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Another Guernsey Literary Festival has come and gone.
The organisers are now reflecting on its successes with over 10,000 people attending two weeks of talks, events, and outreach programmes – the biggest audience yet.
This included the International Poetry Competition which had a record 3,000 entries from across the world, and 21 events in local schools with visiting authors, inside the prison, residential homes and Town Church.
More students than ever entered the writing competition too.
“It’s been an amazing two weeks,” said Claire Allen, Festival Director. “The feedback from audiences, speakers and other participants has been unbelievably positive. We’ve had over 20 sell-out events, including Michel Roux, Martin Sixsmith, and Louise Minchin at St James”.
She paid tribute to the volunteers and financial sponsors who make it all possible, whether it be stewarding events, ferrying speakers to and from the airport, or putting in the hours at the planning stage.
Those who travelled to the island were equally grateful for the opportunity to talk literature.
Russia expert Martin Sixsmith, who talked about his book ‘Putin and the Return of History’ said: 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 makes you want to come back again”.
Speaker Louise Minchin said: “Thank you so much for such a fun 24 hours. I loved it all”, while bestselling novelist John Boyne added: “It's my first time here but I'm definitely coming back. Thanks to the Festival and the wonderful audience for coming out on a sunny day”.
The winner of the poetry competition, Iona Roisin, even travelled to Guernsey from Finland to collect her award.
Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, 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”.
Next year’s Guernsey Literary Festival takes place from 28 April to 4 May.
The Festival thanked its numerous sponsors for their support: Butterfield, BWCI Group, C5 Alliance, Carey Olsen, Dorey Financial Modelling, Guernsey Arts, Guernsey Post, Hiscox, Investec, the John Ramplin Charitable Trust, Julius Baer, Kirkwood Properties, Mourant, the NED Forum, Rawlinson & Hunter, Rothschild & Co, Specsavers, St Pierre Park Hotel, TPA, Vive La Vallette and Walkers.
Pictured (top): Louise Minchin in St James interviewed by Hannah MacInnes. Credit: Chris George.
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