Festival of Words - Accessible Programme

EYECAN are delighted to be partnering with Jersey Festival of Words again for 2026, and we’re pleased to share this accessible plain text programme sent to us by JFOW.

Word document version is available for download via the button below.

WELCOME TO JERSEY FESTIVAL OF WORDS 2026

WELCOME, one and all, to the 11th year of Jersey Festival of Words. With over 90 events across 10 days at 18 different venues, this year’s programme will be the biggest yet as Jersey once again comes alive with ideas and inspiration.

Storytelling in all its forms lies at the heart of a festival whose ethos and variety also reflect the story of Jersey itself … a unique corner of the world with a flourishing cultural life that belies its miniature size, a tiny island that is both cosmopolitan and community-minded, inclusive but outward-looking, thoroughly modern but deeply proud of its long and colourful history.

With the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth approaching, the Island’s Anglo-Norman heritage will feature particularly strongly this year in a festival that also loves to support the revival of its ancient native language, Jèrriais. And the special make-up of Jersey’s modern family trees, many with roots in Portugal, will be reflected in multilingual events for families.

As always, there will be enticing opportunities to hear international literary stars talking about their books on stage. There will be entertainment and enlightenment from novelists, poets, historians and lifestyle experts. There will be a sparkling celebration of the power of the written and spoken word in all its forms, including film and song, and featuring new work by talented home-grown writers. There will be workshops, discussions and debate. And running through the whole programme will be the festival’s mission to introduce as many children as possible to the big wide world of reading, an aim of special relevance in this National Year of Reading.

Our schools programme goes from strength to strength and, alongside it, we have been able to provide a record number of free books. In the same vein, over half this year’s events are free – thanks to wonderful support from our partners and sponsors – all inspired by the spirit of a special festival in a beautiful place.

A NOTE ON THE FESTIVAL ORGANISERS

Jersey Festival of Words is run by the Jersey Literary Festival Assocation, a registered charity organisation.

Lucy Cotter is Festival Chair. Also on the organising committee are Lucy Layton (Vice-chair), Marnie Baudains (Honorary Secretary) Pippa Le Quesne (Festival Director), Lauren Hallam (Data Officer), Chris Bright, Paul Bisson, Alanna Rice, Richard Pedley and Jo Olszewski.

The Organising Committee would like to thank all of the authors, sponsors, volunteers and partners whose support makes the Festival possible each year. A particular thanks to our principal corporate sponsor Highvern and to the Government of Jersey Creative Island Partnership for essential funding.

We hope you enjoy Jersey Festival of Words 2026!

FESTIVAL PATRONS

Cathy Rentzenbrink and Peter James are proud patrons of Jersey Festival of Words. Cathy Rentzenbrink is celebrated for her deeply moving writing on grief, resilience, and the comfort of books, while Peter James is an internationally bestselling crime novelist, best known for his Roy Grace series.

At this year’s festival, Peter James will appear in conversation with Mark Billingham, and Cathy Rentzenbrink will take part in a joint event with Bijal Shah, as well as chairing Patrick Gale’s event.

A NOTE FROM THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

On any given day, when you turn on the radio, look at your phone or read the news, you are bound to come across one or more of the following: ‘polarisation’, ‘fractured communities’, ‘increased cost of living’ or ‘climate change crisis’. It’s pretty gloomy stuff, but it mustn’t be ignored. However, to avoid living in a perpetual state of anxiety, it’s vital to take proper notice of what is going well. The question is: how best to do that? In financial terms, measuring the economic growth and robustness of a community is pretty straightforward. What we’re not so good at is knowing how to assess its ‘heart-health’ – the quality of the lives, in other words, of the people who live in it. I’d like to put forward a suggestion – how about we track the cohesion of a community by looking at its library?

At a crucial time, when the welcoming environment of a library is a sanctuary for many, we’re seeing these sacred spaces closing at a steady rate of around 40 per year throughout the UK. Here in Jersey, we are fortunate enough to have a vibrant library which goes from strength to strength in its daily offering. This year, Jersey Library was a British Books Awards finalist in the Regional Libraries of the Year category, recognised for its incredible outreach work (in partnership with Every Child Our Future) in making its 2025 Summer Reading Challenge fully accessible to everyone.

Naturally, it is a ‘bookish’ place but, also, it’s not just a bookish place. There are toddler movement classes, opportunities to sit and stroke a therapy dog, sofas in the foyer to rest or drink a coffee, municipal study areas buzzing with teenagers and a dedicated quiet reading room. And you will not be turned away if you just need to come in to seek shelter from the rain. You may end up browsing the shelves and going home with a book, but it won’t be frowned upon if you don’t.

The other day, my friend, her kids and I took refuge in Jersey Library during a rainstorm of biblical proportions. Sitting on the floor in the Children’s Library, while her two-year-old gleefully grabbed both books to look at and teddy bears to cuddle and her baby rolled around and dribbled on the carpet, I remembered just how much time I’d spent in the library with my kids in their infancy. I often wanted to be around other people but not necessarily committing to the time constraints or prescribed activity of a toddler group. By osmosis it made me feel a part of something. And, as it happened, my son uttered his first word (‘no’!) and took his first faltering step in a library.

