THE organisers of the Isle of Wight Story Festival have confirmed the 2021 event will go ahead as planned.

The two-day presentation is scheduled to take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February next year, with a number of popular children’s authors being lined up to appear.

One of the event's organisers, Sue Bailey, said: “Given we do not know what the restrictions will be next February, we can’t be sure exactly what the festival will look like in 2021.

“Even so, we really want to build on the great success of this year’s event — even if that means a mixture of live, pre-recorded and live-streamed sessions.”

In tribute to this year's successful event, organisers have released a video of the the 2020 IW Story Festival, made by local film makers Sassy Productions (see below).

This year's instalment attracted around 600 Islanders and visitors during February half term. Those who attended were treated to a variety of talks, readings, theatre, puppetry, wildlife encounters and hands-on arts and crafts.

Sue's fellow organiser, Jules Mariner, said: "We had children and families coming in February who ended up staying for the whole two days. We're looking forward to bringing an equally exciting event for half term next year,"

More of the same — albeit in a slightly different format — is promised in the next chapter of the Isle of Wight Story Festival. Co-ordinators hope to announce the headline acts later this summer.

To find out more about the event visit www.iwstoryfestival.com