Guernsey Literary Festival organising committee

The Guernsey Literary Festival organising committee has been nominated for Arts Contribution of the Year

‘The Guernsey Literary Festival has grown over the years to become a major event in the local calendar,’ said its nominator, Guernsey Press editor James Falla. 

‘It is a real, proper festival, and the Guernsey public is really getting into it.’

Since its inception in 2012, the 18-strong committee and 70 volunteers have faced many challenges. 

They have done battle with Covid, live-streaming the event to continue providing this celebration of stories to the island.

The festival’s 2024 edition saw more than 10,000 people attending more than 80 talks and events. The festival engages with all of the island community from the prison, to schools to care homes. 

‘I’ve been privileged over the years to work with some of its guest authors – Jack Straw, Jonathan Wilson and our very own Rob Batiste – and enjoyed hearing and reading about many more,’ James said.

‘It’s a great event and all the many people behind it deserve our thanks, but particularly Claire Allen, the festival director.’

Claire is proud of all that the festival has achieved in putting the Bailiwick on the literary map and drawing in high-profile authors from far and near.

‘The Guernsey Literary Festival is absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award which means so much to the organising team and highlights the fantastic work and dedication of all those involved with the success of the festival over the years,’ she said.

Other Finalists