Guernsey Literary Festival Line-up Revealed

Chef Michel Roux, and media personalities Louise Minchin and Sarah Beeny are among the guest speakers at this year's Guernsey Literary Festival.

One of the Channel Islands' biggest arts events returns on 23 April with a host of writers and speakers.

The lineup includes sports stars and commentators Mike Brearley and Pat Nevin who will tell stories from their professional careers.

Sarah Beeny will discuss her experiences restoring properties - including a stately home - from her book 'The Simple Life'.

Cookbooks will also feature at the festival when celebrated chef Michel Roux shares his passion for cooking simple and delicious French meals.

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin will be honouring women's achievements as she brings attention to female stories of courage and endeavour.

One of the UK's best selling authors, Louis de Bernières, has also been booked as a guest speaker. Bernières' fourth novel 'Captain Corelli’s Mandolin' has sold over four million copies and was turned into a film starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.

Writer of 'The Boy in Striped Pyjamas' John Boyne will focus on a series of four short novels he has written named after the elements.

Bryony Gordon is a writer and podcaster who joins the festival for an event about 'Mad Woman: How to survive a world that thinks you’re the problem', a witty reflection reassessing everything she thought she knew about mental health.

Festival Director Claire Allen says the festival attracts a fantastic mix of speakers.

"This year’s programme includes some of the most inspirational and creative thinkers from the worlds of literature, poetry, business, politics, stage and screen, food and drink, sport and history, amongst many others.

Also look out for our family events, schools programme and writing competition for school children, bringing literature, books and writing to people of all interests and ages.

There are also a number of writing and poetry workshops, an international poetry competition and outreach events in the prison and care homes."

The festival is going to be spread across a number of venues in Guernsey, including St James, Les Cotils, the Guille Allès Library, the OGH Hotel and St Pierre Park Hotel.

The event runs from 23 April until 5 May 2024.

Tickets go on sale 24 February.