The Guernsey Literary Festival has been named Best Annual Cultural Event in the Channel Islands in a national Travel and Tourism Awards programme, recognising the Festival’s growing reputation as a cultural event that attracts visitors to Guernsey while celebrating the island’s creativity.
The recognition comes ahead of this year’s Festival, which will run from 23 April to 7 May and features more than 70 events with a wide range of prominent authors and figures.
Since launching in 2014, the Festival has grown into one of the island’s most popular cultural events, bringing internationally recognised writers and thinkers to Guernsey while also championing local voices.
Events take place in venues across the island, giving visitors the opportunity to experience different parts of Guernsey while attending talks, performances and workshops.
This year’s line-up includes author and barrister Rob Rinder, broadcasters Sophie Raworth and Edward Stourton, scientist Tim Spector, best-selling novelist Joanne Harris, poet Brian Bilston, historian Tracy Borman, and humanitarian campaigner Sir Terry Waite. Young readers will be able to attend events with Lauren Child, MC Grammar and Phil Earle.
Claire Allen, Director of the Guernsey Literary Festival, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. The Festival has grown enormously since it began and it is wonderful to be recognised in this way. What makes the Guernsey Literary Festival so special is the setting. People come for the brilliant authors and speakers we bring over each year, but they also love experiencing the island and everything it has to offer while they are here. That combination is part of what makes the Festival such a unique experience and why we get people returning year after year.”
The award was presented as part of the Travel and Tourism Awards organised by the publication LUXlife.
Zoe Gosling, Lead Marketing Officer at Visit Guernsey said:
“This award recognises the important role the Guernsey Literary Festival plays in attracting visitors to the island. The impressive line-up of authors and speakers each year attracts people to Guernsey, giving them the opportunity to experience the island’s literary heritage and beautiful surroundings while they are here. The Guernsey Literary Festival being named Best Annual Cultural Event in the Channel Islands is brilliant for tourism and highlights the strength of the island’s arts and creative scene - It gives visitors another reason to plan a trip and experience everything the island has to offer.”
