Trio of Laureates lined up for Jersey Festival of Words

Monday, 18 May 2026 12:26

L-R Michael Rosen, Michael Morpurgo, Chris Riddell

Three of Britain's best-loved storytellers are lined up for this year's Jersey Festival of Words.

Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell are returning to the island this September.

All three are former Children's Laureates.

They will be appearing in events at St Helier’s Freedom Centre for the annual celebration pf literary talent.

Michael Morpurgo returns on Friday 25 September for a third visit to discuss his greatly anticipated new adult book – details of which will be made public later this month.

On the same day Michael Rosen will host an evening of poetry, wit and storytelling.

The following day he will join performer Christian Foley for The Poetry Playground, described as 'a raucous family event of raps, rhymes and riddles'.

Also on Saturday 26 September, writer and illustrator Chris Riddell returns alongside Jersey's own Story Beast, John Henry Falle, for a live-illustrated exploration of Norman history marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror.

Chris will be live-drawing at two further events, one specifically aimed at students as part of the Festival’s schools programme, and at a public evening event of folk singing and sea shanties with the popular band Winterfalle.

Organisers have called it a 'landmark line-up' to have all three distinguished writers on the same programme.

Festival Director Pippa Le Quesne said:

“Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell have each won major literary honours during their careers, and their books have brought enormous joy to children and adults alike.

"I would urge everyone to come to see them — they are among the very best live performers on the festival circuit, and their events are utterly spellbinding.”