Every single one of us can visit the library, own a library card, take home a book. As Julia Donaldson’s brilliant poem ‘I Opened a Book’ suggests, there is the opportunity to get lost in an inner world for a few moments or longer – I opened a book and in I strode… I’ve left … my world behind me and then, perhaps even better, when you close the pages, you might find, like the poem’s protagonist, you’re left with the special feeling – I have a book inside me.

The Library Programme has been an important part of Jersey Festival of Words since the beginning and we are proud to have Jersey Library both as a partner and as an outstanding venue. As the Festival has grown year-on year, so has the Library’s offering – and every one of their events is open to all and free to attend. On behalf of the whole festival team, I’d like to offer a long-overdue thanks to Chief Librarian Ed Jewell and his committed staff, not just for their important role in our annual festival, but to the huge contribution that they make to this Island’s community, to its ‘heart-health’.

Pippa Le Quesne

LIBRARY PROGRAMME

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE BUT REQUIRE BOOKING VIA TICKETSOURCE

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

RICKY WEIR / BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE YOURSELF / 13.00-14.00

Jersey football legend and award-winning author Ricky Weir talks candidly about his recently published memoir Illegitimately Blessed and how, tapping into deep reservoirs of resilience through football, as a player, coach, manager, president and benefactor, the game became his platform in life for empowerment. Prepare to be moved and challenged by Ricky’s authenticity and candid style that peels back the layers of a life lived between worlds and cultures as he unfurls his remarkable journey from illegitimacy to self-actualisation. Ricky’s journey serves as a wake-up call to inspire others to be brave enough to simply be themselves.

ANNA STOTHARD / FOLLOW HER / 18.30-19.30

Would you know if a psychic was lying to you? For six months, novelist Anna Stothard worked as a telephone psychic, learning how belief can be shaped and sold. She is not remotely psychic. She brings these insights to her gripping novel Follow Her, in which a young woman is drawn into an online wellness community that becomes a modern cult. Anna will explore belief, online influence and psychic tricks of the trade – revealing how subtle observation and reading cues can make us all better storytellers. Anna will be in-conversation with fellow novelist Sophie Cousens.

SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

THERAPY DOGS NATIONWIDE JERSEY / STORYTIME / 10.30-11.30

This session will take place at Communicare, St Brelade

Join us for a storytime with therapy dogs! Children are invited to enjoy gentle stories read alongside the wonderfully calm and friendly dogs from Therapy Dogs Nationwide Jersey. With over 40 dedicated volunteers visiting places across the Island, including the hospital, schools, libraries, and care homes, their dogs are experts at spreading smiles. This relaxed, child-friendly session is perfect for building confidence, encouraging a love of reading and sharing some feelgood moments with four-legged friends.

JAMES HEWLETT / FROM PITCH TO PAGE / 11.00-13.00

Join local children’s author James Hewlett for a lively and interactive session celebrating his popular Jack Harvey and Izzy Harvey football adventure series. Loved by young readers from Jersey to America, Australia and New Zealand, these stories bring the excitement of the game to life on the page. Children can take part in a brand-new football quiz, design their own kit and club crest and even create a character, with the chance for winning ideas to feature in a future Izzy Harvey story. Come along (in your football kit), get involved and be part of the next chapter!

CAROLE JORDAS / BRIDGING THE SILENCE / 11.30-12.30

SPONSORED BY OGIER

Join Carole Jordas, founder of Bridging the Silence, for an engaging and informative event focused on hearing loss and communication. Deaf since birth, Carole is a qualified tutor in lipreading, managing hearing loss and deaf awareness. Her friendly, one-hour session offers practical lipreading skills, useful communication tips and valuable insight, helping build confidence and understanding while bridging the gap between deaf and hearing communities.

KATIE BASTIMAN / THE POETRY OF EXILE / 13.00-14.00

During the political upheaval of medieval Italy, being sent into exile was a common enough experience for ‘exile poetry’ to be established as its own genre. In this talk, Katie Bastiman will explore some of the key writings of exiled poets, including Dante Alighieri. These works pose questions and explore concerns that we share today, including the pain of rejection, the confusion of understanding our own identities and place in the world, and the complicated emotional tether that connects us to our home, no matter where we are.

RUFUS ARCHER / UNKNOWN WARRIORS / 14.30-15.30

Come along to meet author Rufus Archer and discover his children’s book Unknown Warriors, an exciting adventure set in Jersey during the German Occupation. Told through the eyes of its brave 12‑year‑old hero, the story blends gripping fiction with the realities of life under occupation. Written to entertain and inspire, the book also offers a fascinating introduction to history for young readers. Unknown Warriors is beautifully illustrated by award‑winning artist Keith Burns.

