TO MARK the 175th anniversary of when Charles Dickens stayed on the Isle of Wight, a new competition has been launched giving budding young writers the chance to have their stories read on stage.
Ian Dickens, a great, great-grandson of the author who gave the world, Oliver Twist, has teamed up with the Isle of Wight Story Festival, to speak to youngsters in various schools across the Island.
Aspiring young writers will be challenged to pen a 500-word short story set in the past, present or future.
The aim of the competition is to inspire young people to embrace writing and storytelling, as Ian explains: “Charles Dickens had a very tough childhood, and it was purely through the power of the pen that he transformed into one of the greatest writers ever known.
"Everyone has a pen. Who knows where the simple act of picking it up and writing an opening sentence could lead?”
Charles Dickens and his wife, Catherine, spent the summer of 1849 in Bonchurch, where he wrote part of his semi-autobiographical novel, David Copperfield.
Ian, who lives on the Island, explained why he believes it is important to commemorate the anniversary.
Charles Dickens wrote about the Island in 1849, saying “it is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad.”
Ian said: "I’d add that it still is — and his time here adds to the illustrious history of the Island’s heritage.”
The best stories judged will be read out at next year's Isle of Wight Story Festival, which will take place at Newport's Quay Arts between February 15-17.
Reading the winning tales will be Ian’s brother, Gerald, who has toured around the world paying tribute to his great, great-grandfather.
On top of appearances across America, Gerald has appeared at literary festivals, arts events and on cruise ships.
The Isle of Wight's High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, who has made improving literacy on the Island a priority during her tenure, has endorsed the competition and will attend the prize-giving ceremony next year.
More details about the prize-giving ceremony and line-up announcements for the 2024 Isle of Wight Story Festival will be announced soon.
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