Manx Litfest was sparked by a throwaway line following an event organised by author Chris Ewan back in 2010, when he brought three Scottish crime writers to the Erin Arts Centre.

Isle of Man writer John Quirk was in the audience, and on leaving the event, said to his friend, ‘The Isle of Man needs more literary events like this’. To which his friend replied, ‘then why don’t you do something about it?’

After two years of drawing together a team of like-minded bibliophiles, much research and planning, and establishing Manx Litfest as a charity, the first festival was held at the end of September 2012.

Each September we try to bring something new to the festival whilst retaining its familiar structure: six days of readings, Q&A panels, talks, library events, school events, workshops and performance pieces. We keep busy during the rest of the year too, not only gearing up for the next festival, but organising one-off events such as workshops and writing retreats.

Litfest is a true team effort, involving committee members, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, guests and, not least, our local supporters and audience members. As we prepare for the next festival in September 2024, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped Manx Litfest to flourish over the years.