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

PENNY BYRNE AND DR ANNA HARRISON / THE SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING / 13.00-14.00

Join children’s author Penny Byrne and leading academic Dr Anna Harrison in discussing how the explosive power of storytelling is the most impactful tool for parents, siblings and CEOs! Together, they will unpick the hidden power of storytelling across the spectrum of our lives and look at how telling and reading stories can affect how we communicate, experience things and learn about life and the world. It is one of the most effective communication and memory tools we have … but have too many of us forgotten this as adults?

SHARON CHAMPION / MULTISTORY – POETRY COLLECTION LAUNCH / 18.30-20.30

Born and educated in Jersey, Sharon Champion has enjoyed writing since childhood. Her love of storytelling is the foundation which led to her to crystallising words into poetry.

This debut collection Multistory spans the 1950s to the1970s, growing up in Sand Street and its St. Helier neighbourhood. Life was never dull due to the abundance of colourful characters. Sharon would like to introduce you to them through her poems, offering a flavour of special childhood and adolescent memories which came full circle when she returned to her roots as an adult. This special event includes readings from other local poets.

TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

CAROLE JORDAS / BRIDGING THE SILENCE / 11.30-12.30

Lipreading, Managing Hearing Loss & Deaf Awareness Workshop

See previous listing for event details

JOHN HENWOOD / JERSEY JOCKEYS AND GUERNSEY GALLOPERS / 18.00-19.00

Join John Henwood, co-author of the first ever book dedicated to the history of racing in Jersey and Guernsey, as he shares tales and trials from the tracks since 1832. From royal visits and celebrity visitors to combating disease and even a comparison to ashtrays, dive into this rich 200-year history to discover the legacy of horseracing in the Channel Islands and what the future may have in store.

WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

THE POETRY HOUR: W.H. AUDEN / LIVING KNOWLEDGE NETWORK STREAM / 13.00-14.00

Of the poet, playwright and essayist W.H. Auden, Josephine Hart said ‘His poems contain some of the most succinct, elegant and unforgettable lines in literature. They sear themselves into our consciousness. A poetic inquisitor, he drills deep in ‘the deserts of the heart’. For this celebratory livestream, Auden’s work is read by a celebrated cast of actors including Tim McInnerny whose many stage, film and television roles include Blackadder, Notting Hill and Game of Thrones. Presented by The Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation in association with the British Library and the Eccles Institute for the Americas at the British Library.

SETARA PRATCHA / THE MISTY MOORS OF DAPHNE DU MAURIER AND THE BRONTËS / 19:00-20.00

The moors of Yorkshire and Cornwall are geographically far apart, but Dr Setara Pracha reveals links between the landscapes of du Maurier’s novel of ship-wreckers – Jamaica Inn – and Emily Brontës’ eternally Wuthering Heights. As part of her research for the Daphne du Maurier Handbook (coming 2027, OUP), Setara invites you to join her for an evening of gothic locations, exploring the ‘infernal’ world of Cathy and Heathcliff and misty Bodmin Moor, the setting for Jamaica Inn.

THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

CBEEBIES READ AND RAVE / LIVING KNOWLEDGE NETWORK STREAM / 14.00-15.00

Join CBeebies stars for a live BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story, but it’s not time for bedtime! It’s time to PARTY! Celebrate the power of storytelling with your whole family and get ready to rave in the Library. To mark the National Year of Reading, the BBC is partnering with the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network to bring their BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story Read and Rave events to libraries nationwide.

JO LOGUE / JERSEY SHELL DETECTIVES – A BEACH ADVENTURE / 15.30-16.30

Join local author and artist Jo Logue for a fun, hands-on beach adventure inspired by her book Shells of Jersey. Discover the wonderful shells found on Jersey’s beaches, learn where to find them and how to spot them. Children will become ‘Shell Detectives’ as they explore real shells and take part in an interactive identification activity. A relaxed and engaging session for children aged 5+ and their families. Each child taking part requires a ticket.

MARK BROCKLESBY / READING IN THE RENAISSANCE / 17.30-18.30

Step into the world of the Renaissance through one of Jersey Library’s most intriguing treasures: a heavily annotated 1490 edition of Supplementum Chronicarum. Guided by the lively, densely written marginalia of a single Renaissance reader, we will examine how books became spaces for argument, interpretation and personal engagement. Alongside other items from the Library’s historic collections, this event illuminates the rich, interactive culture of reading that flourished in the first generations of print.

DREENA COLLINS / PEROTINE / 19.00-20.00

The Guernsey martyrs were three ‘ordinary’ women whose lives took a devastating turn. Brought to trial in 1556, their remarkable story is full of twists and trauma…yet modern retellings have been surprisingly few. This is a story of how ordinary lives become dangerous, and how safety and community can collapse in quick succession. Join author Dreena Collins as she explores how the story gripped her imagination, reads select extracts and poses the question: what would you risk to keep your family safe?

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

MARK BROCKLESBY / READING IN THE RENAISSANCE / 10.00-11.00

See previous listing for event details

RICKY WEIR / BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE YOURSELF / 15.30-16.30

See previous listing for event details

AESOP’S FABLES / STORYTIME / 15.30-16.30

Step into a world of timeless tales at a special Aesop’s Fables Storytime and activity at Jersey Library. Join us to enjoy classic fables brimming with wit, wisdom and wonder, inspired by our Aesop’s Fables exhibition taking place in the Library gallery.

