Literary Festival organisers delighted by its success

More than 65 events, attended by 7,000 people, most featuring writers and speakers from the UK, were organised over two weeks to celebrate the joy of books, writing and big ideas.

‘It’s been an amazing two weeks,’ said festival director Claire Allen.

‘There’s been such a buzz this year. The festival gives people in Guernsey the chance to listen to and meet their favourite writers – and maybe to be inspired by writers they’ve not known before.

‘We’ve had many sell-out events, including David Dimbleby and Dan Walker at St James.’

In a recent edition of National Geographic Magazine, the Guernsey Literary Festival was listed in the top five spring book festivals in the UK, coming second just behind the Hay Festival.

Mrs Allen paid tribute to the work of those involved in planning and organising the festival, all volunteers, and all those who helped as stewards and drivers to get the writers and speakers to and from their events.

She also paid tribute to the many sponsors and partners, without whom the festival would not be able to exist.

The festival also organised the Guernsey International Poetry Competition, which had 1,600 entries from all over the world.

The winner, from Chicago, flew in for the presentation during the festival.

There was a record entry of more than 800 in the WriteStuff writing competition for Bailiwick pupils.

The festival also organised 17 events in schools with visiting authors, including the children’s laureate Joseph Coelho, as well as a community and outreach programme with events taking place in the prison, care homes and St Peter’s Church.

‘Now we take a short break to look at what worked well and what could be improved before we start planning next year,’ said Mrs Allen.

‘But we’re delighted by how this year’s festival has gone.’