The organisers of Jersey Festival of Words have announced this year’s schools programme, which will be offered free of charge to all schools on the island.
As usual, the programme features a range of author talks and performances taking place in schools, island venues and, for the first time, the Freedom Centre (previously the Odeon cinema) in Bath Street.
Jack Meggitt-Phillips is a children’s author and scriptwriter, best known for his comedic adventure series, ‘The Beast and the Bethany’, while award-winning science writer Isabel Thomas, who writes books that inspire children to explore the scientific world, will be hosting an event on her latest book ‘The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions.’ Stand-up comedian and writer Iszi Lawrence (pictured) will be taking a trip in ‘The Time Machine Next Door’, while performance poet Matt Goodfellow’s event will focus on his new collection ‘Let’s Chase Stars Together.’ ‘Influential’ author Amara Sage and illustrator and rapper Nathaneal Lessore will also feature at this year with events for secondary school students.
Festival chair Jennifer Bridge said: “The festival’s schools programme is a great opportunity for students to engage with creative writing, poetry, illustration and performance.
“It gives local children and teachers the chance to meet and enjoy established writers and illustrators who are passionate about their craft.”
Joining the roster of authors will be acclaimed travel writer Antonia Windsor, who will be offering a travel-writing workshop to secondary schools, and returning storyteller Heather Burton who will be providing a series of story sessions for KS1+2.
The festival’s schools programme is open to all schools on the island, with the Freedom Centre events completely free of charge. Interested schools and homeschoolers can contact the festival directly here to reserve seats.
Now in its seventh year, the Jersey Festival of Words is an annual celebration of literature, poetry, and spoken word performances. The festival, which takes place between September 15-24, features a diverse range of writers, from established authors to emerging talents, and includes workshops, readings, discussions, and performances.
As well as the Freedom Centre, this year’s festival will take place at the Arts Centre, Jersey Library and other local venues including the Havre des Pas Lido. The main festival sponsor is HIGHVERN, with additional festival funding from the Jersey Community Fund, Government of Jersey and other local sponsors.
Further information about the Jersey Festival of Words 2023 can be found here.
Main picture: Iszi Lawrence credit – Billie Charity, Hay Festival