Suitable for children aged 5+.

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

THERAPY DOGS NATIONWIDE JERSEY / STORYTIME / 10.30-11.30

See previous listing for event details

This session will take place at Communicare, St Brelade

SETARA PRATCHA / GOTHIC GOBLINS AND GRIM TALES / 14.00-16.00

Join Dr Setara Pracha for a wander through Christina Rossetti’s famously fruity poem. This classic text is full of dark beauty. It is an iconic work from the Romantic era and a rare work of epic poetry by a female poet. We will explore the text, consider illustrations by pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and maybe even taste some fruit!

MONDAY 21 – FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

09.15-10.00 or 10.15-11.00 or 11.15-12.00

JÈRRIAIS TEACHING SERVICE

JÈRRIAIS STORYTIME SESSIONS – RÎNMES RÊJOUIS

NURSERY + RECEPTION

Join us at Jersey Library or at your setting to celebrate the launch of an original dual-language Jèrriais nursery rhyme book! Designed for nursery and reception groups, this engaging 45-minute workshop invites young learners to enjoy arts and crafts inspired by their favourite rhymes. Children will create, play, and sing along in both English and Jèrriais, bringing language to life in a fun and interactive way.

To book, please email r.conway@jeron.je with your preferred date and time

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER A RANGE OF FREE SCHOOLS EVENTS. PLEASE NOTE, THESE ARE STRICTLY FOR STUDENTS AND NOT FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. PLEASE FIND BOOKING DETAILS ON OUR WEBSITE.

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

SEÀN FARRELLY

TOM BURNE HAS LEFT THE CHAT

HAUTE VALLÉE / 09.30-10.45 / YEAR 9+

What happens to your phone when you die, and who has access to your online legacy? When micro-influencer Tom Burne takes his own life, he leaves behind his phone, its password and a cryptic message that needs decoding. Fuelled by his own sense of isolation and the recent passing of his father, 17-year-old Jamie loses himself in uncovering the truth and falls deeply into Tom’s dark world. A moving and heart-shatteringly honest portrayal of the effects that online spaces and AI can have on mental health. Seàn Farrelly is a writing mentor and workshop facilitator for young people.

WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

BIJAL SHAH

BIBLIOTHERAPY

VICTORIA COLLEGE / 12.00-13.00 / YEARS 11-13

Can books really help us feel better? Bibliotherapist and counsellor Bijal Shah leads an inspiring conversation exploring why the right book at the right time can be so powerful. She’ll show that stories are not just for schoolwork or entertainment, but tools for understanding ourselves and the world. There will be fascinating examples from literary history alongside real-life experiences from her therapeutic work, revealing how books can bring comfort and clarity during times of stress or uncertainty. Bijal will offer practical, teen-friendly advice on how to use reading intentionally, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just in need of escape.

THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

JACK MEGGITT-PHILLIPS

JEKYLL vs HYDE – THE POTION OF DOOM

FREEDOM CENTRE / 10.00-11.00 / YEARS 4-7

In a whimsical twist on a classic tale, spoiled young Henrik Jekyll has been left his ancestor Dr Jekyll’s house, laboratory, and – most importantly – the secret life-altering Hyde Potion recipe. Henrik’s curiosity soon leads him down a dark path, unleashing a chaotic alter ego named Eddie. With Eddie’s strength and mischief wreaking havoc in the local town, Henrik must confront the consequences of his reckless actions. Can he learn to control his inner Hyde before it’s too late, or will he succumb to the chaos? Jack Meggitt-Phillips is an author, scriptwriter and playwright and a master entertainer!

SAM SEDGMAN

THE GALILEO HEIST

FREEDOM CENTRE / 12.00-13.00 / YEARS 3-6

Every summer holiday, Isaac Turner spends three weeks with his grandfather Ferdinand at his house in Italy, and this year his best friend Hattie is coming too. Everything points to a fantastic summer until Ferdinand is arrested for the theft of millions of euros of jewellery. But Ferdinand hasn’t stolen anything – yet. Drawn into a daring heist during a solar eclipse, Isaac and Hattie must figure out who is telling the truth, and who is using the cover of darkness to deceive them. Bestselling author and science nerd Sam Sedgman is brilliant at high energy events, including exciting science experiments!

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

STEVE COLE

THE WILD ONES

FREEDOM CENTRE / 10.00-11.00 / YEARS 4-7

Steve Cole is the bestselling author of the hugely popular Astrosaurs series, and now he’s back with an exciting new animal adventure, The Wild Ones. This thrilling story follows Scamp the dog and his animal friends as they are forced to survive in a dangerous world where people have vanished and the city has gone wild. Cole will bring the story to life with a lively reading, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of energy. Perfect for young readers who seek adventure.

