After 19 very different events spread over six days, the Manx Litfest entertained, enthused and inspired hundreds of people over the island to put down their phones, turn off the telly and pick up a book.

A huge range of guests, ranging from book publishers, local writers, theatrical story-tellers and illustrators, through to some famous and prolific authors, passed on their experiences and knowledge of their craft to audiences of all ages.

There were short story and poetry competitions and quizzes, to interactive fun days and talks.

Children’s author Josh Lacey and illustrator Garry Parsons, the creators of the book ’The Dragon Sitter Detective’, gave a workshop at the Family Library, and there was plenty to do at St John’s Arboretum, where there was a Mr Men and Little Miss-themed family day of games, crafts and entertainments.

Elsewhere star authors Alexander McCall Smith and Chris Ewan gave illuminating talks on their own backgrounds and creative processes.

’It was tremendously successful,’ said John Quirk, who is one of the many organisers of the Manx Litfest.

’We had a great number of people come to all the events. There were 6 nights of different literary events, which were all well attended.

’Alexander McCall Smith rounded the week of brilliantly at the Kings Court Theatre, and it was a pleasure to listen to him, and Chris Ewan was also amazing. He gave us a great, very insightful night at the Noa Bakehouse, along with interviewer Christy De Haven.

’One of the most successful events, in one respect, of the Litfest was the writer’s day. Gaia Banks, a UK literary agent, read material from 12 Manx writers, and asked for the full manuscripts from three of them. She said that is an unusually high number, and is quite unheard of. It doesn’t mean that all three writers will be picked up, but it is still remarkable.’

The authors Chris Arnot, Melinda Salisbury, Alan Bradley, Wendy Moore and Sally Nicholls also appeared.