Guernsey Literary Festival enjoys record attendance

The figure, which includes more than 2,000 children taking part in its education programme, was 18% up on last year’s event, itself a record.

Festival director Claire Allen was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the event’s success.

‘We’ve had so much positive feedback, not just from those who went to the talks and performances, but from the authors themselves. They commented on the warm welcome they received from the festival team and the excellent organisation of events.’

There were 67 speakers and 84 events organised, including 18 educational talks by authors in schools to 2,283 children.

Writers and expert speakers covered fiction, history, the arts, music, current affairs, business, sport, health, wellbeing, nature, travel and poetry.

Speakers included the festival’s honorary chairman, Terry Waite.

He said: ‘Once again the Guernsey Literary Festival has exceeded all expectations. It was a triumph due to the dedication and hard work of all who took part. Up and onwards Guernsey.’

The festival, now in its seventh year, organised one talk in the prison and two at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital as part of its community programme.

Its WriteStuff writing competition for Bailiwick schoolchildren attracted a record number of more than 700 entries from 21 local schools.

Former World Ironman Triathlon champion Chrissie Wellington said: ‘The festival is growing in scale and reputation each year and it was an honour to be asked to deliver a talk – not only at the festival itself, to a wide-ranging and extremely engaged audience, but also to hundreds of local schoolchildren.

‘To be able to inspire the next generation with a love for books and physical activity is a blessing and I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to share my life journey with them.’

Events varied from 450-strong audiences for Adam Kay and Matt Haig to small writing and acting workshops and discussions for local writers.

• Next year’s festival takes place from 29 April to 4 May.