SARAH ROBERTS

WILD APPRENTICES

FREEDOM CENTRE / 12.00-13.00 / YEARS 3-6

Join wildlife expert, journalist, podcaster and real-life shark-bite survivor Sarah Roberts as she talks through her epic guide to all the wildest jobs in the world. Her new book Wild Apprentices is a globetrotting guide to the most amazing real-life jobs – from marine biologists and explorers to palaeontologists and wildlife medics. Packed with incredible animals, fun facts and expert tips, it shows how curiosity and courage can turn into an adventurous future. Funny, fascinating and full of jaw-dropping stories from the wild, this session is perfect for curious kids who love nature and discovering how the world works.

CHRIS RIDDELL

GODS AND MONSTERS

HAUTLIEU / 10.15-11.30 / YEAR 10

Step into a world of gods, heroes and monsters as award-winning illustrator Chris Riddell brings ancient myths to life in a thrilling live drawing event. Based on his brilliant illustrations in Gods and Monsters, Riddell will draw on stage while sharing the stories behind some of mythology’s most powerful and terrifying characters. Watch illustrations appear in real time, as Riddell talks about his creative process, the appeal of myth, and how to capture drama and emotion through drawing. Packed with humour, storytelling and incredible artwork, this is a lively, interactive session for budding artists and curious minds.

CHRISTIAN FOLEY

POETRY WORKSHOPS

LA PASSARELLE / ALL DAY / CLOSED SESSIONS

Rap performer poet and educator Christian Foley will bring energy, creativity and connection to three workshops, inviting students to see language as something alive and full of possibility. Through a series of engaging word games, interactive poetry and rap activities, he will perform with students, building their confidence. Inspired by his performance, participants will create their own raps or poems, exploring themes that matter to them while developing both emotional expression and literacy skills. With an emphasis on experimentation, students will discover their unique voice, and the sessions will end with a show-stopping freestyle finale from Christian himself.

MAIN PROGRAMME

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

RICKY WEIR / BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE YOURSELF / 13.00-14.00

See Library programme for details

ANNA STOTHARD / FOLLOW HER / 18.30-19.30

See Library programme for details

JÈRRIAIS DOCUMENTARY

À BÉTÔT? GOODBYE? Jèrriais – A language on the edge of silence

AV THEATRE, JERSEY MUSEUM / 19.00-20.45 / FREE 

Here is an intimate portrait of Jèrriais, following the voices of its last native speakers and the growing movement fighting to keep it alive — but can it still be done? This documentary is about a people – the people who spoke, and still speak, Jèrriais, Jersey’s ancient language. Passed down through generations of native speakers, it carries the Island’s history and identity, yet in recent times has come perilously close to being lost. A rallying cry to a new generation of enthusiasts, learners, and speakers to take up the challenge and ensure this precious language can thrive once again. 

SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

ELIZABETH TALBOT

WRITE BY THE SHORELINE

SEASIDE CAFE / 10.00-12.00 / £20

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR JERSEY

Through her journaling practice ‘Write at the Shoreline’ Elizabeth Talbot creates safe spaces for people to pause, reflect and reconnect with themselves through words. With warmth, humour and encouragement, participants in this workshop will be guided with prompts inspired by the sea, the senses and the rhythm of the tide. Elizabeth’s sessions invite people to explore thoughts and feelings with curiosity, honesty and compassion. No writing experience is needed – just a willingness to begin. The session coincides with high tide and everyone is invited to join her for a sea swim afterwards.

Max attendees 12

THERAPY DOGS NATIONWIDE JERSEY / STORYTIME / 10.30-11.30

See Library programme for details

JAMES HEWLETT / FROM PITCH TO PAGE / 11.00-13.00

See Library programme for details

CAROLE JORDAS / BRIDGING THE SILENCE / 11.30-12.30

See Library programme for details

KATIE BASTIMAN / THE POETRY OF EXILE / 13.00-14.00

See Library programme for details

RUFUS ARCHER / UNKNOWN WARRIORS / 14.30-15.30

See Library programme for details

DR KIT ASHTON

ENDGÉRBÈTHIE: MY SEARCH FOR THE SOUL OF JÈRRIAIS

VICTORIA TAVERN / 17.00-18.00 / £9

How might we define or explore the idea of a language and culture having a soul? If we were to try such an exercise for Jèrriais and Jersey, where would it lead us? Would it be helpful, or could it even be dangerous? Join musician and ethnomusicologist Dr Kit Ashton as he discusses his personal and musical journey with Jèrriais, reflecting on some of the poetic, aesthetic, and philosophical dimensions of our unique Island tongue. This will be a lecture-recital involving some musical performance and culminating in a short time for questions and group discussion.

Max attendees 30

MÊLI-MÊLO

JÈRRIAIS SINGING WORKSHOP

VICTORIA TAVERN / 18.30-19.30 / £9

Back by popular demand, celebrate Jersey’s native language in this singing workshop with Jèrriais band Mêli-Mêlo. Learn some classics – such as an upbeat version of Jersey’s official anthem, Man Bieau P’tit Jèrri – as well as some new and quirky songs that showcase our Island’s rich linguistic heritage. Join in, learn, and have fun or simply come along and listen to some wholesome, homegrown music. No prior knowledge of Jèrriais is necessary. 

