‘Outstanding’ Literary Festival is praised by guest speakers
MORE than 10,000 people attended events during this year’s Guernsey Literary Festival, which has been hailed as another ‘outstanding success’ by the festival director.
More than 80 events took place over two weeks, featuring big names including Michel Roux and Louise Minchin.
‘It’s been an amazing two weeks,’ said Claire Allen.
‘The feedback from audiences, speakers and other participants has been unbelievably positive.’
She thanked all the volunteers involved in planning and organising the festival and all those who helped as stewards and drivers to get the writers and speakers to and from their events.
‘The universal comment we’ve received is the warmth of the welcome and the quality of the organisation, which is down to the team of volunteers involved,’ she said. She also paid tribute to the many sponsors and partners.
Russia expert Martin Sixsmith, who talked about his book Putin and the Return of History, was full of praise for the Guernsey Festival in particular.
‘I was delighted to speak. I love doing these events as it gives me the opportunity to put my views across but also to hear the views of the audience. One of the most important parts of these talks is the questions at the end.
‘It’s always remarkable how many intelligent, interesting and perceptive questions come from the audience. We very much enjoyed our visit and having a sell-out audience of 500 people definitely makes you want to come back again.’
Sir Terry Waite, the festival’s honorary chairman, said: ‘Guernsey can be proud of the Literary Festival. Each year it grows from strength to strength and has become a vital part of the cultural life of the Island. I am honoured to be associated with it.’
The festival also organised 21 events in schools with visiting authors and a community and outreach programme with events taking place in the prison, residential homes and the Town Church.
Next year’s festival takes place from 28 April to 4 May 2025.
