HISTORY, royalty, science, espionage, exploration and adventure ­— it's all going on at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

There's a flavour of fact and fiction for even the most particular of palates.

Now in its eighth year, the popular Cowes-based festival will be offering a rich and varied programme complete with more than 60 authors.

With new biographies of Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill and Prince Albert, there will be new insights into many a pioneering individual — people that have made, shaped and expanded our culture.

Historians including Dan Snow, Daisy Dunn and Hugo Vickers will be discussing their latest works, while acclaimed writer, Mary Lovell, whose subjects include the Churchills, Bess of Hardwicke, the Mitford sisters, and Amelia Earhart, will talk about her life as a biographer.

Among the star-studded cast is acclaimed multi-talented comedian, Jo Brand, talking about her latest book, and renowned journalist and best-selling author, Kate Adie, discussing her illustrious career.

Friday's programme is packed full of crime, with stories from Elly Griffiths and Louise Doughty among others, as well as a talk from forensic psychologist, Kerry Daynes.

Friday evening will see light relief in the form of a Fizz Quiz, and visitors can book to see satirist, Craig Brown.

Over the weekend, there will be appearances from Island poets, Lily Blacksell, Sandy Kealty and Chris Young, and Island historians, James Rayner and Peter Caddick Adams, exploring aspects of the Island's past.

Mathematician Bobby Seagull will be explaining how maths makes sense of the world, and fellow mathematician, Marcus Du Sautoy, will be examining the nature of creativity, and exploring how machines may become imaginative.

The festival ­— a registered charity relying on the generous support of sponsors, benefactors and friends, and staffed by volunteers ­— is being hosted at Northwood House, and runs from October 10 to 13.

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