Writers, performance poets, children’s authors, story-tellers and more are lined up for this years’ Manx Litfest.

The increasingly-popular five-day event, based around the love of all things related to writing and story-telling, has announced a list of big names in the world of literature who will visit the island for the festival which takes place at various locations between Tuesday, September 24 and Sunday, September 29.

Among the list of guests are the celebrated children’s author and screen writer Frank Cottrell Boyce, poet Mark Grist, teen author Juno Dawson and story-teller Jon Buckeridge, from the theatre group Parable Arts, who will be giving the debut performance of his new show, ’The Once and Future King’.

Festival director John Quirk said that they are developing the festival each year, whilst making sure that they keep the most popular elements at the fore.

’Each year we try to bring something different to the festival, while retaining the overall structure which has worked so well for us over the last seven years,’ said John.

’This year we have science fiction and fantasy authors Emma Newman and Gareth L. Powell with us.

’These are genres that we’ve touched upon in past years, but never had the opportunity to really explore.

’We also have Juno Dawson with us, who we had hoped to bring over last year but she couldn’t make it.

’Juno is transgender and is one of the best-known British writers about LGBT issues.

’Our headliner is Frank Cottrell Boyce, who has enjoyed several collaborations with movie director Danny Boyle, including teaming up to devise the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics.

’Again, screenwriting is something relatively new to Litfest and we are already looking at how we can expand on this for next year’s festival.’

Many of the most popular events, including the book fanatics quiz night, the short story slam and the poetry slam are returning to this year’s Litfest.

There will also be the busy schools day, which will see a team of authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers visit many schools around the island.

Also returning this year is the successful Writers’ Day at King William’s College, where local writers can pitch ideas with literary agents and publishers.

’We are updating the website over the next week with the full list of events and how to get tickets, so please keep checking back there for the latest updates,’ said John.

’Litfest is a charity and wouldn’t happen without the considerable efforts of the organising team, as well as our sponsors and supporters, such as Culture Vannin and Isle of Man Arts Council, and a host of corporate and private sponsors.’

More details can be found at manxlitfest.com

by Mike Wade

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