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival offers much more than fascinating author talks, with a packed programme of special events taking place across Cowes.

Enjoy an afternoon tea and etiquette talk with Grant Harrold, The Royal Butler, who has served King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family. Taking place at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, this promises a fascinating insight into royal etiquette.

Crime fans can test their detective skills with a murder-mystery event written by Ann Cleeves, acclaimed author of Vera and Shetland. Meanwhile, Cowes-based singer and G4 member Mike Christie will perform show songs from the musicals during a special Saturday evening at Northwood House.

Wine lovers can join TV wine expert Helen McGinn for a tasting and talk about her new book, Supermarket Wine Guide, while whisky enthusiasts can discover the whiskies of the Scottish islands with expert Ian Buxton.

The festival also features the popular Fizz Quiz, Write on Wight events for local authors and tours of the Royal Yacht Squadron with Honorary Historian Commodore David Hughes. With a host of acclaimed speakers and unique experiences, there’s plenty to discover throughout the four-day festival.

Festival tickets

With a wide range of talks, workshops and performances on offer, you can build a personalised schedule to suit your interests. Tickets will go on sale from mid-August via the Isle of Wight Literary Festival website, and early booking is recommended, as many popular speaker sessions and events sell out quickly. Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of books, ideas and creativity.