Max attendees 30

SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

RÎNMES RÊJOUIS – NURSEY RHYME BOOK LAUNCH

JERSEY ZOO / 10.00-12.00 / FREE WITH USUAL ZOO ADMISSION PRICE

Join the Jèrriais Teaching Service at Jersey Zoo to celebrate the launch of a brand-new Jèrriais children’s nursery rhyme book Rînmes Rêjouis. There will be themed art and craft activities, facepainting and group singing of nursery rhymes in English and Jèrriais. A free copy of the book will be given to every family who attends.

Suitable for ages 0-6 years old

JERSEY FILM SOCIETY

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 19.30-21.15 / £7.50; £5 STUDENTS; JFS MEMBERS DISCOUNT

SPONSORED BY HIGHVERN

Dr Sian Williams is one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters, familiar to millions from her many years presenting BBC Breakfast and Radio 4. Alongside her distinguished career in television and radio, she is also a qualified psychologist with a deep interest in emotional wellbeing. In this thoughtful and illuminating event, she will discuss her book The Power of Anxiety with Festival Chair Lucy Cotter, exploring how a feeling so often seen as negative can, in fact, become a source of strength, insight and resilience and be harnessed for good in our everyday lives.

ROCHELLE FALCONER

ONCE UPON A REMIX – MEET GOLDILOCS!

MILLENNIUM PARK MARQUEE / 10.00-11.00 / FREE / SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

AGED 3-6

See earlier listing for event details

GEORGE E. OSBORN

POWER PLAY

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 14.30-15.30 / £9

George Osborn’s groundbreaking book Power Play explains how video games became a channel for political influence and how authoritarian governments, violent extremists and populists have controlled, co-opted or collaborated with the biggest entertainment medium in the world to achieve their goals. In this illustrated talk, Osborn will explain how video games are not anti-social but instead have become the digital ‘third space’ where people hang out, talk and come up with ideas that shape our online discourse. It is essential that they are viewed as spaces capable of changing the way we talk, think and see the world and, ultimately, of shaping our politics.

SETARA PRATCHA / GOTHIC GOBLINS AND GRIM TALES / 14.00-16.00

See Library programme for details

CHRIS RIDDELL AND THE STORY BEAST

NORMAN CONQUESTS

FREEDOM CENTRE / 16.00-17.00 / £10

Marking 1000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, wild taleteller The Story Beast (John Henry Falle) and Observer cartoonist and former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell team up for a live-illustrated dive into Norman history. The show follows 12th-century Jersey monk Maître Wace, who began his 16,000-line Roman de Rou before his patrons, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, abruptly withdrew support. Racing to finish before the money runs out, Wace’s epic is reimagined in a lively new adaptation, with Riddell bringing Vikings, battles, 1066 – and even a zombie-fighting ancestor – vividly to life in ink.

Suitable for Ages 12+

KATIE CARR

FORECASTS WE LIVE BY – WORKSHOP ON SELF-NARRATIVE AND RESILIENCE

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE: MARIA RITCHIE ROOM/ 16.00-18.00 / £20

This workshop from memoirist Katie Carr is for people who have lived through change and want gentler, truer ways to describe it. Drawing on scenes and images from her book Thundery at Times, Katie will guide participants to notice the stories they quietly tell themselves and to experiment with small, honest shifts in language to make more room for steadiness, courage and unexpected moments of light.

GABRIELLA BENNETT

HOW TO BUILD A CITY

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 16.30-17.30 / £9

SPONSORED BY ASSOCIATION OF JERSEY ARCHITECTS

How to Build a City is a thought-provoking and hopeful insight into where we’ll live and why it matters from acclaimed journalist Gabriella Bennett. Join her for an in-depth conversation with journalist and culture champion Rod McLoughlin, about her fascinating exploration of how cities are being reimagined to embrace the challenges of contemporary life. From apartment blocks tackling a loneliness epidemic in Tokyo and the feminist neighbourhoods of Vienna, to the underground bunkers of Helsinki, Bennett celebrates the ingenuity of human creativity to design and make the homes, neighbourhoods and cities of tomorrow.

THE BEARDED PLANTAHOLIC

YOU’RE OVERWATERING IT!

MILLENNIUM PARK MARQUEE / 18.00-19.00 / £12

The Bearded Plantaholic is a plant lover who’s turned his home into a full-on indoor jungle and built a huge social media following by making plant care feel fun, not fussy. What really sets him apart is his personality – he’s funny, a bit cheeky, and brings a really positive, down-to-earth outlook to what he does. It’s not just about keeping plants alive, it’s about enjoying the process, not taking things too seriously, and finding a bit of calm in it all. Come and join him for an energetic live event, whether you are a total beginner or a proper plant nerd.

