Authors, illustrators and poets will visit Manx schools this week to celebrate storytelling in all its forms as part of Manx Litfest’s ‘National Story Day’.
With the kind support of Isle of Man Bank, the festival, now in its fourth year, is once again sending 15 visiting and lsle of Man-based writers and illustrators out around 26 schools and colleges to inspire youngsters.
The visits take place on Thursday and Friday (September 24-25) and children will meet the likes of Joanne Harris (Chocolat), Darren Shan (Zom-B series), Matthew Kneale (English Passengers) and illustrators Martin Impey (Where the Poppies Grow) and Viviane Schwarz (I am Henry Finch). Isle of Man authors taking part include Elizabeth Brooks, Michele McGrath, Laura Espinosa, Linda Mann and Thomas Moffatt, alongside poet Usha Kishore.
Manx Litfest got underway on Tuesday, September 22 and runs through until Sunday, September 27.
Bill Shimmins, Managing Director of Isle of Man Bank, said: ‘The schools day is such an exciting part of the festival, with a host of authors and poets looking to inspire the younger members of our community and support the legacy for which the Manx Litfest is so keen to establish; we were only too happy to once again support such a wonderful initiative.’
Festival Director John Quirk said: ‘Of everything we do within Manx Litfest, this is the most important part - offering children of all ages the opportunity to meet, listen to, and work with some brilliant authors, poets and illustrators. It’s about instilling a love of storytelling, and inspiring children to read more, and leading on from that, to want to write more. Isle of Man Bank has been our sponsor on this initiative from day one, and we simply couldn’t do this without them.’
Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘Through our curriculum and teaching, we aim to instil in pupils of all ages a love of the written word. When they visit our schools as part of Manx Litfest’s National Story Day, leading authors, poets and illustrators really bring the words and images on the page alive. Pupils are inspired to try new authors or genres of writing – and perhaps try their hand at writing for pleasure.
‘The Schools’ Days goes from strength to strength and we are really grateful to Manx Litfest and Isle of Man Bank for continuing to offer us this fantastic opportunity.’
Isle of Man Bank’s support for Litfest extends to include the Poetry Trail around Douglas, details of which can be found in the programme.
The full schedule for this year’s festival can be seen on www.manxlitfest.com and printed programmes and event flyers have been distributed around the Island. You can also keep up to date with the festival on www.facebook.com/manxlitfest and www.twitter.com/manxlitfest.
Manx Litfest is a registered charity (#1100) and has been supported each year by Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, along with several corporate sponsors.
Photo - Joanne Harris, courtesy of Jennifer Robertson of Kyte Photography.
