This summer term, thirteen primary schools on the Isle of Wight enjoyed visits from renowned authors, thanks to a series of sessions organised by the Isle of Wight Story Festival.
The initiative aimed to inspire young minds through storytelling and creative arts.
Among the visiting authors were legendary poet John Hegley and illustrator Neal Layton, who collaborated on the children’s book Stanley’s Stick. The duo previously headlined the Isle of Wight Story Festival held at Quay Arts in February.
Layton’s enthusiasm for Schools Programme
Neal Layton expressed his excitement about participating in the programme. He said,
“It was a joy to be part of the IW Story Festival schools programme, supporting the good work going on in classrooms and helping inspire new generations of young storytellers and artists on the Island!”
The pair visited several schools, sharing their creative journey and encouraging students to explore their own storytelling abilities.
Visits from other authors
The programme also featured other popular authors, such as Maz Evans and Ian Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of the famed writer of Oliver Twist.
Anthony James, known for his work as a former Blue Peter modelmaker, conducted an interactive craft session with the students, also providing a hands-on creative experience.
Hundreds of students were entertained by a range of authors, performers, and speakers. The lineup included Debbie Webb, Sue Bailey, Holly Medland, Christopher Stevens, Paul Lyalls, Mish Whitmore, Peter J Murray, Wonderfell Theatre Co, Kathryn Evans, Russ Sheath, and Adam Gaterell.
Looking Ahead: Sixth Year of the Festival
The Isle of Wight Story Festival will return to Quay Arts in Newport next February during the half-term break, from 20th to 22nd. This marks the festival’s sixth year, continuing its tradition of bringing celebrated authors and illustrators to the Island.
Since its inception in 2020, the festival has welcomed notable figures such as Simon Farnaby of Horrible Histories fame, Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo, and Francesca Simon, the writer behind Horrid Henry.
For more information, visit the Isle of Wight Story Festival website.