IAIN MACGREGOR AND DR SEAN DETTMAN

AMERICAN POWER: THEN AND NOW

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 18.30-19.30 / £9

The development of American power can be traced back to the Second World War and the extent to which the United States established the necessary state functions to not only defeat Nazi and Japanese forces but also to dominate the postwar era. This event examines the origins of these debates in 1940-1941 and then how the US demonstrated its monopoly over these positions with the explosion of the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945. Iain MacGregor is a successful editor of non-fiction and a writer and public speaker on modern history. Dr Sean Dettman is a historian, teacher and author.

WINTERFALLE PRESENTS…

THE SUNKEN BALL WITH CHRIS RIDDELL

FREEDOM CENTRE / 20.00-21.30 / £18

Winterfalle (Samuel Falle) and his band lure you onto the rocks for a night of folk music, shanty singalongs and drowned sorrows, all live-illustrated by Observer cartoonist, Chris Riddell. The Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Story Beast (John Henry Falle) MC’s a shoal of shimmering British artists including warmhearted indie-folk from Kitty O’Neal; Guardian Folk Record of the Month awardee, Kirsty Merryn; and Tom Hyatt, ‘one of the most intelligent, relevant singer-songwriters in the country, (LouderThanWar). Watch as songs come together in pen and pencil, illuminated upon sunken sails. DRESS CODE: Shipwrecked sailors, mermaids, billowing jellyfish, all the fish in the sea.

ANDREW LOWNIE

ENTITLED – THE RISE AND FALL OF THE HOUSE OF YORK

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 20.30-21.30 / £12

Prolific biographer Andrew Lownie is known for investigations that challenge official narratives and open up uncomfortable truths. Here, he discusses Entitled, his most explosive and rigorously researched book to date, examining one of the most dramatic royal sagas of the modern era. Drawing on revelatory new material, Lownie traces the story of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson revealing how privilege, personal failings and institutional power became fatally entwined. Lownie is in conversation with Festival Chair Lucy Cotter, exploring the risks and resistance faced by modern biographers, the ethics of telling contested histories, and why this story continues to provoke fascination and debate.

SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

LAURA CARTER

PITCH PERFECT – WORKSHOP

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE: MARIA RITCHIE ROOM / 10.00-12.30 / £25

Are you writing the book you’ve always dreamed of? Not sure what to do once you’ve finished your manuscript? Join bestselling author Laura Carter for an interactive workshop about curating the perfect pitch to agents and publishers. Laura has published 16 novels and has written for the ‘Big 5’ as well as independent publishers, so she knows a thing or two about the process. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what is required as part of a professional pitch, including knowledge of cover letters, the elevator pitch and the dreaded synopsis.

Max attendees 20

SABRINA PACE-HUMPHREYS

START WHERE YOU ARE

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 10.30-11.30 / £12

This in-conversation event explores Sabrina Pace-Humphreys’ beginner’s guide to running – weaving in community stories and inclusive advice for every woman at every stage of life. She challenges misconceptions and offers a positive and motivating guide to get you started, offering expert coaching tips combined with lived experience. Sabrina is an award-winning runner, coach, social justice advocate and co-founder of Black Trail Runners. She is also an honorary Doctor of Philosophy, recognised for championing mental health, diversity, representation and inclusion in sport.

The ticket price includes an optional easy run led by Sabrina, following the in-conversation event.

ARTHUR SNELL

ELEMENTAL

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 12.30-13.30 / £9

It’s tempting to think we’ll be dead anyway as a result of the climate crisis, but most of us will be very much alive so we need to think about this new world and how we will live in it. Elemental is the first comprehensive account of the geopolitics of climate change. Its author, Arthur Snell, who has over 30 years’ experience in conflict zones and fragile states, will be in-conversation with JICAS Director Sean Dettman. They will focus on climate change and how it is coinciding with a breakdown in geopolitical order, increasing conflict and economic crises.

KAREN FORBES

FROM PAGE TO STAGE – WORKSHOP

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE MARIA RITCHIE ROOM / 14.00-16.30 / £25

If you’re curious to know the diﬀerences between a drama script and a noveland how to read a play, or how to get started writing your own short play, join playwright and lyricist Karen Forbes for this beginner’s introductory workshop. You will learn about script layout, theatre vocabulary and the playwright’s role, alongside useful tips for getting started and collecting ideas. This is a Level 1 session for total beginners with no, or limited, experience of writing for the stage. Karen Forbes is a playwright, lyricist and English and Drama teacher.

Max attendees 14

KATE VIGURS

WOMEN OF SOE – A HISTORY OF THEIR SECRET MISSIONS IN WARTIME EUROPE

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 14.30-15.30 / £9

In the wake of the Nazi invasion of Europe, the tentative sparks of resistance in occupied countries were fanned by Britains’s Special Operations Executive. Working as secret agents and saboteurs, these individuals bolstered resistance from within and provided much needed support and weapons. During this in-conversation event Kate Vigurs will discuss the lesser-known women who worked across Europe, telling their stories of trial and error, escape and even execution, ultimately shining a light on the ordinary women who did extraordinary things.

