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 be held between the 9 and 12 October 2025 at Northwood House, Cowes. The festival will once again be providing a varied and exciting programme with something for everyone.

History, politics, current affairs, environmental matters and law are among the topics featured at this year's Festival.

Top literary names from television, politics, history and the world of food and drink are among headline authors who will be appearing at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

2025 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.

• Dame Prue Leith - cookery expert
• Sue Barker - broadcaster
• Cath Kidston - designer
• Gyles Brandreth - broadcaster
• John Suchet - author, journalist and presenter
• Helen Lederer - comedian, writer and actress
• Sir Graham Brady - politician
• Bob Seely - journalist and former Isle of Wight MP
• Joanne Harris - novelist
• Graham Bartlett - crime author
• Francis Benali - footballer
• Tracy Borman - historian and broadcaster
• James Crossland - Professor of International History
• Harriet Cullen - non fiction and biographer author
• Martin Edwards - crime author
• Natasha Edwards - entrepreneur and cookery writer
• Lissa Evans - novelist and TV producer
• Julian Francis Godolphin - non fiction, history, politics and constitutional themes author
• Melissa Harrison - novelist and nature writer
• Vaseem Khan - crime author
• Helen McGinn - wine expert
• Alexander Norman - aviation history author
• Suzanne O'Sullivan - physician and neurophysiology writer
• Karen Phillipps - non fiction, biographer and law author
• Charlotte Pike - cookery writer
• Nick Trend - journalist and art historian
• Tim Willasey-Wilsey - British diplomat

Special events

This year's Isle of Wight Literary Festival is packed with exciting events. Highlights include the Isle of Wight Book Awards on 7 October and a wine tasting with Helen McGinn on 9 October, followed by a fun and challenging Fizz Quiz to test your literary and general knowledge.

On 10 October, get creative in a writing workshop, or dive into discussion celebrating the works of Jane Austen with three acclaimed authors.  

Enjoy live music with Paul Armfield on 11 October, and experience an evening of poetry, jazz, song and humour on 12 October. Also on 12 October, don't miss the lively debate featuring a panel of top crime writers. 

Book your tickets

Simply browse the full programme here to view the speaker details and select your preferred session and events. With a wide range of talks, workshops, and performances on offer, you can build a personalised schedule to suit your interests. 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.