KATIE ANNICE CARR

LIFE AFTER THE STORM – CONVERSATIONS ON CHANGE AND HOPE

JERSEY ARTS CENTRE / 16.30-17.30 / £9

Katie Annice Carr’s memoir traces her decision to complete the sea-kayaking challenge begun by her brother Toby, who died midway through his quest to paddle in every area of the Shipping Forecast. Moving between the wild edges of the British Isles, and the everyday realities of motherhood in Barcelona, Carr explores grief, a difficult family past and midlife reinvention with honesty, humour and an eye for the small moments that keep people going. During this in-conversation event, Katie will talk about developing resilience, creating your own story after illness and death, and setting new challenges in middle age.

THE BIG JERSEY READ

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Every Child Our Future, in partnership with the Jersey Evening Post, has launched The Big Jersey Read! This Island-wide campaign invites everyone – individuals, families, schools and businesses – to take meaningful action to ensure every child in Jersey has access to books and positive reading experiences.

At the heart of The Big Jersey Read are four key ways to get involved:

Pledge to read for ten minutes daily to build positive reading habits at any age
Donate funds or books
Volunteer with Every Child Our Future to support programmes that help children become readers
Host a reading-related activity, such as a lunchtime reading hour or a community book swap.

Join us in celebrating stories and shaping the future of reading in Jersey. Find out more and get involved today: everychildourfuture.org/big-jersey-read

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

BOOKING TICKETS ONLINE

All festival details and ticket bookings are available at www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org

BOOK IN PERSON

Tickets for the majority of festival events can also be purchased from Jersey Arts Centre box office.

ATTENDANCE

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Attendance for young people aged 12–16 is at the discretion of their parent or carer. Please note that supervision remains the responsibility of the parent or carer, and the Festival is unable to take responsibility for them.

FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP

Fox Lane Books is the independent festival bookshop that will sell books for the duration of the Festival and will be located in the Freedom Centre and Jersey Arts Centre during opening hours. Authors will be signing books after their events and the bookshop will stock a wide selection of titles.

BECOME A PART OF IT!

Volunteers are at the heart of Jersey Festival of Words, from welcoming audiences and supporting events, to driving authors to and from the airport. Volunteering is central to how our festival works and a great way to be part of Jersey’s cultural celebration of words and stories. We would love for you to join our team, whether you might have a few hours or are available for the whole festival.

We can offer a friendly welcome, a good induction and opportunities to meet new

people. You will have a chance to glimpse behind the scenes of the festival and help to make each and every event an enjoyable and inclusive experience for festival goers of all ages.

Please contact volunteers@jerseyfestivalofwords.org for further details.

(FESTIVAL ZONE MAP)

ACCESSIBILITY

Jersey Festival of Words aims to be a fully inclusive festival. We would like to thank Ogier for their ongoing sponsorship of the Festival’s accessibility arrangements.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Most Festival venues have wheelchair access and disabled access toilets.

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING:

The Freedom Centre and Jersey Arts Centre are fitted with induction loops. There will be a reserved area in certain events for attendees who are hard of hearing and would like to lip-read at the event. All of the events at the Freedom Centre will be ‘speech to text’ facilitated.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED:

Programmes can be sent in Microsoft Word format, which can be enlarged, and is more easily read by text to speech software. There will be trained sighted guides on site. If you require a sighted guide to take you to your seat please get in touch in advance to advise us of which events you are attending.

Should you require any additional special assistance please email: info@jerseyfestivalofwords.org

SUSTAINABILITY

Jersey Festival of Words strives to be a sustainable event. We have eliminated all single-use plastics from our green room areas, and provide filtered water stations in place of bottled water. Working with local suppliers with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, we consciously work to reduce our carbon footprint, reusing signage and resources year-on-year. Events are clustered centrally and can be accessed by public transport, which is encouraged. This year we will be offsetting the carbon cost of writers’ flights by a donation to Rewild Carbon at Durrell.

Our programming deliberately platforms authors, artists, and speakers who tackle the big environmental questions – from climate justice to biodiversity – because we know that literature has always been one of humanity’s most powerful tools for change. We align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we hold ourselves accountable through annual reviews led by our dedicated environmental lead.

(SPONSOR LOGO PAGE – with text at bottom to read: With thanks from the Jersey Literary Festival Assocation)

(Martin Hall note)

HIGHVERN is delighted to continue as principal corporate sponsor of Jersey Festival of Words, marking our fifth consecutive year supporting this inspiring event as it celebrates its 11th year!

The 2026 line-up is something special once again. Alongside some much-loved returning faces there are plenty of new names as well, which makes the Festival all the more vibrant and exciting, with something for everyone and at all ages.

The Jersey Festival of Words remains a standout moment in the Island’s cultural calendar, bringing the community together through storytelling, conversation and creative expression. As always, Highvern is incredibly proud to support an event that adds such variety to the Island’s cultural life, including the Schools Programme recognising the importance of children’s literacy. Our huge thanks go to the organisers for curating another rich and engaging programme, and we look forward to a memorable week of literary celebration.

Happy reading!

– Martin Hall, Executive Chairman

EYECAN.

EYECAN.

Festival of Words – Accessible Programme

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